Porsche Headlight Retrofit [from CAD, prototyping to finish)

[particlewave]

I finished a set for a 996 today

I cannot wait to see pictures of these installed on a 996!

[particlewave]

Just showing off my devil eyes...ignore the garage mess, please. I just moved into this place a couple days ago

[rfuerst911sc]

Today I picked up an extra set of OEM headlight housings just for this conversion. They came off a 2001 model and are in better shape than what's on my car . And the best part.........$100.00 for the pair !!! Yeah I stole these even tried to talk him down but he wouldn't budge. Now need to save up some cash to get these done.

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by BRAN

yeah, it is difficult.
My personal taste is to "Retro" the look of my "classic" Boxster...a Tribute to the old school 550/356/911 look, with decent (not too tacky ) chrome trims/applications...to give it even more soul

Back (installed):


Side (installed):

18" silver spokes Fuchsfelgen will follow in spring together with
original Aerokit I side skirts (ready to be installed)

Front: Just need to have something up front to keep the balance (photoshoped)...front lights would look fantastic in seal gray, but with eyeliner

I think yours would look great with seal grey interior, silver projectors to match the silver eyeliner, and maybe some real light grey tint on the amber, though I'm not opposed to just amber, either.
I think it looks good with these projectors

If you want some chrome up front, just leave the projector shroud raw aluminum and leave the reflector chrome.

Here's an old pic of mine with black interiors and cheap chrome projectors to give you an idea.

[particlewave]

Some bad photoshop with chrome reflector.

[jb92563]

Here is my first crack at the "Dragon Eyes" modification and programming of the Projectors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y07LMs5-zFA

I noticed my flashing security led on the dash and though it would be neat if the Projectors with their eyeball look had a dim red breathing glow to indicate an active security system.

Since Nine8six is in Asia who produced the cool projectors I thought coining a new term "Dragon Eyes" would be appropriate. Kinda looks like a slumbering dragons eyes.

Also a Porsche should always be meaner and cooler looking than a Beamer with Angel Eyes.

I programmed the LED breathing pattern using a Texas Instuments Microprocessor, about the size of a thumbnail $3, EZ430-F2012

I did the programming in "C" and uploaded it to the chip via USB dongle.

I need to adjust the breathing pattern to lengthen it and have some LED off cycle time to make it more dramatic.

Ray

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by jb92563

Here is my first crack at the "Dragon Eyes" modification and programming of the Projectors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y07LMs5-zFA

I noticed my flashing security led on the dash and though it would be neat if the Projectors with their eyeball look had a dim red breathing glow to indicate an active security system.

Since Nine8six is in Asia who produced the cool projectors I thought coining a new term "Dragon Eyes" would be appropriate. Kinda looks like a slumbering dragons eyes.

Also a Porsche should always be meaner and cooler looking than a Beamer with Angel Eyes.

I programmed the LED breathing pattern using a Texas Instuments Microprocessor, about the size of a thumbnail $3, EZ430-F2012

I did the programming in "C" and uploaded it to the chip via USB dongle.

I need to adjust the breathing pattern to lengthen it and have some LED off cycle time to make it more dramatic.

Ray

Way kool Ray. Cant wait to see those installed and pulsing on the car. Unique, I like!

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Some bad photoshop with chrome reflector.

Looks great!

Would LOVE to install those alu retrofit projectors in seal gray + amber,
... BUT sadly I would never pass a German TÜV-inspection with such an undoubtfully great, but "unlicensed non-OEM-DIY" solution" :ah:

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by BRAN

Looks great!

Would LOVE to install those alu retrofit projectors in seal gray + amber,
... BUT sadly I would never pass a German TÜV-inspection with such an undoubtfully great, but "unlicensed non-OEM-DIY" solution" :ah:

Of course you would.

Given you go for the factory 4,3k color temp bulb only (no bleu, purple fancy stuff for ya I'm afraid)

It's a "technical" inspection, nothing personal or feelings attached with the various part manufacturers of what your car is made of - which is a lot. Below is what germany regulates officially only. Although I wouldn't be surprised they ask you to remove the chrome frame covering your indicator :/

· Headlight alignment- Aim of a headlight not within limits prescribed in regulations. Lamp color, position, or intensity not in accordance with regulations. Headlight height less than 56 centimeters or higher than 137 centimeters.

· Incorrect turn signals- Light color, position, or intensity not according to regulations.

and don't forget your medic kit. That also will prevent you from buying gas if you don't pass your tuv

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

Of course you would.

Given you go for the factory 4,3k color temp bulb only (no bleu, purple fancy stuff for ya I'm afraid)

It's a "technical" inspection, nothing personal or feelings attached with the various part manufacturers of what your car is made of - which is a lot. Below is what germany regulates officially only. Although I wouldn't be surprised they ask you to remove the chrome frame covering your indicator :/

· Headlight alignment- Aim of a headlight not within limits prescribed in regulations. Lamp color, position, or intensity not in accordance with regulations. Headlight height less than 56 centimeters or higher than 137 centimeters.

· Incorrect turn signals- Light color, position, or intensity not according to regulations.

and don't forget your medic kit. That also will prevent you from buying gas if you don't pass your tuv

Beware of an expired medic kit...Mister Policeman won't be too happy
Of course , you are right, nothing is impossible, even to pass the TÜV with DIY equipment. But it is probably going to be a long, hard and expensive way to convince by expert opinions, certifications or sample expertise.

e.g. projectors need to have a washer system and automated height control...as far as i recall...or the inspector won't be happy.

well well...with all our regulations...at least the cars on the roads are safe, hopefully

[particlewave]

.....................

[Nine8Six]

well well well look what I just found....

Charles (Particlewave) did this 996 retrofit. He is also on rennlist if you own a 996. From what I've heard from a few guys who've used Charles' services, you won't get a better job done anywhere else - impeccable attention to details .

Quote from one of his customer: "....I didn't have time to do it myself and I am glad I didn't since he found a bunch of worn wires. He fixed everything for no extra money."



(niceee one Charles)

[rfuerst911sc]

I know I missed the answer but what bulb powers the angel eyes ?

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

I know I missed the answer but what bulb powers the angel eyes ?

lol a bit of a long thread isn't it

[BruceH]

Thanks for the info Fred! The last decision I have to make is Angel Eyes, or not. I like the clean looks of the projectors without them. The Angel Eyes look great on, from what I can tell, but..... I guess I am just not sold on those yet. Too many decisions I love the look of the 996 a couple of posts back, the lights look incredible! Very nice

[clickman]

Hey Bruce, it sounds like we're on the same wavelength. I also like the look without the angel eyes (no offence, Fred ), want to paint the inside black or dark grey, and use the LED towers in the high beam position to flash.


The difference for me is that, with the need to have daytime running lights in my province, a friend is designing a relay circuit that will use the fog lights as DRLs rather than the low beams. I prefer not to use the xenon for DRL or flashing.

Therefore, for flashing, the LEDs will provide the light without the initial xenon burst / flash. (Although the cutoff shield solenoid will actuate.)

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by clickman

Hey Bruce, it sounds like we're on the same wavelength. I also like the look without the angel eyes (no offence, Fred ), want to paint the inside black or dark grey, and use the LED towers in the high beam position to flash.


The difference for me is that, with the need to have daytime running lights in my province, a friend is designing a relay circuit that will use the fog lights as DRLs rather than the low beams. I prefer not to use the xenon for DRL or flashing.

Therefore, for flashing, the LEDs will provide the light without the initial xenon burst / flash. (Although the cutoff shield solenoid will actuate.)

I ended up ordering with the LED's and keeping the stock chrome reflector bowl and unpainted shroud. Your custom circuit sounds interesting

[clickman]

All the high temp paints I can find locally are for metal. Will they work on the plastic of these headlights?

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by clickman

All the high temp paints I can find locally are for metal. Will they work on the plastic of these headlights?

Hey Norm

It will be fine given you do not flex the parts you paint after they have fully cured. Curing can take weeks so you have plenty of time there!

My understanding is metal paints lacks of elasticity polymers. If the plastic part you are painting will eventually require flexing then metal enamel paints may not be the best solution. In your case, the part will be fixed and secured with 3 screw inside the headlight so in that case you are good to go with anything off the shelf within the high temp paint series.

Surface prep is a must. Use a min/max #600 grit abrasive paper (wet sanding) and do this with gloves on (no no finger grease mate). Higher than #600 is pretty useless and lower may/will show scratch marks. I also heard "professional" use a primer before applying paint.... but I am far from being a professional painter. The less chemical fumes I breath the better

A happy sunny Sunday afternoon job

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by BruceH

I ended up ordering with the LED's

Must be one of those hazy shanghai day again... am I seeing/reading this correct?! You finally did it

Like I told you before Bruce, and I know how much you care for the 986 look, you-will-not-regret-this-mod.

Glad you've chosen Charles' (particlewave) professional services. The guy's work is simply amazing (I heard a few time already)