Offical New Rx8 LED Brake Light Group Buy
it'll be fine... i went ahead and did a full swap after completely dismantling my stock housing. I didn't see a lot of difference between old and new, except that the rubber seal was actually a bit better suited on the new one.
Ya know, I thought about that too but didn't take the time to pop open the new housing to see what all is in there so I can't add much here. Although, prior to reading your post, I had already considered the "fail" potential of these lights and while doing my installation instead of completely cutting the OEM plug, I merely tapped into it using wire taps so that if I ever need to go back to the conventional bulb connector, I can with minimal effort.
So, in the months ahead if we find "fail", for me it will be a matter of making a visit to v-leds, picking out a nice multi-angle, multi-led, regulated LED, gutting the new clear housing (the stock is red), and going back to the old connector.
yeah, I know... I'm rambling.
Ya know, I thought about that too but didn't take the time to pop open the new housing to see what all is in there so I can't add much here. Although, prior to reading your post, I had already considered the "fail" potential of these lights and while doing my installation instead of completely cutting the OEM plug, I merely tapped into it using wire taps so that if I ever need to go back to the conventional bulb connector, I can with minimal effort.
So, in the months ahead if we find "fail", for me it will be a matter of making a visit to v-leds, picking out a nice multi-angle, multi-led, regulated LED, gutting the new clear housing (the stock is red), and going back to the old connector.
yeah, I know... I'm rambling.
I installed my smoked brake light tonight. I didn't connect the wires yet though, as I'm going to use Shelldude's method with some wire taps. I'll pick some up tomorrow. As for the fitment, I noticed that I could not get the lens to fit flush with the trunk like the stock one. I compared the OEM gasket with the aftermarket one. The OEM one is foam, as the aftermarket is a hard rubber. I swapped gaskets with the OEM one and it fit PERFECT. The problem is the aftermarket gasket is too thick. So I suggest everyone who is having this issue, to swap out gaskets. Here's some pics.
Last edited by 05rex8; Dec 21, 2008 at 09:40 PM.
also just a side note on the OEM gasket....it is glued to the housing with some light adhesive...so pull gently, otherwise you may tear it beyond use
I have to say that smoked looks very nice on white. Something I noticed as I tightened down the aftermarket assembly (with the aftermarket gasket) was that it sealed nicely once I got the nuts securely fastened...
With the OEM light there was about a 1mm space between the light and the gasket that I don't have with the aftermarket one.... possibly a bonus as it's one less thing that can potentially cause water to leak into the trunk.... mileage may vary?
With the OEM light there was about a 1mm space between the light and the gasket that I don't have with the aftermarket one.... possibly a bonus as it's one less thing that can potentially cause water to leak into the trunk.... mileage may vary?
I have to say that smoked looks very nice on white. Something I noticed as I tightened down the aftermarket assembly (with the aftermarket gasket) was that it sealed nicely once I got the nuts securely fastened...
With the OEM light there was about a 1mm space between the light and the gasket that I don't have with the aftermarket one.... possibly a bonus as it's one less thing that can potentially cause water to leak into the trunk.... mileage may vary?
With the OEM light there was about a 1mm space between the light and the gasket that I don't have with the aftermarket one.... possibly a bonus as it's one less thing that can potentially cause water to leak into the trunk.... mileage may vary?
I tried tightening it to make it seat flush like you did, but did nothing
oops, my apologies.... sunlight silver it is... and very nice!
something I should add on the wires....
yellow on black = positive
black = negative
so...
red from new light taps into yellow on black
and
black from new light taps into black
something I should add on the wires....
yellow on black = positive
black = negative
so...
red from new light taps into yellow on black
and
black from new light taps into black
JDM RX-8 WHITE
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: CYPRUS
I have to say that smoked looks very nice on white. Something I noticed as I tightened down the aftermarket assembly (with the aftermarket gasket) was that it sealed nicely once I got the nuts securely fastened...
With the OEM light there was about a 1mm space between the light and the gasket that I don't have with the aftermarket one.... possibly a bonus as it's one less thing that can potentially cause water to leak into the trunk.... mileage may vary?
With the OEM light there was about a 1mm space between the light and the gasket that I don't have with the aftermarket one.... possibly a bonus as it's one less thing that can potentially cause water to leak into the trunk.... mileage may vary?
Ok, I finished my light install.
I used these wire taps, can be found at walmart
As Shell mentioned, black and yellow wire goes to red and black to black
Wrapped the wires up with electrical tape
Reinstall trunk liner, and reinstall plastic clips......
It works! Pic sucks I know
I used these wire taps, can be found at walmart
As Shell mentioned, black and yellow wire goes to red and black to black
Wrapped the wires up with electrical tape
Reinstall trunk liner, and reinstall plastic clips......
It works! Pic sucks I know
I just finished mine also.. I will take pics tomarrow. I used the OEM seal on the light for a slight better fit. I also just cut the wire connecter off and then just connected the wires with wire connecters that are supposed to use in wireing an electrical switch in a house..(thanks to the nieghbor).. The whole proccess was very easy.
I just finished mine also.. I will take pics tomarrow. I used the OEM seal on the light for a slight better fit. I also just cut the wire connecter off and then just connected the wires with wire connecters that are supposed to use in wireing an electrical switch in a house..(thanks to the nieghbor).. The whole proccess was very easy.
Does anyone know how this would look with an Rx8 brake light cover? Will you still be able to see the LED's, or would this defeat the purpose? I have one I haven't installed and was wondering if I will still have use for it when I decide to buy the smoked LED brake light. Thanks.
Does anyone know how this would look with an Rx8 brake light cover? Will you still be able to see the LED's, or would this defeat the purpose? I have one I haven't installed and was wondering if I will still have use for it when I decide to buy the smoked LED brake light. Thanks.
Does anyone know how this would look with an Rx8 brake light cover? Will you still be able to see the LED's, or would this defeat the purpose? I have one I haven't installed and was wondering if I will still have use for it when I decide to buy the smoked LED brake light. Thanks.
When I install it on the 30th I'll take pics of both for ya
BBQ Smoker Addict
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
^ let me know if you find some tint for the tails that match.. I want to do the same.
Take care,
Brian
http://www.rx8strakes.com/index.asp?...ROD&ProdID=298
The gunsmoke set allows a 93% light output, so it's not too dark. It should match the 3rd brake light pretty good, since that is not heavily smoked.
I'm thinking of using these:
http://www.rx8strakes.com/index.asp?...ROD&ProdID=298
The gunsmoke set allows a 93% light output, so it's not too dark. It should match the 3rd brake light pretty good, since that is not heavily smoked.
http://www.rx8strakes.com/index.asp?...ROD&ProdID=298
The gunsmoke set allows a 93% light output, so it's not too dark. It should match the 3rd brake light pretty good, since that is not heavily smoked.
just put mine in. for $50 this is really cool - very nice, clean, "modern" (as in not from 2004) look for the brake lights.
i definitely noticed the fact that it's not flush. i'll take the advice from previous posts to swap out for the oem gasket. it looks so nice though, too bad i'll hardly see it!!
i'll have to back into parking spots in front of glass store-fronts every once in a while to remind myself! 
i definitely noticed the fact that it's not flush. i'll take the advice from previous posts to swap out for the oem gasket. it looks so nice though, too bad i'll hardly see it!!
i'll have to back into parking spots in front of glass store-fronts every once in a while to remind myself!
