[cartmann32]

UPDATE | Project Darkside - Full LED Conversion | Fiberglass Headlight | Trax Customs

Thought I'd start putting a build thread up on here...since I've been slowly doing this install over the past month for a client.
I'll also be doing custom taillights, fog lights and DRL Grills for the fronts.

So the overall goal of this build is to assume this is what Pontiac would have done HAD they still been in business and HAD they made another concept car….all LEDs everywhere.

Parts used:
OEM Pontiac Solstice Headlight Housings
JW Speaker LED Projector Evolution 8700 Housings
exLED Dual Color Halo Rings (painted Black)
exLED Switchback Module

This was a tough one, but one I’ve wanted to do for a while….as it’s the only one of its kind using these lights and taking them to THIS extent.

Had to cut a little bit....just a little bit

JW (left side) vs. FX-R (right side)

FX-R (left side) vs. JW (right side)

Check that gap out...

Certainly voided the warranty here

Testing LED layout

 

[cartmann32]

Body Fill and structural reinforcement begins

Fitting the JW Shrouds back on since they will have shown mounting locations

 

[cartmann32]

LED customization
(read: painting)

I'll post more pics once I get them cleaned up for finished shots!

 

[jeffgtx]

Man you do awesome stuff. Thanks for sharing.

 

[mcpigm01]

This is rather impressive. Way to go. Looks awesome so far.

 

[ChopTop]

This rocks. :thumbs: Posted wanting full LED conversion thread several days ago, with the intent of wanting a full LED kit (including driving/headlights). Seems like just a matter of time before automakers make the switch from HID driving/headlights to LED driving/headlights. Goal would be to look OEM. Even sub-compacts are starting to offer LED lighting.

 

[TX08manualGXP]

That's awesome dude. I'm gonna do something to mine one day too and I'm gonna use an LED ring for the halo. they have a 120mm for about $40 for the pair so that's not bad at all. Thanks for posting. you have given us some good ideas.

 

[cdflint]

Umm, that is the $#!% !!!

I love it.:lurk:

Must see more cause that looks freakin awesome. Adding the halo's with switchback for turn signals? If so, cool I want this!!!

 

[chickenwire]

I bow in homage! That's great!

 

[Seltzinator]

Wow, that looks sick.

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[cartmann32]

So, these are basically done...just need to make a custom back-plate for it and wire up the pigtails for FULL Plug-n-Play action.....I'll start on the taillights this week.....then fog lights and turn-signal/grills

Thanks for all your kind words!

 

[LiquidPT]

OMG. I think you may have just sold me on this rather than HIDs.

Comparative light output? What's the life expectancy on these?

PS wish id seen this earlier. Came thru Boise Sat and would have loved to check these out.

 

[cartmann32]

^^^ WHAT???
Are you kidding me???
You should have called! I was working on these then

I haven't had a chance to do a thorough comparison with HIDs...but I plan to mount these up and drive around to see how well they do. I know they throw some light down the road pretty well...they aren't as bright UP FRONT as HIDs are, but I think the width and throw will make up for that.

They have a lifetime warranty....but I think because I opened them up (for paint and halo) I voided the warranty a bit...BUT, I'd be able to explain my case if anything came up down the road.

 

[ChopTop]

Hey Cart, just checking but the headlights/driving lights are HID or LEDs?

I could see a group purchase on this.

 

[cartmann32]

ALL LED.....all plug-n-play

 

[LiquidPT]

ALL LED.....all plug-n-play

This I like to hear... I'm assuming it's all contained within the light then (no need for ballasts or anything similar)

I'll email you when I get home (I'm on the road till Sunday) and we can discuss...

 

[Sol-Mates]

Those look great! Too bad I'm poor .

 

[ChopTop]

Cart are these going to be offered on a built to order basis, or are you hoping to start some kind of production process? Also, is a price estimate available? And finally, if enough interest is generated please consider offering a group purchase option.

 

[cartmann32]

This I like to hear... I'm assuming it's all contained within the light then (no need for ballasts or anything similar)

I'll email you when I get home (I'm on the road till Sunday) and we can discuss...

Haven't actually plugged them into the OEM harness yet (as mine is buried in the wiring loom) but they should literally just plug in and that's it

 

[cartmann32]

Cart are these going to be offered on a built to order basis, or are you hoping to start some kind of production process? Also, is a price estimate available? And finally, if enough interest is generated please consider offering a group purchase option.

I only build headlights on an 'as ordered/specified' basis.
I'm not the biggest fan of offer products that EVERYONE can have....I'm more of a unique offering type.
I'm ok with building the same thing over-and-over again, but why not add a little flavor for yourself??

If there was enough interest, I'd offer a group purchase package.

My general pricing on these guys are $1200 WITHOUT headlight assemblies.
After doing this one, I should raise the price, because of the fiberglass work...but I'm sticking with it. The LED projectors themselves are VERY expensive....hence the cost.