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Street Glow Gold Series Neon questions

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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 12:52 AM
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Street Glow Gold Series Neon questions

Ok so those of you who have the "Gold Series" can you answer a few questions for me??

I got my kit Saturday and installed it today. I had noticed that the box had perviously been opened and taped shut. I got it out of the box and installed and it. Seems pretty dim.. not bright and vibrant like others I've seen.

So I started looking at the instructions that came with it and comparing the parts in the kit. The model number on the transformer doesn't match what I should have, nor does it have a tri-color led on it like it shows in the instructions. I did not get a illuminated switch either.

This got me curious so I went out with a measuring tape and the rear tube is 24" long. The box says I should have two 54" tubes and two 30" tubes. I couldn't measure the side tubes this evening, I'll have to jack it up tomorrow and put a tape on it.. but I'd be surprised if it is over 40".

The cheaper series (not sure what they're called, Blue line?) say on their web site it is an easy two wire installation, and the Gold Series says "Professional installation recommended". The neons I installed were very easy.. I didn't look at the instructions till after.

Did I get ripped off or what?? It came in a box that says Gold Series on it.. but it doesn't look like the box on their web site. Did someone package a cheap kit into a Gold Series box?? The tubes themselves say Street Glow on them.

The tubes certinally aren't very bright, or is it just me?? Help!!

Last edited by Brisk; Oct 3, 2005 at 04:16 PM.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 12:54 AM
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
another

Last edited by Brisk; Oct 3, 2005 at 04:17 PM.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 01:16 AM
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
here is an image off their web site.. mines not nearly this bright..

you guys with the Gold kit.. is yours this bright?

Last edited by Brisk; Oct 3, 2005 at 04:17 PM.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 07:23 AM
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I think you may have gotten robbed. The part numbers/sizes should match, if i recall i double checked the part list when i got mine and it all matched. Also did get an illuminated switch. I dunno if i'd say mine are as bright as in that streetglow pic, but they're pretty bright. .. Where'd you get em from . ... o yea, ... mine are definitely not led, they're gas filled. Glass tube inside a thick plexi tube that spans the bulb ... waranteed for life.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 03:11 PM
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Car: 89 Formula Firebird
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I bet they photochopped their pic to enhance the image, sales gimic! How much did you pay for it? Got any specs on light wattage, power stuff?
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 03:20 PM
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From: Manassas, VA
Car: 89 Formula Firebird
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Oh hey! Post your review here! http://www.cardomain.com/reviews/lis..._first#listing

it does sound kinda like you got the blue line series in a gold box or even worst, some off brand krap in a gold box!

Last edited by redbird_400; Oct 3, 2005 at 03:23 PM.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 03:52 PM
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well something definately looks wrong and at least the front area looks very short around a 20" tube.

the blue series has a transformer on each individual tube, they say that it's easier to install but personally i think the gold series is much easier. gold series tubes have streetglow tape in gold wrapped around the tubes, the tape is about 1/4" thick, it's clear with streetglow sign in gold. the blue is in blue.



now if you have them wired up they can still work but not work as bright as they could, it would help to get a picture of the transformer as well as the tubes. the little lighted switch the send is red square with black plastic trim. it's not a very good one anyhow but the streetglow series transformer is a good transformer and expensive to replace. it should say on it streetglow gold series. you will also know it's original through install in that it will have the little leds. however this shouldn't be a reference for install as i have yet to ever see all of mine light up.

one thing to remember as well with their website and vehicles is they use alot of tubes to fill in the gaps to have complete neon coverage. they may edit some but streetglow really is that bright. the type of vehicle, height of mounting point and overall installation will determine how bright it is and how well it works too. this is a common picture i've posted before but you can see that if you have a gold kit it should be brighter.
Attached Thumbnails Street Glow Gold Series Neon questions-jeff-mt.clemens.jpg  
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 03:55 PM
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pitch black
Attached Thumbnails Street Glow Gold Series Neon questions-white-neon-dark-smaller.jpg  
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 03:56 PM
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
ok well I posted on streetglows web site and I called them this morning.

I do have a Gold Series kit, transformer and all. The lighted switches never made it to production and the transformers have a letter after the SG9500 model number.. which don't matter. Kind of like a date code. If you have a SG9500 transformer, you have the gold series.

The tubes are measured from the end of the black connector to the far end of the other black connector. I do have the proper sizes, and each light actually says Street Glow inside the lexan tube so its not an immitation.

Anyway I redid my ground today (emmery cloth till it was shiny metal) and I ran a second ground from the body of the transformer to the battery. It does seem brighter but I'll have to wait until it is dark to be certain.

The company also says dark colours are dimmer than say 'pink' which is the colour I posted above on the PT Cruiser (sorry I thought it was purple). Also some competition guys run multiple kits to get high intensity, and photo shop enchanced glowing.

So to make a long story short I'll try this one for a while and see if it burns in an glows better after a short while, else I can send the unit back and they'll replace it with a brand new package - but no guarentees that it will be brighter or better.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 03:57 PM
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From: michigan
*edited for picture rule*

this is a very poor quality picture but it shows the spread with different lighting just so you know your not too crazy. it depends on how dark it is as to what you actually see on the ground, pitch black is truly the best to see them with anything but at least a night seen like above will give you a good idea.
Attached Thumbnails Street Glow Gold Series Neon questions-cobo-lights-2.jpg  

Last edited by Kandied91z; Oct 3, 2005 at 10:03 PM.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 03:58 PM
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
damn Jeff.. I should have went with white after all.. purple is the darkest of the colours avaliable and therefore the dimmest.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 04:01 PM
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i have never seen a blue kit that is really as bright as say red, white, gold or even pink. however any color you get should be brighter then what you have. i would definately go over your installation. beyond that if you bought from an authorized dealer which you should have your tubes are warrantied for life for things like dimming so send them in. transformer i think you get 2 years, not sure. i would send mine in before the warranty was up just to make sure i got a good one. if you have any specifics on the install or otherwise just ask. they are pretty straight forward though. also be sure to follow their advice and only connect the tubes by stripping the wire and twisting it together, then wrap with tape and use ther rubber insulators provided or heatshrink them. it makes a difference.

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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 04:01 PM
  #13  
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
that red kit glows like my purple one.. perhaps I have the tubes mounted too far inside/under the body of the car??

I double checked today and the tubes are 54" and 30" like they're supposed to be.

I wonder if they'll let me return the purple for white,
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 04:03 PM
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do not let the picture decieve you, it is true that it is not as bright as my white but it is no where near as dim as the kit you have pictured on your car. i don't care what camera you take it with something isn't right as even the darkest colors out there will glow better then that on film and definately more in person to where you wouldn't be concerned.

if you look at the first picture i posted you'll notice the break in the front white neon as it's up against the air dam so light can't go back under the engine. with my red kit i bought another front tube and put one on both sides so i could have a complete glow like the pink kit above.

with the white it would glow more but in that picture i have a red low glow, yellow street glow and white street glow kit on the car. it was very hard to find the proper mounting points and keep them all hidden while still retaining the glow of each of them.

with one kit it's easy though and there is not reason that with 6 tubes you couldn't make it glow like the car above.

Last edited by Kandied91z; Oct 3, 2005 at 04:05 PM.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 04:09 PM
  #15  
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damn i like the way the white looks on jeffs car. wonder how it would look on a black car
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 04:19 PM
  #16  
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
ok I just jacked it up and took a couple shots..

mods I know I'm going to break the 3 pic limit but I'll delete the images very soon..(sorry!)

the transformer doesn't say GOLD Series on it.. but it is written in gold?

incase your wondering, this is mounted on the bottom side of the battery.. a bit of corrosion and rust there
Attached Thumbnails Street Glow Gold Series Neon questions-picture-105.jpg  

Last edited by Brisk; Oct 3, 2005 at 04:26 PM.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 04:21 PM
  #17  
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
the tubes themselves (stuck on the neon beneath the lexan) is this sticker.. silver in colour. no bands going around the tubes saying gold series.. just bands going around the lexan telling you where to use the mounting bands to hold it to the vehicle.

Last edited by Brisk; Oct 4, 2005 at 04:51 AM.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 04:22 PM
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
they're really not that bright, even when looking right at them when they're on.. i think they're brighter then before?
Attached Thumbnails Street Glow Gold Series Neon questions-picture-113.jpg  
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 04:24 PM
  #19  
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
edit: image removed, rule of three

here is a shot I just took during the day light. after re-doing the grounds I think it is a bit brighter, but not as bright as it should be.

I'll have to check it again tonight in the dark but I have a feeling I'm still going to be disappointed.

I did buy from an authorized retailer (on ebay) or at least his auction said he is authorized.. I guess we'll see. I did install everything myself and correctly including twisting and wrapping the lines together and covering with the rubber insulators.

Last edited by Brisk; Oct 4, 2005 at 04:52 AM.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 05:25 PM
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
ok so I was just outside putting tools away and taking my car off the jack stands and my brother popped by. He too thinks they are not nearly as bright as they should be, plus he noticed something else.. the lights are flickering. I've defintaly got a problem.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 10:00 PM
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well the transformer lighting is pretty right on but it looks like your missing the main ground plate, it's definately different then both of my gold series transformers. if i can get some time i'll snap a shot or two of them.

as far as the tubes, they are obviously streetglow and if they don't have transformers for each tube they must be gold series as they only make the two that i'm aware of. you would know the difference upon install, you couldn't tie them all in series.

as far as the brightness. it's hard to say, pictures don't really do much but give you an idea. i've never seen that color very bright but it does look dim.

flickering is normal... to a point, but i'd definately be a little concerned. try to get a good night shot like what i have above. also, can you get me a picture of how you mounted each tube. email it to me if you don't want to post it, i might be able to get a better idea of the problem.
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Old Oct 3, 2005 | 10:04 PM
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look up to one of the last pictures as i edited the post to show you another view point. the picture is blurry but it may help you understand some. it all depends on the lighting but obviously i'm using one of the brightest colors in this picture for my example so you can't truly compare the two.
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Old Oct 4, 2005 | 04:59 AM
  #23  
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
the pic of my transformer is of a bad angle.. keep in mind I was lying on my back underneath the car trying to take a pic in the dark.

the transformer does have a metal plate, on the right side, with two holes in it. one hole I used to mount it with a large screw which I tapped into clean and freshly emery clothed bare metal. the other hole I used a nut and bolt and fastened the black wire you see on the right.. that black wire runs to the negative on my battery. just wanted to ensure I had a very good ground.

Sorry I couldn't get a very good shot tonight.. just got home from work, its 3 am and I didn't want to wake the wife and kids starting my car at this hour. I panned back as far as I could and took a few shots.. this one is probably the best.

don't mind the mess across the floor... tomorrow should be garage cleaning day.

honestly I'm still not happy with the light that these things throw.. a friend has the blue kit and hes got 2 if not 3 time the light output that mine has, althought not as bright as your white.

it'll be quite hard for me to get an image of where I have the tubes installed for I can barely get my head and body under the car when jacked up and on jackstands. I have to head to a shop soon and I'll see if I can get a few pics snapped while the car is on the hoist.
Attached Thumbnails Street Glow Gold Series Neon questions-picture-116.jpg  
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Old Oct 4, 2005 | 02:30 PM
  #24  
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
Originally posted by smokefan
damn i like the way the white looks on jeffs car. wonder how it would look on a black car
84customz28 has a black car (1991 z28 I believe) with white neon
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Old Oct 6, 2005 | 02:21 AM
  #25  
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they shouldn't be AS bright as my white but something looks definately wrong and i doubt it was the installation.
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Old Oct 23, 2005 | 11:36 PM
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From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
Originally posted by Kandied91z
try to get a good night shot like what i have above. also, can you get me a picture of how you mounted each tube. email it to me if you don't want to post it, i might be able to get a better idea of the problem.
I got some shots taken, finally. You have incomming email.
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Old Oct 24, 2005 | 01:12 AM
  #27  
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From: Tacoma, Wa
Car: '91 TA vert
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Can I jump in here with another question? (hopefully won't be buried or hijack the thread). I've got a vert and always kinda wanted to see neons on it (love/hate thing going on with neons) but the verts have the huge rain gutter drip rail running down the doors; how would that affect the light output from the neons? It's right at the edge of the car behind the gfx and it looks like it'd block most of the side light?
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Old Oct 27, 2005 | 07:59 PM
  #28  
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From: pefferlaw ontario
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Axle/Gears: 3.45
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...74_13_full.jpg copy paste sorry..

Thats my old ones...

toucan industries, 4 tubes, 30 mins before black out!!


iroc2nv
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