TriStateTuners.com :: Home of Tristate Auto Enthusiast  

Go Back TriStateTuners.com :: Home of Tristate Auto Enthusiast > Community > Gallery
Register Rules & Info Mark Forums Read

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-01-2009, 10:17 PM   #1
Chefsp0t
Tri-State Addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Member #6927

My Ride:
A few Mazdas

iTrader: (1)
My Mazda3 hatch

Here's a few updated pictures of my copper red mica 2009 mazda3 hatchback.

So far I've installed yellow high beam bulbs, chrome dipped front turn signal bulbs, rallyarmor urethane mud flaps, JDM window visors, eyelids, yellow lamin-x fog light covers, a full LED conversion for the interior, LED turn signal bulbs in the rear (fronts will be done soon), LED license plate lights and reverse lights, and charcoal lamin-x film on the rear reflectors and third brake light.

















Still to come:

Installation of my TRZ Dogbone rear motor mount- I really need to get this done. I've had it sitting around since Feb.
35 percent tint all around
OEM Mazda front lip kit- http://www.mazdaparts.org/mazda-3-5-...ont-air-d.html
Speedline 3 piece front splitter painted satin black (installed under the OEM lip)- http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/M22-0...#ht_4147wt_820
Mazdaspeed style side skirt add-ons painted satin black- http://www.nextmod.com/index.php?tar...oduct_id=29825
Rx8 wheels or 18" Drag dr-19's in Gold- http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...7.5&vid=015310
Lowering springs and new struts (Eibach or Mazdaspeed Accessory parts)

I won't be doing much to this car performance wise because if I wanted to drive fast I would have bought a mazdaspeed3. I will probably end up getting an intake and possibly an exhaust if it doesn't make it too loud.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.
<-- Click for details
Chefsp0t is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2009, 03:27 PM   #2
jnr5005
Tri-State Addict
 
jnr5005's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Hatfield, PA
Member #14147

My Ride:
'12 Jetta TDI

iTrader: (1)
Looking nice man, how difficult is installing all the leds? Lets see some pics of all your lights!
jnr5005 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2009, 03:50 PM   #3
Chefsp0t
Tri-State Addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Member #6927

My Ride:
A few Mazdas

iTrader: (1)
I'll try to get some pictures when it gets dark. They look much better than the stock halogen lights.

Installation was a breeze as far as the interior lights. I ordered the complete interior kit from http://www.dabears2k.com/index.php?cPath=39 and they were drop in bulbs (map lights, dome light, glove box light, rear hatch light, and license plate bulbs). The hardest part of the whole interior was swinging the glove box down. I was stupid and pulled my whole dome light out of the headliner and it was a bitch to get back in because the bracket is only glued to the back side of the headliner and I couldn't clip the light housing back into the bracket without some ingenuity and my brother's helping hands. This could have been easily avoided by just taking the lens off instead of pulling the whole dome light out. Live and learn.

The tail light LED's were the more difficult part but I would only rate them at a 3 out of 10 difficulty wise. If you convert the tail turn signals to LED you need to buy some load resistors and install them onto the factory harness (they clip onto the existing positive and negative wires and fool the car into thinking there is a bulb in there) to avoid the super fast blink rate that mazda uses to tell you that a bulb is out. If you are just doing the rear turn signals 6ohm resistors are fine (one for each bulb) but if you want to do the front turn signals too you need to buy 3ohm ones (one for each side of the car). The other option is to install a 6ohm on each light but there's limited space in the engine bay so it's easier just to install them behind the tails and kill two birds with one stone. I bought 6ohm ones because I didn't know I could just use 2x 3ohm load resistors for the entire car.

I hope that makes some sort of sense.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.
<-- Click for details

Last edited by Chefsp0t; 08-02-2009 at 03:52 PM.
Chefsp0t is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2009, 05:29 PM   #4
jnr5005
Tri-State Addict
 
jnr5005's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Hatfield, PA
Member #14147

My Ride:
'12 Jetta TDI

iTrader: (1)
Wow that is a good website. I did not see the turn signal kit though. Can't wait to see your pics of all the lights lit up.
jnr5005 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2009, 06:22 PM   #5
Chefsp0t
Tri-State Addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Member #6927

My Ride:
A few Mazdas

iTrader: (1)
For the turn signal kit I just bought 7440 LED's (15 LED bulbs) from http://www.superbrightleds.com/tail-brake-turn.html. I also bought the 6ohm resistors from them. If you want 3ohm ones you can get them here (They call them load equalizers). http://www.autolumination.com/ Their prices aren't as good as superbrightleds but they have a LOT more selection.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.
<-- Click for details

Last edited by Chefsp0t; 08-02-2009 at 06:25 PM.
Chefsp0t is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2009, 06:50 PM   #6
jnr5005
Tri-State Addict
 
jnr5005's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Hatfield, PA
Member #14147

My Ride:
'12 Jetta TDI

iTrader: (1)
So your rear turn signals looked orange from the orange bulbs, and now they are clear? Do the chrome bulbs light up orange as marker lights with the headlights on?
jnr5005 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2009, 07:06 PM   #7
Chefsp0t
Tri-State Addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Member #6927

My Ride:
A few Mazdas

iTrader: (1)
Yes, there is no longer any amber reflection in the rear turn signals. They light up a nice bright LED amber color now. They also look better when they are blinking because LED's turn on and off instantly and halogen bulbs kind of fade on and off. LED's make for a very crisp turn signal.

The chrome dipped bulbs (I actually bought them from the autolumination website I linked in my last post) in the front light up amber as marker lights and as turn signals. They just cut out the amber reflection when you look into the chrome housing when the bulb is off. I actually removed them yesterday and re-installed amber bulbs because one of my chrome ones burnt out. I'll get some LED's in there in a while.

I had chrome dipped bulbs on all 4 corners but they are noticeably less bright than traditional bulbs because they have the chrome coating on them to make them reflective. I decided to convert to LED when I got tired of having dim turn signals. I'd rather not be hit by someone who doesn't see me signaling.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.
<-- Click for details
Chefsp0t is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2009, 07:17 PM   #8
jnr5005
Tri-State Addict
 
jnr5005's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Hatfield, PA
Member #14147

My Ride:
'12 Jetta TDI

iTrader: (1)
Also, did you just cut lamin-x film for the reflectors & 3rd brake light?
jnr5005 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2009, 07:20 PM   #9
jnr5005
Tri-State Addict
 
jnr5005's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Hatfield, PA
Member #14147

My Ride:
'12 Jetta TDI

iTrader: (1)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chefsp0t View Post
Yes, there is no longer any amber reflection in the rear turn signals. They light up a nice bright LED amber color now. They also look better when they are blinking because LED's turn on and off instantly and halogen bulbs kind of fade on and off. LED's make for a very crisp turn signal.

The chrome dipped bulbs (I actually bought them from the autolumination website I linked in my last post) in the front light up amber as marker lights and as turn signals. They just cut out the amber reflection when you look into the chrome housing when the bulb is off. I actually removed them yesterday and re-installed amber bulbs because one of my chrome ones burnt out. I'll get some LED's in there in a while.

I had chrome dipped bulbs on all 4 corners but they are noticeably less bright than traditional bulbs because they have the chrome coating on them to make them reflective. I decided to convert to LED when I got tired of having dim turn signals. I'd rather not be hit by someone who doesn't see me signaling.
Ahh I see. Thanks. I like what you've done very much.
jnr5005 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2009, 07:25 PM   #10
Chefsp0t
Tri-State Addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Member #6927

My Ride:
A few Mazdas

iTrader: (1)
Lol this is a popular thread for you. I'm glad someone likes it and I am glad I can help a fellow 3 owner.

I've worked with Lamin-x on a number of occasions and this time I just bought a sheet and cut it myself. The rear reflectors were done while they were still on the car. They are not perfect but you'd have to be inches away to notice. To cover the third brake light I removed the spoiler and took the light assembly out to cover it. It was a pretty easy job and it came out great. The only thing I don't like is that Mazda had writing on the reflectors and third brake light and now there are little bumped up parts in my lamin-x. You'd also have to be very close to see them but I like to get things as near to perfect as I can.

There is a guy on mazda3forums.com who sells overlays for the reflectors so you don't have to cut them. He doesn't do third brake light overlays for the hatch though.

Here's his thread. http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=120585.0
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.
<-- Click for details

Last edited by Chefsp0t; 08-02-2009 at 07:27 PM.
Chefsp0t is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2009, 07:36 PM   #11
jnr5005
Tri-State Addict
 
jnr5005's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Hatfield, PA
Member #14147

My Ride:
'12 Jetta TDI

iTrader: (1)
Haha, yes these inexpensive modifications that I could maybe do myself interest me very much. I appreciate your detailed descriptions.
jnr5005 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2009, 07:42 PM   #12
Chefsp0t
Tri-State Addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Member #6927

My Ride:
A few Mazdas

iTrader: (1)
I am glad I can help man. I also highly recommend the rallyarmor mud flaps. The sides of my car used to be filthy (I live near some dirt roads) all the time and now a wash lasts much longer. I really like my JDM rain guards too. They actually sit almost flush with the side of the car. Not like other ones that stick out the sides. They're a Mazda Japan OEM product so the installation was easy and perfect. I guess neither one of those mods is a low budget mod though.

I am uploading some short videos of the turn signals and brake light in action now.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.
<-- Click for details
Chefsp0t is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2009, 08:05 PM   #13
Chefsp0t
Tri-State Addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Member #6927

My Ride:
A few Mazdas

iTrader: (1)
Some pictures I took with some nice beaded rain on the car and some videos of the turn signals and brake lights in action.





This kind of gives you an idea of what the LED's in the interior look like. They're very blue-white and they look sick at night.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtCr1S5Pyv0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K5Dy2tnlPc
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.
<-- Click for details
Chefsp0t is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2009, 03:16 PM   #14
Black Kid
Tri-State Training Wheels
 
Black Kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Pa
Member #13928

My Ride:
92' S13 240sx

iTrader: (0)
Send a message via AIM to Black Kid
Looks great Chris.... can't wait to see more pics when you get your future mods!
__________________
93 Mazda MX6 ZE
Black Kid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2009, 09:06 PM   #15
Chefsp0t
Tri-State Addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Member #6927

My Ride:
A few Mazdas

iTrader: (1)
Lol. What's up Darnell? How's the front lip holding up on the mx6?
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.
<-- Click for details
Chefsp0t is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2009, 04:09 AM   #16
Black Kid
Tri-State Training Wheels
 
Black Kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Pa
Member #13928

My Ride:
92' S13 240sx

iTrader: (0)
Send a message via AIM to Black Kid
Haha my lip... oh man. I re-paint the damn thing like every week! Im a little lower than last time you saw it. Brought it down a little more in the rear.
__________________
93 Mazda MX6 ZE
Black Kid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2009, 12:12 PM   #17
crazyduckme
Tri-State Aficionado
 
crazyduckme's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: West Chester, PA
Member #13534

My Ride:
2008 Mazda 3s Touring

iTrader: (0)
Send a message via AIM to crazyduckme
Looking good!!! I love the yellow fogs.. they look really good with the color of you car!

I wish I had gotten a white hatch... but I still LOVE my sedan
__________________
xoxo Michelle

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DPancoast
I rub one out every morning when I think of Ken
crazyduckme is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2009, 03:28 PM   #18
cupofnoodles
Tri-State Post Whore
 
cupofnoodles's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Philadelphia
Member #14330

My Ride:
is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

iTrader: (1)
looks great digging the fogs
cupofnoodles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2009, 08:32 PM   #19
Chefsp0t
Tri-State Addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Member #6927

My Ride:
A few Mazdas

iTrader: (1)
I will be getting 18 inch enkei ev5's (not to be confused with evo5's) in bronze whenever I decide it is time to get wheels. I think they'll look sexy as hell on the copper red car.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.
<-- Click for details
Chefsp0t is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2009, 11:07 PM   #20
Omar_MSP
Tri-State Post Whore
 
Omar_MSP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Ionno
Member #2201

My Ride:
MSP

iTrader: (0)
wow, great start! good luck with ride man! looks good so far!
__________________
Canon Rebel XTI

I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be without sponges.
Omar_MSP is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
☆☆☆☆☆Ally's 2008.5 CWP Mazda3 Hatch! New Pics 5/22 pg 6☆☆☆☆☆ ally Member Journals 117 05-22-2009 01:25 AM
White Mazda3 hatch in Cross Keys 92dxman Spotted! 4 04-28-2009 01:27 AM
Mazda3 > dog MuddyREX Gallery 6 04-07-2005 10:21 AM


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:01 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.