Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
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From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I really like this look:
JBQIs33i4y!~~60_57.JPG)
The reason is, it looks like I will have to regretfully do away with my power bulge hood (clearance issues) and I figured while I was at it..I might as well mod the headlights since "ugly mode" really doesn't appeal to me.
Now finding a set of small headlights to fit in there is not easy but what about the 90s pontiac grand prix? They have super low profile square headlights, 2 highs and 2 lows. I could get away with just the lows and insert a dual fillament socket (or dual HID bulb) if only 1 of them fits int he space.
Anyone tried anything like this before?
The reason is, it looks like I will have to regretfully do away with my power bulge hood (clearance issues) and I figured while I was at it..I might as well mod the headlights since "ugly mode" really doesn't appeal to me.
Now finding a set of small headlights to fit in there is not easy but what about the 90s pontiac grand prix? They have super low profile square headlights, 2 highs and 2 lows. I could get away with just the lows and insert a dual fillament socket (or dual HID bulb) if only 1 of them fits int he space.
Anyone tried anything like this before?
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From: Marion, IL
Car: 86 Trans Am/85 K5 Jimmy
Engine: 406 FIRST/350 TPI
Transmission: TKO 600/700R4
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Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
Not gonna lie, I do love that look. Looks really mean.
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From: O'fallon, IL
Car: 01 s10 blazer and 89 bird
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Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
there are several threads on here about pop up deletes and one ladies in particular every one will refer to is red raif (sp?) she has a web age with instructions for what she did
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From: Tacoma, Wa
Car: '91 TA vert
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Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I'm pretty sure Deadbird used GP headlights in his quest for "lower profile" pop ups years ago...
Edit; Bam!
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/auto...d-opinion.html
I know it's not exactly what you're looking for but gives you an idea to bounce off of. W
Edit2: Well... most of pictures of redX so you may PM him to see if he has any shots left?
Edit; Bam!
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/auto...d-opinion.html
I know it's not exactly what you're looking for but gives you an idea to bounce off of. W
Edit2: Well... most of pictures of redX so you may PM him to see if he has any shots left?
Last edited by iansane; Feb 13, 2013 at 02:47 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
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From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
Looks like they're still too tall.... maybe this, don't like the rounded corners but tucked away deep it should not be very visible

I like these better

'
The 1st are CATZ lights, the 2nd..looks like the stock early 4th gens but they are probably too tall also

I like these better

'
The 1st are CATZ lights, the 2nd..looks like the stock early 4th gens but they are probably too tall also
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,089
Likes: 125
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I really like this look:
The reason is, it looks like I will have to regretfully do away with my power bulge hood (clearance issues) and I figured while I was at it..I might as well mod the headlights since "ugly mode" really doesn't appeal to me.
Now finding a set of small headlights to fit in there is not easy but what about the 90s pontiac grand prix? They have super low profile square headlights, 2 highs and 2 lows. I could get away with just the lows and insert a dual fillament socket (or dual HID bulb) if only 1 of them fits int he space.
Anyone tried anything like this before?
The reason is, it looks like I will have to regretfully do away with my power bulge hood (clearance issues) and I figured while I was at it..I might as well mod the headlights since "ugly mode" really doesn't appeal to me.
Now finding a set of small headlights to fit in there is not easy but what about the 90s pontiac grand prix? They have super low profile square headlights, 2 highs and 2 lows. I could get away with just the lows and insert a dual fillament socket (or dual HID bulb) if only 1 of them fits int he space.
Anyone tried anything like this before?



Try this thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/fabr...etes-look.html
The vette boys have better options:

I think the curve is more severe on the C4 than the thirdgen, but, I'd look for something like that.
-- Joe
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I absolutely hate those lemans headlamps LOL
I do like the red one on top.
I do like the red one on top.
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,089
Likes: 125
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
Looks like redraif used driving lights, that will not be allowed here
there's probably no good pattern to the beam, immediate tech inspection failure. Crap!
there's probably no good pattern to the beam, immediate tech inspection failure. Crap! Senior Member
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From: Ballwin, MO
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 355 tpi
Transmission: 5 speed
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
[quote=Twin_Turbo;5488229]I really like this look:
JBQIs33i4y!~~60_57.JPG)
When I first saw this on duraflex site I thought they made a mistake as it looks like a hood for a camaro not a firebird . It just doesn't look right with the lines of the car IMO,
When I first saw this on duraflex site I thought they made a mistake as it looks like a hood for a camaro not a firebird . It just doesn't look right with the lines of the car IMO,
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
[QUOTE=T/Aperformance;5489815] I bet it would look nice on a 91-92 with headlamps moved to where the fog lights are.
-- Joe
-- Joe
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From: Streetsboro Oh
Car: 1987 T/A WS6 T-Tops/92 RS
Engine: LB9/3.1
Transmission: 700R4/700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73/3.23
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I love that hood, but I would never do the fixed headlight mod on my car. I do hate how my car looks with the headlights up
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Minnesota
Car: 84 camaro, 88 trans am, 98 camaro
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Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
That would look sweet!
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From: Finland
Car: 1991 Formula 350
Engine: 350 TPI (L98)
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Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I love to pop up the lights
Its so satisfying to see them fly open that I'd rather keep the stock look. No one would even notice the looks in dark.
Its so satisfying to see them fly open that I'd rather keep the stock look. No one would even notice the looks in dark. Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
Seems redraif was also working on a variation for a fiero too... Can't locate pics of it completed though...
Bet it would be similar to a 91-92 bird...



These came up in a google image search of "redraif". they linked back to a cardomain page that is not complete
Bet it would be similar to a 91-92 bird...



These came up in a google image search of "redraif". they linked back to a cardomain page that is not complete
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
Last edited by overide; Apr 1, 2013 at 01:14 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
those are pretty low profile... looks like 4th gen stuff
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Joined: Mar 2013
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From: pardeeville, wi
Car: 1991 Pontiac Firebird convertible
Engine: 3.1 soon to be 3.4/3100
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: original gears, for now
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
anyone ever seen this done on a 91 or 92? I know that since the headlight closes flush with the bumper it would entail more work though.
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
i helped my friend with his he used the marker lights and made clear lenses for them and mounted a them side by side and put HIR's in them. then he took an old camaro hood welded the patches in and bolted the hood back on.
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From: Bay City,Michigan
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Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I so might have to do this to my build. I love that look. I want to see it with a ram air hood though
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From: Edmonton, Alberta.
Car: 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA.
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Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I dont mind the pop ups, but i wish we could retrofit hid's in our 7x6 sealed units. Every aftermarket sealed beam assembly is not sealed where the bulb enters the back. So they just fill with water, and i even rtv'd mine in, used the suppled water stop and wrapped that all with electrical tape.
But somehow it still leaked.
If you ever complete this project im probably going to follow and do the same
But somehow it still leaked.
If you ever complete this project im probably going to follow and do the same
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
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Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
you can you just have to rtv or expoxy the bulb in
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
or you buy some quality hella units and they will not leak. Sealed beams used to be outlawed here (because you had to be able to replace the lbulb on the side of the road...yeah right...like that's gonna work...anyway since a lot of cars are not easily servicable there they dropped the requirement)
I have hella units in all my cars, the sockets are sealed with a rubber gasket and there;s a large bib over the bulb that prevents water from coming in also. I have used HID bulbs in these kinds of units and never ever had water in them and boy can it rain here!!
I have hella units in all my cars, the sockets are sealed with a rubber gasket and there;s a large bib over the bulb that prevents water from coming in also. I have used HID bulbs in these kinds of units and never ever had water in them and boy can it rain here!!
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
do you have any pictures of it. i too am looking to do this type of mod.
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Car: 1984 Trans Am 15th anniversary
Engine: L69
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Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I did the redraif headlight mod on my old 86 and I am in the process of doing it on my 84. I may nightshade the blueish light housings this time around. Upgraded H3's are a must.
Some old pics



Some old pics



Last edited by The_Wraith; Apr 15, 2013 at 06:08 AM.
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From: Salt Lake
Car: 1989 IROC & ROLL-Z
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Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I vote headlight delete hood w/ the shaker. 4th gen camaro lights tucked as far back as you can get them. (without that nasty blue glass also!)
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Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
4thgen headlights or any other stock headlights will never work. They are way to large. The headlight openings are roughly 10" x 1.5". The only other thing that would work is placing some kind of tinted cover on the front and mounting headlights way back like you say.
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I'm also looking to do this and like everyone else looking for ideas. I saw a pic of the polly motorsports 86 t/a and would love to figure out how they pulled it off. has anbody else seen this?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
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From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I found something very interesting for the C5 corvettes:
Son Guns headlights, uses Hella Modules.
Son Guns headlights, uses Hella Modules.
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From: Aliquippa, PA
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Member
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From: Aliquippa, PA
Car: '87 Trans Am
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Transmission: 700R4
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Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I tried looking for some specs like height, width, depth, etc but had no luck.
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt w/ 4.10 gears
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I looked into doing this before having my Trans Am painted but didn't follow through. The Olds headlights are the same as the 90s Grand Prix headlights, which are somewhere around 1/2" too tall from what I remember (but this was many years ago). I thought about modifying a nose to make the headlight pockets go low enough to fit them and then create a mold and fiberglass nose, but it was too big of a project for me to take on having zero experience working with fiberglass.
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
Can't find the duraflex headlight delete hood on there site. Anyone got a link?
I made my own pop up deleteS with dual bixenon HID projectors. Not a fan of the popups but reluctant to cut up a bumper cover to make more room on my bird.
I made my own pop up deleteS with dual bixenon HID projectors. Not a fan of the popups but reluctant to cut up a bumper cover to make more room on my bird.
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,089
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From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
Any updates on lights that fit? I'm tempted to buy the duraflex hood too so I can run a different intake elbow.
-- Joe
-- Joe
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,089
Likes: 125
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
It would be nice if someone made a 1979/81 style nose for the thirdgen to run four headlamps. I considered buying a fiberglass bumper and modifying it but I've got way too many projects right now.
-- Joe
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Central NJ
Car: 86 Trans Am
Engine: 408 stroker sbc
Transmission: TKO600
Axle/Gears: Moser full floater m9, 3:70 trutrac
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/fabr...d-flip-up.html
I might be trying something different when I get my 86 back together.
Joined: Jan 2023
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From: Vancouver Island, 🇨🇦
Car: 1989 RU7 1LE / 1997 RS
Engine: 305 TPI / 3800 Series III
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Axle/Gears: 3.45 / 3.23
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I'm sure if you look at wreckers in the very near future you will find some LED headlights that will fit that short opening. Sime of the OEM stuff these days up pretty near. It will look super awesome.
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,089
Likes: 125
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
There was this one I did years back
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/fabr...d-flip-up.html
I might be trying something different when I get my 86 back together.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/fabr...d-flip-up.html
I might be trying something different when I get my 86 back together.
Back in the day the buckets would be made out of fiberglass, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone couldn't just 3d print them.
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
Personally, I like the pop-up headlamps.
But this is an interesting subject. I had the privilege of attending a Q&A session about the Fiero at the Pontiac Transportation Museum with John Schinella last weekend.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...ml#post6521515
During the session, one of the online attendees asked about the pop-up headlamps. John said they liked them, but then mentioned that stylists today have SO many more options for shape and size with LEDs, and he seemed quite envious of the way in which LED laps set the stylist free to experiment with many different designs. He mentioned that there were kits for doing this. While I don't know if he was thinking of these specifically, they certainly would seem to apply.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...ht-delete.html
But this is an interesting subject. I had the privilege of attending a Q&A session about the Fiero at the Pontiac Transportation Museum with John Schinella last weekend.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...ml#post6521515
During the session, one of the online attendees asked about the pop-up headlamps. John said they liked them, but then mentioned that stylists today have SO many more options for shape and size with LEDs, and he seemed quite envious of the way in which LED laps set the stylist free to experiment with many different designs. He mentioned that there were kits for doing this. While I don't know if he was thinking of these specifically, they certainly would seem to apply.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...ht-delete.html
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,519
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From: Fort Myers, FL
Car: 91 Firebird
Engine: 6.0
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Firebird ugly mode headlight delete
I always wanted to this mod with a set of projectors. I think it looks great
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/fabr...d-flip-up.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/fabr...d-flip-up.html
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