Thursday, October 29, 2015 - 12:16 pm, by: Trevor Marsh(Tma7)
Hi guys. I stupidly purchased a second hand set of Altezza smoked rear lights on Ebay. The passenger side ones fit ok but I'm damned if I can get the driver's side to fit. I have read a post where Ashlar also had this problem but that was a few years ago. The problem is that the lights protrude about 10-15mm rearwards. Obviously this looks stupid and the lights would leak.
Has anyone had the same problem? Did you manage to overcome this? If so, how?
I've also found two other problems; Firstly the indicators flash far too fast. I've read somewhere that this can be solved by the addition of a capacitor (I think) or something. Secondly, when I put the brake bulb in, it immediately blew. I put in another new bulb and that also went tits up.
Is there any way around this problem?
It's a shame because I reckon these lights look great on my car. The seller's ignoring my emails so it looks like I'm going to have a bun fight on my hands.
Any advice (apart from being told what a Muppet I am in buying these lights) would be most appreciated.
Thursday, October 29, 2015 - 06:59 pm, by: Trevor Marsh(Tma7)
Thanks Tom. I know the bulb is the correct voltage as it's been in my original lights. When I then replaced that (now blown) bulb I used a 12v bulb.
I finally managed to get the lights to fit this arvo. I cut about 12mm from the plastic 'shaft' that the fixing bolts were set in. This meant I could then get the lights 'case' to fit much better (although not perfect).
I then glued a couple of 3mm spacers between the rear bumper bar (I believe it's called) and the car's metal body. This has now seemingly solved the fitting problem. It sounds a bit amateurish but it works.
I've read up a bit on the capacitors other Soarer owners have used to get their Altezza indicators to flash at the right speed but what I've read is a bit confusing. If anyone here can explain what to do in 'idiot' speak, it would be a great help.
Try this link, it will stop you getting the error messages and also in there is a link to replace the capacitors required for normal indicator flashing by Luke Gomer. Works a treat. Jeff
Friday, October 30, 2015 - 12:15 pm, by: Tom Richards(Tomr)
can you solder on a PCB?
remove the blinker unit. Its near the fuse box adjacent to the accelerator. Open the unit, remove the large electro cap and replace it with a cap ~ 8.2uf, 26v. The larger the cap value, the slower the blinking. You may have to experiment with the cap value to get a speed you like.
Friday, October 30, 2015 - 07:16 pm, by: Trevor Marsh(Tma7)
Thanks guys. I have already opened a dispute but thanks for the suggestion anyway.
I've already read that link Jeff. However, although I'd read about people using a different cap (capacitor I presume) I'd not understood exactly what should be replaced with the new cap. I'm working the next few days but as soon as I have a few hours, I'll delve into that blinker unit (thanks Tom).
I sealed my Altezza lights up with black silicon this arvo so that should hopefully make 'em watertight.
I know it's all down to personal taste but with my dark green Soarer, these lights really look good.
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