Are neon lights ONLY for ricers?
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Car: 1981 Chevy Malibu, 1987 Formula 350
Engine: 229 V6, L98 TPI 350
Transmission: TH350, 700R4
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Are neon lights ONLY for ricers?
well after walking around at the local cruise night last week, i saw a truck that kinda made me wanna get some neon lights for my car when i get it.....it was a blue Dodge Ram, V6 badges, looked to be pretty much stock...talked to the guy, he was nice, just said that he didnt have much money to make it really anything but a nice looking daily driver, etc.
Anyway, lets start under the hood....btw all the neon lights themselfs were hidden so all you saw was the blue and green glow all around the engine compartment.....it made the otherwise dull engine compartment look cool. Inside the truck itself he had the EL wire around the seats and headliner and stuff, even had a little laser projector in the center console projecting little shapes and designs on the celing....had some neons under the dash too or whatever.....he did have the under car neons as well, they were nice and tucked away so you couldnt see them, and in the bed itself he had some neons too.......He did also have strobe in the headlights and tail lights, which as he was leaving he did turn off, and as he was pulling out of the parking lot he turned the rest of the lights off too......
The car looked pretty nice, and it kinda made me like the neon lights again cause the only ones i've seen around here are like sagging down, on the outside of the bumpers, just kinda thrown on the dash, etc. but they look good when theyre done right.
The question is, and i've seen other topics SIMILAR to this here, but would the neon lights give the impression that the car is owned by some 'Fast and Furious' watching, non-mechanical, race car driver wanna-be teenager, would it be a total disgrace to third gens? or would it, when used in moderation and good taste, make the car look good? I plan on an SS hood, RS ground effects, the Z28 or whatever highrise spoiler thingymabob, around 450-500 HP, T56, a kinda burnt-orange paint, a nice, clean, customized interior, etc. and perhapps some under-car neons (not sure what color) and maybe something to kinda spice up the engine compartment (only for shows, not driving around on the streets and stuff)...opinions?
Anyway, lets start under the hood....btw all the neon lights themselfs were hidden so all you saw was the blue and green glow all around the engine compartment.....it made the otherwise dull engine compartment look cool. Inside the truck itself he had the EL wire around the seats and headliner and stuff, even had a little laser projector in the center console projecting little shapes and designs on the celing....had some neons under the dash too or whatever.....he did have the under car neons as well, they were nice and tucked away so you couldnt see them, and in the bed itself he had some neons too.......He did also have strobe in the headlights and tail lights, which as he was leaving he did turn off, and as he was pulling out of the parking lot he turned the rest of the lights off too......
The car looked pretty nice, and it kinda made me like the neon lights again cause the only ones i've seen around here are like sagging down, on the outside of the bumpers, just kinda thrown on the dash, etc. but they look good when theyre done right.
The question is, and i've seen other topics SIMILAR to this here, but would the neon lights give the impression that the car is owned by some 'Fast and Furious' watching, non-mechanical, race car driver wanna-be teenager, would it be a total disgrace to third gens? or would it, when used in moderation and good taste, make the car look good? I plan on an SS hood, RS ground effects, the Z28 or whatever highrise spoiler thingymabob, around 450-500 HP, T56, a kinda burnt-orange paint, a nice, clean, customized interior, etc. and perhapps some under-car neons (not sure what color) and maybe something to kinda spice up the engine compartment (only for shows, not driving around on the streets and stuff)...opinions?
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Neons have been on cars and trucks LONG before the R Ice age started, so no it is not considered r ice. The main thing is to have the lights tucked up under the car properly so as not to see the bulbs, and just the glow underneath. If you can see the bulbs...then it's a bit more on the R.ice side..... I say go for it! It is your car, and you have the right to do what you like. But as you said please don't drive around all the time with them on, maybe the odd cruise, and at shows etc. but no more then that .
Last edited by Cruzin Kaz; 08-30-2003 at 09:43 AM.
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: 383 stroker
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Its all a matter of opinion. Neons have been around for a while and now a lot of ricers use them. If you like them, get them and don't worry about what other people think. After all, its your car and not theirs.
Keep this thread clean guys, I know it can lead to flaming.
Keep this thread clean guys, I know it can lead to flaming.
#4
My friend had a hrmm Im going to say 70 ish..rockfordfiles style camaro, the long ones with the tail on the rear hatch.
It was metal flaked blue, tinted windows etc, slammed with ground effects.
Anyhow, he had neon, in Im guessing about 94' it was pretty rare. He used PVc pipe to mount it up under the car behind the ground effects. There wasn't a spot on the ground that wasn't lit up (no big blank spots). He had a neon tube around his plate in the front and rear, but they were hidden and more used for shading, non bulbs exposed.
The interior was done the same, no exposed bulbs, just accent and shading.
The car when lit up looked like a hover craft. The lights accented tha paint job and brought the whole car together. It was one of the most well done cars I have seen to date.
So yes, if it is done right, it can really bring a car together and look good.More than good, awesome.
On the other hand. I have seen cars that it didn't belong on, wrong color for the paint(thats a big one). Big blank dark spots under the car, exposed bulbs etc. Even tho done professionally it looked tacky as hell.
I'm not even going to go into the ones with hangin wires etc. I always wanted to do some really nice neon accents, but I am waiting until I can do the entire thing, and do it right.
Good luck, and if you do it, show us the pics eh?!
It was metal flaked blue, tinted windows etc, slammed with ground effects.
Anyhow, he had neon, in Im guessing about 94' it was pretty rare. He used PVc pipe to mount it up under the car behind the ground effects. There wasn't a spot on the ground that wasn't lit up (no big blank spots). He had a neon tube around his plate in the front and rear, but they were hidden and more used for shading, non bulbs exposed.
The interior was done the same, no exposed bulbs, just accent and shading.
The car when lit up looked like a hover craft. The lights accented tha paint job and brought the whole car together. It was one of the most well done cars I have seen to date.
So yes, if it is done right, it can really bring a car together and look good.More than good, awesome.
On the other hand. I have seen cars that it didn't belong on, wrong color for the paint(thats a big one). Big blank dark spots under the car, exposed bulbs etc. Even tho done professionally it looked tacky as hell.
I'm not even going to go into the ones with hangin wires etc. I always wanted to do some really nice neon accents, but I am waiting until I can do the entire thing, and do it right.
Good luck, and if you do it, show us the pics eh?!
#5
I guess my opinion really matters on the condition of the car...
If you are driving around with a rusted thirdgen with 4 different colors of paint and you got enough neon lights to make it look radioactive, then i would see you as a "wanna-be-fast" person
If however i saw a car that had a clean body or some work done, as the neons were accenting other body mods or rest of the car, and weren't the body mods themselves, then yes it looks pretty damn cool....
Now don't get me wrong, it doesn't have to be a modded car, just a car that is in nice condition.....
The actual tubes shouldn't be visible either....
My .02
If you are driving around with a rusted thirdgen with 4 different colors of paint and you got enough neon lights to make it look radioactive, then i would see you as a "wanna-be-fast" person
If however i saw a car that had a clean body or some work done, as the neons were accenting other body mods or rest of the car, and weren't the body mods themselves, then yes it looks pretty damn cool....
Now don't get me wrong, it doesn't have to be a modded car, just a car that is in nice condition.....
The actual tubes shouldn't be visible either....
My .02
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Car: 1981 Chevy Malibu, 1987 Formula 350
Engine: 229 V6, L98 TPI 350
Transmission: TH350, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt ???, 9 bolt 3.27 posi
well i'm planning on working my *** off customizing as much as the car as i can...and trust me, if theres more than two colors on the body i'm gonna have something cool with the paint......
Does anyone have any pictures of thirdgens or any car for that matter that look REALLY good with the neons?
Does anyone have any pictures of thirdgens or any car for that matter that look REALLY good with the neons?
#7
I haven't seen any yet, although I am new here.
I actually like the neons on cars. I'm definitely not a fan of **** burners, so I'm not really concerned with what people with those kinda cars do to them. I saw what looked like a Mustang with neon lights about a month ago, bright blue in the middle of the night. Before that I'd never seriously considered it. But if done right, it could actually help the appearance. I wanna eventually paint my car blue, and blue undercar neons would be nice for the occasional nightly stroll. What sticks out more, really?
I actually like the neons on cars. I'm definitely not a fan of **** burners, so I'm not really concerned with what people with those kinda cars do to them. I saw what looked like a Mustang with neon lights about a month ago, bright blue in the middle of the night. Before that I'd never seriously considered it. But if done right, it could actually help the appearance. I wanna eventually paint my car blue, and blue undercar neons would be nice for the occasional nightly stroll. What sticks out more, really?
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3. excuse the terrible pictures because i have yet to pick up a digital camera.....i'm all for neons if they are done right meaning they flow with the car well and you can't see the tubes. just don't take a picture with the ground wet or you'll see the tubes no matter how hard you try! thirdgens are hard enough to get attention at shows so it's nice to have something to make it a little unique.
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Car: 2001 Silverado (I miss my 3rd gens)
Engine: 4.8
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I have neons on my car, I took the time to tuck them in nicely and I think they look really good. Chicks seem to dig them too.
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Car: 1981 Chevy Malibu, 1987 Formula 350
Engine: 229 V6, L98 TPI 350
Transmission: TH350, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt ???, 9 bolt 3.27 posi
looks awsome man! got any pics of them at night?
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Car: Base Firebird
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i think they are good when used tastefully. one cruse night i saw a red el camino that had these red neons tucked under the dashboard to produce a glow in the footwells... i absolutely loved the effect
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only thing i would ever put neons on is a full fairing sport bike, it looks tastefull and it makes you more visible
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Originally posted by MetalliCamaroRS
Its all a matter of opinion. Neons have been around for a while and now a lot of ricers use them. If you like them, get them and don't worry about what other people think. After all, its your car and not theirs.
Keep this thread clean guys, I know it can lead to flaming.
Its all a matter of opinion. Neons have been around for a while and now a lot of ricers use them. If you like them, get them and don't worry about what other people think. After all, its your car and not theirs.
Keep this thread clean guys, I know it can lead to flaming.
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Car: '89 TA
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I'm a fan of them when done right. Had them on my bird until we cracked a tube during a clutch change.
Go for it, just PLEASE make sure you hide the tubes, let the glow be visible, not them. Its like having a living room light without a lampshade
EDIT: click on the link in my sig and there's a pic of my neons.
Go for it, just PLEASE make sure you hide the tubes, let the glow be visible, not them. Its like having a living room light without a lampshade
EDIT: click on the link in my sig and there's a pic of my neons.
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Car: 99 Formula
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neons can look good and no they're not ***** to me.
I wouldn't put them on a classic car, but for a 3rd Gen go for it
I wouldn't put them on a classic car, but for a 3rd Gen go for it
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Car: 1989 Camaro IROC-Z
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Axle/Gears: 9 bolt w/ PBR's
Only if it is done tastefully like everyone else is saying. I am not a fan at all though. On a show car its ok, other wise its a :nono:
Kevin
Kevin
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 TPI
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I recently got done putting a set on my car and I think they turned out great. It is not an underbody kit just a couple of neon tubes in the front nose. I like the effects of it at night. Here is a couple pics of what it looks like. You can see more of the install at my website. www.cardomain.com/id/kitt350
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I definatly think that looks bad *** man! I thought about doing that to mine a few times, but never thought it would look good. Now I know that I was dead wrong, lol. I was thinking about neons for my Kitt....but i always thought red wouldn't look nice, but blue looks bad ***!!
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350
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Hey SweetRide, That is a sweet looking ride that you got there. Can I ask, what type of neons do you have on under your car. The look to be fairly bright and that is what I want if I put some on under my car. If you could tell me the brand that you have that would be great.
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Thanks A88
Gambit, I'm running a StreetGlow Gold kit...all wired to a switch on my overhead console. I even have them wired to my alarm, so they blink on and off w/ my parking lights. I'll get a vid if anyone wants to see.
Gambit, I'm running a StreetGlow Gold kit...all wired to a switch on my overhead console. I even have them wired to my alarm, so they blink on and off w/ my parking lights. I'll get a vid if anyone wants to see.
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Car: 92 Z28
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I have a Street Glow Gold series underbody kit on my camaro
I think it looks awesome. I think you should get neons. But just make sure, like you said, to do it right so you can't see the bulbs.
I think it looks awesome. I think you should get neons. But just make sure, like you said, to do it right so you can't see the bulbs.
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speedingpenguin- hey man i had a cool idea for neons if you got a twotone paint job or flames or something on your car....is buy two sets and put them under the car like this (so youll have real good extra lighting for the front and rear and youll have like a fade from one color to the other in the sides cool uhhhh).............
(buy the way im all for neons on 3rd gens)
(buy the way im all for neons on 3rd gens)
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street glow makes "two tone" colors if that's what you really wanted to do. overlapping them won't work in that fashion. you'll dull the color and see a break between the two.
i have three different colors on my own so i've experienced it.
i have three different colors on my own so i've experienced it.
#31
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Car: 1981 Chevy Malibu, 1987 Formula 350
Engine: 229 V6, L98 TPI 350
Transmission: TH350, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt ???, 9 bolt 3.27 posi
Originally posted by jcurrieirocz
speedingpenguin- hey man i had a cool idea for neons if you got a twotone paint job or flames or something on your car....is buy two sets and put them under the car like this (so youll have real good extra lighting for the front and rear and youll have like a fade from one color to the other in the sides cool uhhhh).............
(buy the way im all for neons on 3rd gens)
speedingpenguin- hey man i had a cool idea for neons if you got a twotone paint job or flames or something on your car....is buy two sets and put them under the car like this (so youll have real good extra lighting for the front and rear and youll have like a fade from one color to the other in the sides cool uhhhh).............
(buy the way im all for neons on 3rd gens)
#32
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I agree with FLYNLOW92rs fully, as long as it looks good to begin with and not a junkyard special. Check your local laws I know in my area if you can see the bulb its illegal, but if the full tube is hidden then its free game.
#33
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
I giggle like a schoolboy whenever I see a car sporting neons.
But then, I laughed at Jackass: The Movie so I'd take my comment with a grain of salt.
But then, I laughed at Jackass: The Movie so I'd take my comment with a grain of salt.
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Car: 85 firebird
Engine: Pos 2.8 pulled and replaced with a 350 tpi motor converted to carb.
Transmission: 700r4, vette servo,shift kit, hayden 15"x8" trans cooler.
Does anyone know how ling the neon lites last? How old is everyones neons?
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Car: 91 gta t-tops/leather
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I to dig them neon light if done right, I remember when we use to put the truck lights on the rearends and I still have them inside the side vents on my 80 ta. so yes this Idea has been around for awhile.
#40
There's a 59' Impala in my area with at least $100,000 put into it. It one of the nicest machines I've ever seen. Has a black paint job with chameleon flames on the hood and fender, complete leather interior in white. Chrome wheels, lowered, fully chromed engine bay with a custom made air cleaner that also had chameleon flames. He has neons in the interior, under neath the car, and in the engine bay. But you can't see a single bulb. It's clean as heck.
As others have said, neons have been around long before the Type-R age came around. If you get a good set of bulbs form a reputable company [Street Glow Gold Line] and install it with no bulbs showing, then you'll have a nice set-up.
As others have said, neons have been around long before the Type-R age came around. If you get a good set of bulbs form a reputable company [Street Glow Gold Line] and install it with no bulbs showing, then you'll have a nice set-up.
#41
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Car: 1981 Chevy Malibu, 1987 Formula 350
Engine: 229 V6, L98 TPI 350
Transmission: TH350, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt ???, 9 bolt 3.27 posi
possible to get pics or find pics of that impalla cause i'm interested in seeing some chamelion flames
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Car: 1986 Firebird / 1985 Trans-Am
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Is neon only for ricers?
That is a tough one.
I few years back I would have said definitely yes.
But maybe I am just getting more mellow as I get older, but I would say neon can look good on almost any car, if done nicely.
Avoid the over usage of it and it can complement the car.
Though neon does not belong to the ricers, and can make any car look better, don't go too far.
Please avoid the cheesy look, let that be the claim to fame for the ricers.
I few years back I would have said definitely yes.
But maybe I am just getting more mellow as I get older, but I would say neon can look good on almost any car, if done nicely.
Avoid the over usage of it and it can complement the car.
Though neon does not belong to the ricers, and can make any car look better, don't go too far.
Please avoid the cheesy look, let that be the claim to fame for the ricers.
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Car: '92 T/A WS6 Vert/1956 Chevy Nomad
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700r4 w/ Transgo Kit
Axle/Gears: 3.42 LSD
it was a blue Dodge Ram, V6 badges
Why the hell did this thread suddenly get resurrected from three years ago?
#47
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Car: 92 RS
Engine: a slow one
Transmission: a crunchy one
Axle/Gears: a whiny one
I find myself almost replying to 3 or 4 year old posts all the time when I'm searching for information.
I always catch the date after I've typed out a question but before I post it.
It makes me feel like a retard everytime.
I always catch the date after I've typed out a question but before I post it.
It makes me feel like a retard everytime.
#48
Like Amorget said, it's proof that the search button IS being used and I think it's AWESOME! Way to go eztsk!
Oh yeah, I have them on my Caddie, and I may get some for the 'vert. I very rarely turn them on though, so sometimes I wonder why I even got them. I have the StreetGlow programmable LED kit, so I can actually choose whatever color I want underneath the vehicle ("You must be mistaken officer, those aren't blue those are distinctly green!").
Oh yeah, I have them on my Caddie, and I may get some for the 'vert. I very rarely turn them on though, so sometimes I wonder why I even got them. I have the StreetGlow programmable LED kit, so I can actually choose whatever color I want underneath the vehicle ("You must be mistaken officer, those aren't blue those are distinctly green!").
Last edited by Jza; 10-20-2006 at 06:34 PM.
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