I would really like to add some custom sidemarkers to my fenders, but the thought of hacking into the bumper still scares the hell out of me. I love the Audi and VW sidemarkers. I think they're awesome and I've found some similar ones online. My question to ya'll is who has installed some and how'd you do it? Pics would be great. Thanks guys. Later.

Matt

 

I think Butnut has done it. Check out his website.

 

Matt:

I have them on mine. I installed them where the Hilux Surf have them installed. The install was very easy. I drilled a small hole in the location I wanted the light. Then used a "metal nibbler" ($10 from Radio Shack)to make my cut. I climbed underneath the front and tapped into my front bumper turn signals and ran the wires back to the side markers. Here are a couple pics for you. I bought them from autotoys.com for $20. I got the "Euro" style ones and they match the corners and turn signals perfect.

http://groups.msn.com/2000SR5ToyotaT...oto&PhotoID=10

http://groups.msn.com/2000SR5ToyotaT...oto&PhotoID=57

Paul

 

....also...autotoys.com has step by step install instructions with pics on their site.....really helped me....

 

Pf:

Looks great. I recall some other person actually cutting a big chunk of sheet metal out in the shape of the sidemarker itself. Sorry, won't do that! So how big of a hole did you drill?

Bob

 

Those lights look awesome Paul. So does the grill for that matter...

 

pf, yea i saw your pics and was liking the sidemarkers...if anyone is planning on doing this mod, please do a writeup...i would rather not cut metal out of my car..drilling a hole like you did pf would be ideal...thanks and good luck...

 

I just used a 1/4" drill bit. Just big enough for the metal nibler to fit. The ones I bought are the "SIDE MARKER: EURO CLEAR TYPE I" for $19.98

Here's their write-up. Pics have been edited out by them:

http://www.autotoys.com/New_Tech/DIY...ker_lights.htm

Paul

 

Thanks CTB...it's not on my page. I did a Webshot album. I ordered the OEM Altezza (Lexus IS300) side markers. They are from Japan Toyota. They require a semi-large cutout with a specific shape to 'press-fit'. I drilled a 1/2" hole and used the RS nibbler too. The nibbler is junk Taiwan crap and will distort the thin fender metal. I put tape under the plate to prevent scratching. It was getting ugly, so I used the nibbler to rough shape, and used a Dremel to shape the rest. I used a lot of those tiny sand drums as the metal eats it up. My gut was in knots the whole time, I hate cutting into my Runner. Since it has the permanent amber cap inside, I used 194 LED's...brighter and a nice yellow flash.
Side markers...

 

Your truck looks awesome!

 

I put the Mercedes ones in mine $7.14 Canadian each!!!!

 

I love the sidemarkers that are on the Audi A4s and I think also on the VWs. I am going to swing by a dealership this weekend and see how much they are. Probably be a couple of weeks or so before I can put them in. I'll have to order some hyper-white wedge bulbs for them. I'll keep ya'll posted. Later.

Matt

 

Ya, my dad has an A4, and I absolutely love the lights around that entire car - side markers, HID's, fog in rear brake light. Those smart German's!!!

 

I was going to put the older A4 side markers as they are similar in shape (square) like the 3rd gen Surf's. The only dealer here had the plastic lens and nothing else. I ordered from an online store and all they sent was the lens. Luckily I found the Toyota marker and went that way. Hey Matt, VW has the side marker with 3 yellow LEDS, same shape as the old amber bulb type, but much nicer.

 

FYI,

The Audi/VW side markers are really nice, but if you planned on wiring it so that it stay on with the corners lights, it will melt. My friend did this to his Accord, and it melt the plastic housing. It's designed as a signal lights only, due to the small housing plus the chrome dome that covers the bulb, it can not discipate heat as well. Therefore, if you wire it only as a signal lights, then you will be fine. But if you wired it to stay on with your corners lights, it will melt. The price for the Audi/VW side markers I think my friend told me was $25 each for the side marker (included bulb), and another $15 for the wire harness at the dealers

 

I called our local Audi dealer the other day and that's what they told me. About $25 for the side marker and another $15 for the wiring harness. I did a little searching on the internet and I found these:

http://www.suvxccessory.com/xccessor...402550sme.html

They look identical to the Audi ones and I doubt they will require a wiring harness. I sent them an email with a few questions, but I think these are the ones I'm gonna go with. Hopefully they can get them to me this week and I will install them next weekend. I'll keep ya'll posted. Later.

Matt

 

Matt:

You shouldn't need a harness. I just ran a couple wires from the front sigs to the 2 terminals on the sidemarkers.

Paul

 

Fron the page linked above...Sounds like lenses only to me.


Compare it to the description they give here

 

JX:

Those on that link are corners not sidemarkers

 

I realize that. But the description for the first says replacement lenses. The second describes bulb, reflector and lens. I think buying the first thing for $19 would only get you lenses, no socket, no bulb, no housing, etc. given the way they describe other products.