Author Topic: SMMM8 Grill Light/Arrow Mirror/LED License Install  (Read 16677 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Brad Kenny

  • Gearhead
  • ****
  • Posts: 1488
  • Karma: +0/-1
SMMM8 Grill Light/Arrow Mirror/LED License Install
« on: May 09, 2011, 08:24:49 AM »
Grill Lights:
Recently I purchased a set of green grill lights from Jay at Stunner Lights. I am very excited about this installation and looking forward to a unique look for Lindsey for years to come.

My current plan is to install at the SMMM8 , if I can wait that long...  :lol:

I am looking for some minor assistance for the installation at the MM, (mostly pulling the grills and mounting) and will document the whole process in this thread in the upcoming weeks. :thumbs:

BIG Thanks goes out to Jay for R&D of a "green" light and all the other upcoming products!  :yay: :usa:

[attachment=1]
[attachment=4]

Turn Signal Mirrors:
There WILL be a LED TURN SIGNAL MIRROR installation for the SMMM8 also form Stunner Lights!!! :poke:

Parts were delivered after only 3 days. I ordered on a Friday and parts were received on Monday afternoon! 3 days shipping.

[attachment=2]

License Plate LED Fixture:
I decided that I wanted to go one step further with Lindsey and went for a new License Plate light fixture. The installation is very stright forward and the the illumination is a HUGE increase from stock.
Procedure: Simply unscrew and remove the old fixture, remove the light bulb, cap off the fixture with a fitted rubber boot, tie in new fixture electrically, test new fixture, and install in the OEM hole with new screws. Very easy installation, took only about 15 minutes.
AGAIN, the parts were delivered by the USPS in 2 days coast-to-coast!!! I have attached pics below for the new fixture.

[attachment=3]
[attachment=5]
« Last Edit: May 20, 2011, 08:43:49 AM by CT Solstice »
Continental Tires
DDM Works
StunnerLights.com
ASAP Graphics
King Penn
V-LEDs
Superbright LEDs

Offline Arabas

  • Premium Member
  • Gearhead
  • *
  • Posts: 3408
  • Karma: +1/-5
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2011, 08:30:40 AM »
i wish i could be there to assist you...well i am sending my assistant Kelu  :lol: :poke: and he will help you out with this mod!
looking forward to seeing the final result
DDM Works Backbone and probeam
H&R springs
SOLO HF Cat and Mach Shorty
Dejon Throttle Elbow
Dejon-AEM intake
Front Big Brake upgrade kit with Ferodo pads
Trifecta tune
Custom IC and pipes
LVKFCB

Offline JimVonBaden

  • Premium Member
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 834
  • Karma: +0/-2
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #2 on: May 09, 2011, 09:10:18 AM »
Hi Jeremy. I don't have any experience removing parts on a Solstice, but I am a pretty fair wrench, and can hold tools/parts with the best of them. I'll lend a hand if you like.

Jim :cool:
Never think you are forgotten!

Offline miller11386

  • Gearhead
  • ****
  • Posts: 1993
  • Karma: +1/-4
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #3 on: May 09, 2011, 09:40:23 AM »
Should be an easy mod. Dont forget tons of zip-ties and wire loom if you want to "keep it clean" under the hood!

Solder, soldering iron, shrink wrap, and vinyl tape is a must as well!

Goodluck
Check out Miller's Youtube Channel HERE

Offline JimmyBaja

  • Premium Member
  • Gearhead
  • *
  • Posts: 1147
  • Karma: +0/-1
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #4 on: May 09, 2011, 10:46:18 AM »
Don't ask that GJ guy for help or the lights might turn out pink instead of green.

Offline Excelsior

  • Premium Member
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 428
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #5 on: May 09, 2011, 11:56:41 AM »
I would be interested in seeing this before it goes in and compare their arranged system to my self made one.
---==--- ---==--- Bruiser ---==--- ---==---
|http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3335365|
---==--- ---==--- --==-- ---==--- ---==---
Attendee: 2010 NASSM | 2011 SMMM8

Offline Brad Kenny

  • Gearhead
  • ****
  • Posts: 1488
  • Karma: +0/-1
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #6 on: May 09, 2011, 12:50:35 PM »
Sure Excelsior! Sounds like a plan. I planned on laying out all the parts and taking photos before installation, including all the major steps inbetween for documentation. It will all go into post #1 once it is all done.
Continental Tires
DDM Works
StunnerLights.com
ASAP Graphics
King Penn
V-LEDs
Superbright LEDs

Offline tazzman

  • Master Tech
  • ***
  • Posts: 109
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • with new paint
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #7 on: May 09, 2011, 02:31:36 PM »
Looking forward to seeing finished product pictures.
King Penn, W.R.
ASAP Fuse box cover
ASAP Fog light cover
ASAP BU light cover
Debaged
Shorty antenna
Magnaflow catback 3''
New Paint

Offline Sly Bob

  • Administrators
  • Shop Foreman
  • *
  • Posts: 8082
  • Karma: +19/-10
  • My new grandson
    • Kappa Performance Forum
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #8 on: May 09, 2011, 03:45:13 PM »
I'll be there to lend a hand if needed. I've had my bumper and gills out a couple of times.
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline TomatoSoup

  • Premium Member
  • Gearhead
  • *
  • Posts: 3384
  • Karma: +19/-13
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #9 on: May 09, 2011, 04:28:12 PM »
... and I can help wire sh*t er, stuff. :)
"That is my theory, it is mine, and belongs to me and I own it, and what it is too." (Monty Python)

Offline Brad Kenny

  • Gearhead
  • ****
  • Posts: 1488
  • Karma: +0/-1
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #10 on: May 09, 2011, 07:13:59 PM »
Parts have arrived! Excellent shipping time and packaging! Only 2 days and the weekend from California. I will post pictures of the kit tomorrow! Time to buy a switch for the "cut out". Thanks Jay!

Should be a pretty simple installation! With help from my friends to remove the grills!

Sly Bob, definitely could use some expertise in grill removal. And TS, never know, you may like them! Another lighting MOD!
Continental Tires
DDM Works
StunnerLights.com
ASAP Graphics
King Penn
V-LEDs
Superbright LEDs

Offline 1LILNDN

  • Premium Member
  • Gearhead
  • *
  • Posts: 4404
  • Karma: +4/-16
  • Me and the Chief
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #11 on: May 09, 2011, 08:11:29 PM »
Jeremy ; I put my fingers in and pull straight back . They come out easy for me . Then putting them back in is just lining up the guides and hit with your hand . Done  Not held in with any screws.
Mods
GMPPTune, seat belt loops, Magnaflow Exhaust, Turn signal Mod, K/N CAI, Sprint Booster, , Driveshaft tunnel Plate, New Wheels, 3rd lite cover-up, Painted Calibers & Decals, Cooler/Travel bag, ProBeam, Custom FuseBoxCover, Sound Deadening, PeddleCovers, Hidden license bracket, Center Console, DDM Tbolt clamp&IC pipes, WindRestrictor & Lightbar, WestersRaceTune, Hood & Trunk Lighting, "A" pillar & Gauges,HoosierGXP interrior lights,StunnerTag and Directional Mirrors,Hood&Body Graphics(Chief Pontiac) by Jack of Arts,dimming mirror w/temp&compass

Offline Sly Bob

  • Administrators
  • Shop Foreman
  • *
  • Posts: 8082
  • Karma: +19/-10
  • My new grandson
    • Kappa Performance Forum
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #12 on: May 09, 2011, 08:22:04 PM »
The grills shouldn't come out that easily Bobby, at least the center ones if the metal clips are still on the back.

At least they don't on the GXP.
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline smartin

  • Banned
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 164
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #13 on: May 09, 2011, 09:08:35 PM »
I'll help any way I can. Sounds very cool!

Offline Brad Kenny

  • Gearhead
  • ****
  • Posts: 1488
  • Karma: +0/-1
Re: SMMM8 "Green" Grill Light Install
« Reply #14 on: May 16, 2011, 02:48:01 PM »
Just received word that my new dual LED license plate lamp and the Amber Arrow LED turn signals will make it to me in time for the MM!!! :drool:
 :yay: :yay: Thanks again JAY!!! :yay: :yay:

I am really looking forward to getting all these installed and using them everyday.

Pictures forthcoming of all the parts and the installations.  See post #1 for preview pics and the installation for all the above.
« Last Edit: May 16, 2011, 02:52:55 PM by CT Solstice »
Continental Tires
DDM Works
StunnerLights.com
ASAP Graphics
King Penn
V-LEDs
Superbright LEDs

Offline TomatoSoup

  • Premium Member
  • Gearhead
  • *
  • Posts: 3384
  • Karma: +19/-13
Re: SMMM8 Grill Light/Arrow Mirror/LED License Install
« Reply #15 on: May 16, 2011, 03:41:12 PM »
OK, so NOW you can be "Green with Envy"!!  Oh, sorry, different thread :shame:
"That is my theory, it is mine, and belongs to me and I own it, and what it is too." (Monty Python)

Offline 1LILNDN

  • Premium Member
  • Gearhead
  • *
  • Posts: 4404
  • Karma: +4/-16
  • Me and the Chief
Re: SMMM8 Grill Light/Arrow Mirror/LED License Install
« Reply #16 on: May 16, 2011, 09:46:04 PM »
The grills shouldn't come out that easily Bobby, at least the center ones if the metal clips are still on the back.
At least they don't on the GXP.
Well I though it was easy   :idk:  ,not just a pull but quick snap .the two clips housings were cracked the first time I pulled them out . When they are in they are not loose.
Mods
GMPPTune, seat belt loops, Magnaflow Exhaust, Turn signal Mod, K/N CAI, Sprint Booster, , Driveshaft tunnel Plate, New Wheels, 3rd lite cover-up, Painted Calibers & Decals, Cooler/Travel bag, ProBeam, Custom FuseBoxCover, Sound Deadening, PeddleCovers, Hidden license bracket, Center Console, DDM Tbolt clamp&IC pipes, WindRestrictor & Lightbar, WestersRaceTune, Hood & Trunk Lighting, "A" pillar & Gauges,HoosierGXP interrior lights,StunnerTag and Directional Mirrors,Hood&Body Graphics(Chief Pontiac) by Jack of Arts,dimming mirror w/temp&compass

Offline Brad Kenny

  • Gearhead
  • ****
  • Posts: 1488
  • Karma: +0/-1
Re: SMMM8 Grill Light/Arrow Mirror/LED License Install
« Reply #17 on: May 16, 2011, 09:53:47 PM »
So it sounds like there is more of a "trick" to getting these out than originally thought. I look forward to tapping into the sage advice of those at the MM to get these installed with minimal breakages...

I also have a front license plate bracket (stock). What is the easiest way to remove this. I know it needs to come off before the grills can come out.

BTW it is not drilled or pop rivetted to the front bumper as others are.
Continental Tires
DDM Works
StunnerLights.com
ASAP Graphics
King Penn
V-LEDs
Superbright LEDs

Offline Critterman

  • Retired, thank you very much
  • Premium Member
  • General Manager
  • *
  • Posts: 13746
  • Karma: +18/-58
  • Baltimore/Washington Corridor
Re: SMMM8 Grill Light/Arrow Mirror/LED License Install
« Reply #18 on: May 16, 2011, 10:34:04 PM »
That you can just reach out and pull of with a quick jerk.

The grills you can try and sticking a long skinny screw dirver and prying the clips open (2 per grill) or just jerk it out as well.  You will break the two tabs with the clips.  Mine have stayed in without a problem for over 40k and 4 years time.
GONE: (but not forgotten) 2006 Cool named IXABEL (BISH-AH-BEL) Mayan for "Good Roads"
DDM StageIII intercooled Supercharger, Wisco ceramic coated pistons, Carrillo rods, superTech valves and Springs, Ported and polished head, Exedy Stage II Clutch,
big brake kit, slotted/drilled Rotors w/Porterfield pads & blue juice, Backbone, Probeam, Cross Strut Brace Underhood, trunk, & door Lights, ZOK suspension
JPM Center console, door inserts, & dash Seat bolster & lumbar support
Focuztech Tri-Y Header & hi-flow cat, Solo Performance SQR-2, Norm's Rear facia, Heated Seats, Blackface gau

Offline SHiNY

  • Faster than Slowest Romanian
  • Premium Member
  • Gearhead
  • *
  • Posts: 4443
  • Karma: +11/-47
  • Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
Re: SMMM8 Grill Light/Arrow Mirror/LED License Install
« Reply #19 on: May 17, 2011, 05:15:36 AM »
I also have a front license plate bracket (stock). What is the easiest way to remove this. I know it needs to come off before the grills can come out.

BTW it is not drilled or pop rivetted to the front bumper as others are.

It's probably glued. Heavy gauge fishing line.
« Last Edit: May 17, 2011, 05:19:55 AM by SHiNY »

Offline Brad Kenny

  • Gearhead
  • ****
  • Posts: 1488
  • Karma: +0/-1
Re: SMMM8 Grill Light/Arrow Mirror/LED License Install
« Reply #20 on: May 17, 2011, 09:21:53 AM »
Post #1 updated with pics of grill light kit parts. Thanks all for the suggestion on removal of the license plate and the front grills. Should be interesting to get them off without breaking the platic tabs with metal clips.  :banghead: :idk: :huh: :devil:
« Last Edit: May 18, 2011, 12:22:58 PM by CT Solstice »
Continental Tires
DDM Works
StunnerLights.com
ASAP Graphics
King Penn
V-LEDs
Superbright LEDs

Offline Critterman

  • Retired, thank you very much
  • Premium Member
  • General Manager
  • *
  • Posts: 13746
  • Karma: +18/-58
  • Baltimore/Washington Corridor
Re: SMMM8 Grill Light/Arrow Mirror/LED License Install
« Reply #21 on: May 17, 2011, 09:23:30 AM »
Clips don't break, it is the plastic tags that they clip on to.  But you don't need them for the grill to stay in place.
GONE: (but not forgotten) 2006 Cool named IXABEL (BISH-AH-BEL) Mayan for "Good Roads"
DDM StageIII intercooled Supercharger, Wisco ceramic coated pistons, Carrillo rods, superTech valves and Springs, Ported and polished head, Exedy Stage II Clutch,
big brake kit, slotted/drilled Rotors w/Porterfield pads & blue juice, Backbone, Probeam, Cross Strut Brace Underhood, trunk, & door Lights, ZOK suspension
JPM Center console, door inserts, & dash Seat bolster & lumbar support
Focuztech Tri-Y Header & hi-flow cat, Solo Performance SQR-2, Norm's Rear facia, Heated Seats, Blackface gau

Offline TomatoSoup

  • Premium Member
  • Gearhead
  • *
  • Posts: 3384
  • Karma: +19/-13
Re: SMMM8 Grill Light/Arrow Mirror/LED License Install
« Reply #22 on: May 17, 2011, 10:18:30 AM »
Post #1 updated with pics of grill light kit parts.
Interesting!  The grill lights look far more customized than I was expecting, with the fancy bracket and all.

I also like the idea of the mirror turn signals.  I have been planning a similar thing, but with discrete LEDs on the outside edge of the housing.  But I think I'll wait for the MM now and see what's involved in these :)
"That is my theory, it is mine, and belongs to me and I own it, and what it is too." (Monty Python)

Offline Critterman

  • Retired, thank you very much
  • Premium Member
  • General Manager
  • *
  • Posts: 13746
  • Karma: +18/-58
  • Baltimore/Washington Corridor
Re: SMMM8 Grill Light/Arrow Mirror/LED License Install
« Reply #23 on: May 17, 2011, 10:22:19 AM »
CT - the mirror turn signal, do those include changing the mirror face like lilgoat had to?
GONE: (but not forgotten) 2006 Cool named IXABEL (BISH-AH-BEL) Mayan for "Good Roads"
DDM StageIII intercooled Supercharger, Wisco ceramic coated pistons, Carrillo rods, superTech valves and Springs, Ported and polished head, Exedy Stage II Clutch,
big brake kit, slotted/drilled Rotors w/Porterfield pads & blue juice, Backbone, Probeam, Cross Strut Brace Underhood, trunk, & door Lights, ZOK suspension
JPM Center console, door inserts, & dash Seat bolster & lumbar support
Focuztech Tri-Y Header & hi-flow cat, Solo Performance SQR-2, Norm's Rear facia, Heated Seats, Blackface gau

Offline Brad Kenny

  • Gearhead
  • ****
  • Posts: 1488
  • Karma: +0/-1
Re: SMMM8 Grill Light/Arrow Mirror/LED License Install
« Reply #24 on: May 17, 2011, 02:50:19 PM »
The mirrors are an overlay, but once I have them in hand I will make the decision if I want to remove the old piece or not. That old thread on the BB has been updated recently with new information and hopefully my installation will "mirror" the latest news.  As explained to me the LED mirrors are pretty thin. Jay of Stunner Lights has explained that a 9 V battery can be used to to test the LED's and to give me a "feel" of what the final product will look like installed. Stunner Lights customer support has been outstanding and I can't wait to get these Mods in my car!

The installation is similar in nature except you can plug them into the same circuit as the DBG turn signal mod for ease of wiring.

The turn signal Mod will be done before the MM since I would like to be using those as soon as possible.

The license plate LED is up in the air and the grill lights will be tested but not installed until I get to Joe's Garage. The total installation time looks about about 45 minutes for the grill lights and an hour per side for the mirrors.
Continental Tires
DDM Works
StunnerLights.com
ASAP Graphics
King Penn
V-LEDs
Superbright LEDs