Headlight mod in progress
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Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Car: 1989 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 355
Transmission: T56
Headlight mod in progress
Tell me what you think so far. Sorry about the hood, it's getting ditched for a custom lighter one with an air scoop.
#3
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Re: Headlight mod in progress
I think I had those fog lights at some point and they were not all that bright.
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Car: 1989 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 355
Transmission: T56
Re: Headlight mod in progress
I just bought replacement bulbs for them. They come with 55 watt bulbs but I went with 75 watt on the smaller ones and 100 watt on the larger ones. The larger lights are adjusted for distance and the little lights are angled for closer up to see the road in front of the vehicle. Plenty of light. However, despite doing this, they will rarely be used. This car will be starting a transformation into a drag car soon. Just wanted the lights for the track and as the sun starts to rise/ fall for right now.
Smaller lights are on a separate switch and power source. Large lights are wired to the factory harness.
Smaller lights are on a separate switch and power source. Large lights are wired to the factory harness.
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#8
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Re: Headlight mod in progress
You need to get some output shots of the lights. I would hope its not a down grade in lighting performance. They way I see it is if your not increasing light output then looks shouldnt be a concern.
Not a fan of the hood scoop... I would have liked to see some angles or something in it and not just a rectangle. Just being honnest, I like that your trying new things. These cars aren't "exotic enough" to have to worry about personalization and getting chastized for it.
Not a fan of the hood scoop... I would have liked to see some angles or something in it and not just a rectangle. Just being honnest, I like that your trying new things. These cars aren't "exotic enough" to have to worry about personalization and getting chastized for it.
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Car: 1989 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 355
Transmission: T56
Re: Headlight mod in progress
Would have loved to do more. A buddy have me a spare hood so I thought I'd work on my body work skills since I didn't have any. I made the scoop out of steel with a brake press, and welded it in to the hood and supports, then smoothed everything out with mud. Was looking for a sharp aggressive look, didn't want too elegant. Muscle cars nowadays don't look "mean" enough.
#10
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Re: Headlight mod in progress
Well in that case... nice job. I need to get a brake but have no room and no garage.
Maybe you can make some side peices from fiberglass or steel that bolt down from the scoop to the hood to make it just "appear" differently, and give it a more sinister look. Kinda looks like a mohawk. Some bent peices that mimic the hood line and could give it a more aggressive stance.
Maybe you can make some side peices from fiberglass or steel that bolt down from the scoop to the hood to make it just "appear" differently, and give it a more sinister look. Kinda looks like a mohawk. Some bent peices that mimic the hood line and could give it a more aggressive stance.
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Car: 1989 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 355
Transmission: T56
Re: Headlight mod in progress
Thank you for the ideas and constructive criticism. I honestly like that idea. Might have to do that.
#12
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Re: Headlight mod in progress
No prob, always glad to help.
I did something simular on my engine bay panels, to cover up all my fuse blocks when I had to redo my entire engine bay wiring harness as mine was stolen and gutted and they just cut it all.
This guy took my pic and uploaded it to his photobucket, I'm not home and dont have my username/pswd to log into mine. But you can kind of see the panels it the back corners, I also have them covering the battery trays and the whole front bumper clip where the hood latch is located.
I did something simular on my engine bay panels, to cover up all my fuse blocks when I had to redo my entire engine bay wiring harness as mine was stolen and gutted and they just cut it all.
This guy took my pic and uploaded it to his photobucket, I'm not home and dont have my username/pswd to log into mine. But you can kind of see the panels it the back corners, I also have them covering the battery trays and the whole front bumper clip where the hood latch is located.
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Car: 1989 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 355
Transmission: T56
Re: Headlight mod in progress
Looks good. I like the flat black. And the ford. lol
Im in the process of doing a wire tuck right now. Huge drag. Going to mount relays labeled under the driver dash, and harness will be on the inside going through holes in the firewall out to where it's required.
Battery will be located in the back with cut off switch.
Im in the process of doing a wire tuck right now. Huge drag. Going to mount relays labeled under the driver dash, and harness will be on the inside going through holes in the firewall out to where it's required.
Battery will be located in the back with cut off switch.
#14
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Re: Headlight mod in progress
Thanks, Yea wiring isn't too fun but having all the banks of the fuses in one spot really cuts down on trouble shooting and access. I have 2 banks of 8 (30amp) fuse blocks under the panel on the pass side by the regulator. 1 block for 12v power and another for switched 12v sources. So checking fuses is super easy.
While wiring isn't the funnest, i feel like its the most rewarding! Esp if it all works and it makes your life a ton easier in the long run, plus if you can make it look good. All the wiring and emission hoses on all the 3rd gens is disgusting lol.
I wouldn't recommend putting the battery in the trunk unless your strictly drag racing and need the weight at the back. Honestly it causes more harm than good, Added cable costs, weight of cables, needing all the cut off switches, battery mount box/tray. Then you have to run more cables for charging and a power distribution block in the front for all the accessories. Its your car so its up to u but for the measly 30-45lbs its not worth the hassle and cost.
While wiring isn't the funnest, i feel like its the most rewarding! Esp if it all works and it makes your life a ton easier in the long run, plus if you can make it look good. All the wiring and emission hoses on all the 3rd gens is disgusting lol.
I wouldn't recommend putting the battery in the trunk unless your strictly drag racing and need the weight at the back. Honestly it causes more harm than good, Added cable costs, weight of cables, needing all the cut off switches, battery mount box/tray. Then you have to run more cables for charging and a power distribution block in the front for all the accessories. Its your car so its up to u but for the measly 30-45lbs its not worth the hassle and cost.
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Car: 1989 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 355
Transmission: T56
Re: Headlight mod in progress
I agree completely.
Currently it is just a modded street and strip car. Later down the road after a few things, it'll mainly be a strip car.
I've got a 71 charger for weekend riding and cruising 😎
Currently it is just a modded street and strip car. Later down the road after a few things, it'll mainly be a strip car.
I've got a 71 charger for weekend riding and cruising 😎
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Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 355ci SBC, Holley carb
Transmission: 5 speed manual
Axle/Gears: 4th gen Z28
Re: Headlight mod in progress
If you're gonna do it, go LED. I know the price goes up A LOT, but with LED's you can get good useable lumens out of small packages.
Here is what i would do:
(1) pair of RIGID high/low combo LED lights under the existing headlight bucket
http://offroad.rigidindustries.com/led-lighting/93531h
(1) 10" LED light bar cleverly hidden somewhere in the front end...perhaps inside your hood scoop?
http://offroad.rigidindustries.com/led-lighting/910212
Then a set of switchback white/amber LED lights mounted in the OEM locations.
Maybe another set of LED spotlights in the OEM fog light locations?
I'm running a full LED setup on my Jeep XJ and love it. Can't beat the light output and low voltage draw.
Here is what i would do:
(1) pair of RIGID high/low combo LED lights under the existing headlight bucket
http://offroad.rigidindustries.com/led-lighting/93531h
(1) 10" LED light bar cleverly hidden somewhere in the front end...perhaps inside your hood scoop?
http://offroad.rigidindustries.com/led-lighting/910212
Then a set of switchback white/amber LED lights mounted in the OEM locations.
Maybe another set of LED spotlights in the OEM fog light locations?
I'm running a full LED setup on my Jeep XJ and love it. Can't beat the light output and low voltage draw.
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