Temporary 348 Fog light signals mounting | Page 2 | FerrariChat
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Temporary 348 Fog light signals mounting

Discussion in '348/355' started by mj_duell, Dec 3, 2009.

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  1. TexFerrari

    TexFerrari Formula 3

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    #26 TexFerrari, Dec 7, 2009
    I would work it behind the mesh to give the front a clean, an updated look. I've been thinking about the center grill sense the day I got the car, and one of my fog lights is cracked, so this idea is really great and goes with my original "grill" plan. Plus its reversible, so I'll just throw the original lights in storage! Excited to see how it will look.

    Anyhow, LED is pretty bright, i would get those and put them behind there. The fogs are no problem. I would get some HID ones, and upgrade the headlights to go with them. To put it ON the grill instead of behind it, it will be very hard to find the right compinatio of lights and not look like a home project.
     
  2. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

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    #27 UConn Husky, Dec 7, 2009
    +1, I like the 'hide the lights behind the grille' approach. That should be sufficient for a relatively low mileage Italian exotic, it's not like everyone won't be staring at you anyway at the intersection. They'll know which way you're turning ;)
     
  3. Night life

    Night life F1 Veteran
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    #28 Night life, Dec 8, 2009
    +1 I agree, behind the mesh would look the best and the use of LED would be interesting to see, also interested in the front grill.

    Good job
     
  4. mj_duell

    mj_duell Formula 3

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    #29 mj_duell, Dec 8, 2009
    Behind the grills test shortly. I think I need to give it a shot and see. I do want to use a little bigger and longer LED lights which I will get today. I'll post when I am done. I do beleive you guys are right when you say it will look cleaner.

    --Mike
     
  5. mj_duell

    mj_duell Formula 3

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    #30 mj_duell, Dec 8, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    O.K. here are the lights I had before mounted behind the mesh. I must say it looks great in person. The LEDS are clearly visible when flashing as well. The car has a really nice look to it I think. I am not thrilled with my signal light choice and have been looking around, VW Golf Mrk III signal/fog combos look promising, maybe I'll give them a shot. Parts are arriving in the next day, maybe two for the center section. I'll keep you posted.

    --Mike
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  6. NeuroBeaker

    NeuroBeaker Advising Moderator
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    #31 NeuroBeaker, Dec 8, 2009
    Wow Mike, that looks amazing! :D

    I'd definitely go with that - and your lenses will be more protected than stock with the mesh in front of the glass. :cool:

    Very cool. :D

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
  7. Night life

    Night life F1 Veteran
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    #32 Night life, Dec 9, 2009
    Holy **** that is looking good, my man you just might have invented another great addition for the 348 family. It makes the car look more aggressive (if thats even possible :)) and even more updated. Keep it up, make other combination with different lights and fog lamps including white LED.

    I bet if you find the right combination you will have multiple orders from fellow brothers like me :)
     
  8. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #33 PAP 348, Dec 9, 2009
    Looking awesome mate. :D:D
     
  9. BLUROAD

    BLUROAD F1 Veteran

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    #34 BLUROAD, Dec 9, 2009
    WHere do you get that material??? do you make it???
     
  10. mj_duell

    mj_duell Formula 3

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    #35 mj_duell, Dec 9, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2009
    I make the screens out of 1/4" aluminum rod and galvanized expanded metal mesh. You can get materials locally at places like home depot or online at www.mcmastercar.com. I will make sets (2) of unpainted, uncut (lighting), screens with brackets for $200.00 if you want me to make them. I will be happy to assist anyone building their own as well, just PM me.

    I have an idea to use fog/indicator lights behind the mesh that span the bottom or maybe top of the screen. Golf Mk3 lights look like a good choice. I'm going to order a couple and try them out.

    This project has been a lot more fun than I thought ;). I still may switch back to my OEM lights after the new lenses come in, but I want to be able to switch to the screens when I want. I have ordered some weather pack connectors to make switching seamless.


    --Mike
     
  11. NeuroBeaker

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    #36 NeuroBeaker, Dec 9, 2009
    I don't yet have a 348 to assist with, but could I possibly trouble you for a shot of the full front end with the black mesh and hidden recessed lights modification? :D

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
  12. mj_duell

    mj_duell Formula 3

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    #37 mj_duell, Dec 9, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2009
    I'll do what I can to get a good shot later. The snow is piling up outside the garage so I can only back the car up a little more from where it is now. I can't wait to build the center section now. I found that Hella makes some thin driving lights that should fit behind the screen without modifying the opening. That should look trick I think, give it a Lemans racer kind of feel. Light seems to pass through the screen without trouble so I'll give it a try.

    --Mike
     
  13. NeuroBeaker

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    #38 NeuroBeaker, Dec 9, 2009
    Don't risk any bumpers Mike. :eek:

    Something a bit like the first post shots again would be great. :)

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
  14. mj_duell

    mj_duell Formula 3

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    #39 mj_duell, Dec 9, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I had a few minutes. Here are the front shots. I still don't like the lights, but the grills really work. Also two possibilities for signal/parking lamps for behind the grills. The first is for late 90's Acura Legend and the second for VW Golf Mk3. I could just go with amber LED light strips as well, but I want more of an OEM feel. Please post other ideas.

    --Mike
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  15. DonJuan348

    DonJuan348 F1 Rookie
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    #40 DonJuan348, Dec 9, 2009
    i think the VW lights would be a better choice as they would be easier to get...plus great aftermarket possibilities.

    Also, I like the LED strip idea. If incorporated right, it would be awesome.
     
  16. NeuroBeaker

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    #41 NeuroBeaker, Dec 9, 2009
    That looks great Mike - really impressive! :D

    Just a random idea... if you're opting for a light cluster that might only take up half the room behind the black grills, could you use the remaining area to mount brake cooling ducts? If so, would you put the lights on the upper half of the space or the lower half? Concerns I guess would be maximising visibility of the light clusters and air flow to the ducts in the two variations.

    Assuming the lights didn't take up all the space and you're not redirecting collected air flow with brake ducts, where does the captured air go and is it doing anything beneficial?

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
  17. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #42 ernie, Dec 9, 2009
    I'm likin it!
     
  18. mj_duell

    mj_duell Formula 3

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    #43 mj_duell, Dec 9, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2009
    I would like the signals on the lower half. Most other cars are taller and looking down a bit and the grills are set back so I believe that would be best. As for the ducts, that is easy due to the square holes at the back of the light recess. All you need is to buy scoops that have the provision for a hose at one end and then rivet or screw them in. There is nothing blocking the area behind where the lights were. If not using ducts the air will pass into the cavity between the fender and wheel well arch. The inner arches are vented in front so I don't think there will be any issue.

    Possible duct behind grill:
    http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=3624

    --Mike
     
  19. NeuroBeaker

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    #44 NeuroBeaker, Dec 9, 2009
    Excellent - I really think you're on to a winner here. :cool:

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
  20. mj_duell

    mj_duell Formula 3

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    #45 mj_duell, Dec 9, 2009
    Thanks,
    I like making the screens. There is a bit of shaping, bending and filing and many test fits, but its fun and I like coming up worth different ideas. I have found a few ways to speed things up as well. Just need to nail down the lights and I beleive I will have a great set-up. Maybe sell it as a kit, who knows. Keep the ideas coming!

    --Mike
     
  21. Market Mover

    Market Mover Formula Junior

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    #46 Market Mover, Dec 9, 2009
    this getting dark at 4pm thing seems to be working out for you.
    Just saw the thread. This is looking promising.
     
  22. mj_duell

    mj_duell Formula 3

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    #47 mj_duell, Dec 9, 2009
    I'm a vampire :D I have two other project which I think people will love coming up next year.

    --Mike
     
  23. NeuroBeaker

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    #48 NeuroBeaker, Dec 9, 2009
    I'll keep an eye out. :D

    Somebody PM me the links if I miss them. :eek:

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
  24. mj_duell

    mj_duell Formula 3

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    #49 mj_duell, Dec 10, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    The long aluminum rods arrived yesterday and I was freed up last night. I had made a template for the front section a few days ago, so I started right in making the frame for the mesh. I found the center section much harder to do than the sides. It has a slight bottom curve and needs to be symmetrical side to side. It also bends outward slightly with the front end of the car. It took about 4.5 hours to get right but I am happy with the result. I now need to figure out the mounting. I need to design brackets and decide if I want the mesh set back from the front or to be in the same position as the OEM grille which follows the front end line. I just placed it by hand into the opening for fitting and pictures so it doesn't look straight yet. It was the only way it would stay.

    --Mike
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  25. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #50 AceMaster, Dec 10, 2009
    Good work Mike.
     
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