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.

 

i got a set and a few from the tri-state area can vouch on how good they look

 

Would it be possible to see a close-up photo of the actual light?

 

I presume you mean a closeup up under the side mirror???

Off:


On:

 

Perfect! Superb job derwankel!

Now how would one go about getting some purchasing info? Or was this just an FYI kinda thing?

 

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.

 

Thx. Will do.

 

looks great der,,

it was on my to do list, but i am working of my carputer now...

new motherboard is in my future...

beers

 

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

 

gomez you got issues my brother!

 

Admit it....you love the name and wish you'd thought it up yourself .

 

This from a Country that cooks outdoors with "dolls".

 

Here is a better representation of the lighting from another owner, who obviously has a better camera than me.

 

these things are AWESOME!

 

^yes they are. If I didn't know any better I'd say they were stock. Derwankel did a great job.

 

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.

 

Ah thanks Jorge. That answers another one of my questions.

 

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.

 

^That would be great!

 

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.

 

This product is VERY well made and worth every penny. For those of you wondering about craftsmanship....don't. They are a fun mod that is built very well.
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.

 

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

 

Just send him an email.

 

Ok....Thanx

 

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....