Puddle Lamps - Another "Creation" ;)
06-20-2006, 09:10 PM
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Puddle Lamps - Another "Creation" ;)
A while back swoope asked me to show pics of the puddle lamps I developed. They are a tough item of which to get a good picture, since their main line of work is carried out in the dark.
For those that do not know, North American RX-8s do not get the puddle lamps in the side mirrors that other markets enjoy, although the support structure is in the side mirrors. So, I made some molds and reproduce them with modifications/enhancements. They are, without a doubt, one of the coolest mods for the car. To this day I do not understand why MAZDA did not include them on our cars. The way I wire them into the interior lights they come on when the doors are "fobbed" and fade when the interior lights fade. I also put superwhite bulbs in for even better lighting.
Anyway, here are some shots I took. The first is in the garage wiith other lights on so you can see where they are installed (bottom of the side mirror). The second is taken at night with no flash and zero ambient light while holding the paper a couple of feet under the side mirror/lamp. The third is taken again with no flash from about 6 feet away, zero ambient light and is the sheet of paper illuminated on the ground at the drivers side. It is a bit grainy ... but you get the idea.
For those that do not know, North American RX-8s do not get the puddle lamps in the side mirrors that other markets enjoy, although the support structure is in the side mirrors. So, I made some molds and reproduce them with modifications/enhancements. They are, without a doubt, one of the coolest mods for the car. To this day I do not understand why MAZDA did not include them on our cars. The way I wire them into the interior lights they come on when the doors are "fobbed" and fade when the interior lights fade. I also put superwhite bulbs in for even better lighting.
Anyway, here are some shots I took. The first is in the garage wiith other lights on so you can see where they are installed (bottom of the side mirror). The second is taken at night with no flash and zero ambient light while holding the paper a couple of feet under the side mirror/lamp. The third is taken again with no flash from about 6 feet away, zero ambient light and is the sheet of paper illuminated on the ground at the drivers side. It is a bit grainy ... but you get the idea.
06-20-2006, 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by tiggerlee
Would it be possible to see a close-up photo of the actual light?
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06-21-2006, 12:19 AM
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Who was the bright spark over there that nick-named these things "Puddle Lamps"???
Puddles are wet, muddy untidy and dirty.
Why don't we call them "Crotch Lamps".........crotches are often wet, untidy and dirty, but only occasionally muddy
Puddles are wet, muddy untidy and dirty.
Why don't we call them "Crotch Lamps".........crotches are often wet, untidy and dirty, but only occasionally muddy
.
06-21-2006, 07:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Gomez
Who was the bright spark over there that nick-named these things "Puddle Lamps"???
Puddles are wet, muddy untidy and dirty.
Why don't we call them "Crotch Lamps".........crotches are often wet, untidy and dirty, but only occasionally muddy
Puddles are wet, muddy untidy and dirty.
Why don't we call them "Crotch Lamps".........crotches are often wet, untidy and dirty, but only occasionally muddy
This from a Country that cooks outdoors with "dolls".
06-21-2006, 07:27 PM
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these things are AWESOME!
06-21-2006, 07:51 PM
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I installed these on my car a few weeks ago and they are pretty cool. I was originally disappointed in the bulbs that they came with but a new set of LED's fixed that quite nicely.
I actually just ordered another set of LED's (to see if I can get them even more noticable) and I'll let you guys know how they work for me.
I actually just ordered another set of LED's (to see if I can get them even more noticable) and I'll let you guys know how they work for me.
06-21-2006, 08:01 PM
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Tiggerlee: I'll try and get some pictures of it in my garage tonight (with the led's)
I'll see how they come out.
I'll see how they come out.
06-21-2006, 08:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Jedi54
I installed these on my car a few weeks ago and they are pretty cool. I was originally disappointed in the bulbs that they came with but a new set of LED's fixed that quite nicely.
I actually just ordered another set of LED's (to see if I can get them even more noticable) and I'll let you guys know how they work for me.
I actually just ordered another set of LED's (to see if I can get them even more noticable) and I'll let you guys know how they work for me.
They actually ship with SuperWhite bulbs now ... don't know if those are the ones you were disappointed in ... but they are much brighter than the OEM 194s from MAZDA now.
06-21-2006, 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by derwankel
They actually ship with SuperWhite bulbs now ... don't know if those are the ones you were disappointed in ... but they are much brighter than the OEM 194s from MAZDA now.
I did receive the superwhite with my shipment but I just wanted to go even brighter. (damn street lights were killing the effect for me) They are definitly far superior to the P.O.S mazda would have given us, I'm just super picky.
06-21-2006, 09:44 PM
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Hey DerWankel,
I just tried to PM you but it says you cannot receive PMs at this time. Anyway, you have a beautiful car man! I really like the install of the Puddle Lights and excellent job as well. Anyway, can you provide me with the place you brought them from as well as a price and instructions on the install if possible??
Thanx in advance,
Rich
I just tried to PM you but it says you cannot receive PMs at this time. Anyway, you have a beautiful car man! I really like the install of the Puddle Lights and excellent job as well. Anyway, can you provide me with the place you brought them from as well as a price and instructions on the install if possible??
Thanx in advance,
Rich
06-21-2006, 09:52 PM
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Originally Posted by 04Silver8
Hey DerWankel,
I just tried to PM you but it says you cannot receive PMs at this time. Anyway, you have a beautiful car man! I really like the install of the Puddle Lights and excellent job as well. Anyway, can you provide me with the place you brought them from as well as a price and instructions on the install if possible??
Thanx in advance,
Rich
I just tried to PM you but it says you cannot receive PMs at this time. Anyway, you have a beautiful car man! I really like the install of the Puddle Lights and excellent job as well. Anyway, can you provide me with the place you brought them from as well as a price and instructions on the install if possible??
Thanx in advance,
Rich
Just send him an email.
Originally Posted by derwankel
Send me e-mail ... I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have. Or you can ask swoope or chrism where to find me.
06-21-2006, 11:28 PM
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These things are a PAIN IN THE *** to try and photograph. (well, that and I was in a bit of a hurry)
Garage with lights on:
Lights Off
(see the reflection off the door)
Lights On
I'll try and get better pictures with the lights off....
Garage with lights on:
Lights Off
(see the reflection off the door)
Lights On
I'll try and get better pictures with the lights off....