Testimonials and Updates on the Projector Retrofits

[brandonbeeb]

guys we need to let this relax a bit let everything get sorted out with mike and darryl and then well get some pics up of those. the people with show cars are wondering about the quality of the seal, i said from day one there cant be a guarentee i know you want them clean but you guys also have to take into account that these are hard lights to open, if anything ask dangeris he tried to open his lights up himself and melted half of the bottom and the siliconed them back together and it wasnt that clean either so its not an easy thing to do, if its a really big thing im working with one of the members now seeing what we can do to clean these up. the sedan lights isnt a problem i can get a factory seal with those. its the coupe lights that are the biggest problem and ive said this since day one so its not like i was hiding anything. if you guys are open to covers for the seals let me know. this isnt going to be to hide that they leak or anything just a bit to clean them up if they arnt up to some peoples standards. everyone has different standards we all know that. ive had complaints about debris inside lights and its an easy fix but its caused from shipping the tiny newpaper ends get inside and what not but remove the turn signal bulb stick a vacuum hose on it and it pulls everything out. little things like this are easy fixes. and trust me from now on ill make sure everything is air tight with tape if there isnt a bulb in there before i send it out so no one has anything inside there lights. all i ask is you guys be patient and let things cool off while i work with mike and darryl to get everything fixed for them and make sure there happy

[mcheddadi]

wow wow, I go away for a week and all of this happens lol

i want to see some up close pics of Mcheddadi's lights

I'll comment later I'm kinda busy with some important exams now.My lights are in the process of getting some upgrades (color matching light temp to the angeleeyes and leds.)

I just have to say, that Brandon is a great guy and he is very dedicated to pleasing his customers. I really hope you get what you want dangeris and surmanm because I know for sure that Brandon wants and will fix these issues with your lights. Let’s remember that this is an historic even. First retrofit on a coupe, first massive (way bigger than the injen one) GB for altima coupe members, first time we got more than 20000+ views for a thread, first time were we ALL got involved in the dev, prototyping and financing of our own project (this was a 3+ months process). This is epic. The proportion of this is beyond what I first imagined it could be when I first made my very first projector thread. There is bound to be a bit of trial and error. But now Brandon knows how to do the lights, fix the condensation, make them dual, single or bi-xenon, open sedan or coupe housings, paint them, mount and align them. I happy to hear dangeris and surmanm will give another chance to Brandon to show them what he's made of.

Lets all remember that this is a human that's giving out a lot to the community and even bought himself an altima coupe after the GB started. He’s one of us, he has the same retrofitted lights that we have and he does his work like he does on his very own. He’s very passionate about what he does, you can ask spockrock who prototyped and he will tell you this.

Anyhow back to studies for me

[hangtime23]

Hey all...just wanted to chime in as I was probably one of the earlier one to get his lights. I actually left my lights with Brandon just before I went on vacation, he told me he'd have them done well before I got back (I was gone for a month), and sure enough when I got back, he was done, and I picked them up a couple days after I arrived back in Toronto.

I only had a couple of minor issues with the lights. One was because I tried to install a couple of white LED daytime running lights (to replace the original amber ones), and then shook loose the T-tap connector to the angel eye, which I emailed Brandon about and told me how to fix on my own (I just had to reclamp the connector tighter after I had installed the white LED DRLs). The second was a small problem with the seal, which when I told Brandon about it, we arranged a time for me to bring my car to him and get fixed. He quickly fixed the seal problem, and repolished my headlights to boot.

I'm definitely satisfied with my lights, the output is a million times better than stock, you can take a look at the showoff thread to see pics of my lights and output. Brandon has been always prompt in responding to emails, and has been professional every time I've met with him, and in dealing with any issues I've had.

I'd also like to speak out on the whole email thread that happened - I don't think that was cool at all. I mean, I understand if you're unhappy about the product and don't wanna be taking it out on the forums, but if emails are going to be sent out to criticize Brandon's work, and talk of asking him for refunds, why not include Brandon in the email list, to give him a chance to respond to everything, instead of trying to build up animosity towards him by letting him be trashed behind his back?

Anyways, that's my take on things.

[dangeris]

Well I have to say Mcheddadi's lights look great, especially the seal!If Brandon could replicate that but a little cleaner on mine I would be a happy camper.

...I'd also like to speak out on the whole email thread that happened - I don't think that was cool at all. I mean, I understand if you're unhappy about the product and don't wanna be taking it out on the forums, but if emails are going to be sent out to criticize Brandon's work, and talk of asking him for refunds, why not include Brandon in the email list, to give him a chance to respond to everything, instead of trying to build up animosity towards him by letting him be trashed behind his back? ...

I have to disagree with you on that hangtime. Understood that it wasn't "cool" with you (and most likely others) and I respect that but Mike and I did what we did because at that time we felt that we had no other recourse. Keeping it behind the scene would only hurt the other members. Could this whole incident been handled differently? Perhaps. But like I said, The three of us have met an agreement and I for one do not want to dwell on the past. I want to move forward on this and make sure that, not just me, but EVERYONE gets a quality job! After seeing the pictures of Mcheddadi's lights, I feel a little better though


Modified by dangeris at 7:41 AM 11/12/2008

[hangtime23]

I have to disagree with you on that hangtime. Understood that it wasn't "cool" with you (and most likely others) and I respect that but Mike and I did what we did because at that time we felt that we had no other recourse. Keeping it behind the scene would only hurt the other members. Could this whole incident been handled differently? Perhaps. But like I said, The three of us have met an agreement and I for one do not want to dwell on the past. I want to move forward on this and make sure that, not just me, but EVERYONE gets a quality job! After seeing the pictures of Mcheddadi's lights, I feel a little better though

What are you disagreeing with me on dangeris? That the email thread was justifiable, given yours and Mike's situation?

I understand you felt you had to do something at the time, but if you were going to email all the people involved in the group buy, why not include Brandon in the emails, thus giving him a chance to respond?

It's not that I'm promoting keeping something like this behind the scenes, but I just thought it was a bit unfair to start an email thread among Brandon's customers trashing him behind his back, without giving him any way to respond.

I would have been perfectly fine with that email thread if it had been a 2-way discussion so I, as a customer who had put down a deposit, would be presented with both sides of the coin. But, all I saw from that thread was negativity towards Brandon, and without any responses from him to the criticisms, I could have easily been lead to believe that he was putting out a sub-par product. To me, that thread seemed to be more about blasting Brandon (although it probably was not started with that intention), rather than providing useful information to the customers involved in the group buy.

I'm just wondering why Brandon wasn't included in that email thread...that's all. What I'm seeing now in this thread, with the criticisms and Brandon's response to them, is what I woulda liked to have seen in the original email thread - points from both sides involved.

[dangeris]

Misunderstood what you wrote. I thought you were saying that it would have been better if this was handled "behind the scene".

I understand you felt you had to do something at the time, but if you were going to email all the people involved in the group buy, why not include Brandon in the emails, thus giving him a chance to respond?

What email thread are you talking about? Are you referring to the one that was sent out to all of the people who had placed a deposit with Brandon? Because if you are, I didn't start that.

[hangtime23]

Misunderstood what you wrote. I thought you were saying that it would have been better if this was handled "behind the scene".

ah ok...no that's not what I meant..

What email thread are you talking about? Are you referring to the one that was sent out to all of the people who had placed a deposit with Brandon? Because if you are, I didn't start that.

yeah...that thread, I know you didn't start it, but in my original post, that's what I was referring to when I said I didn't think it was cool. Sorry, in my reply I didn't mean to say that you were the one that started the email thread, but rather that you, Mike and others were making negative criticisms without giving Brandon a chance to reply.

[Mr.Coupe]

So basically you're happy with the results of your lights for the AC? And because of that, you're willing to send the lights of your show car to him to retrofit? If this is the case by all means, please post up pics of the AC lights. Detailed pics like the ones that were posted. I'm not trying to prove that Brandon can't do quality work, I just want to see the "other side" of the coin. Obviously, Mike's and I has only seen the one side so if you have pics, please post them so both Mike and I can be a little more at ease with this whole situation. Modified by dangeris at 11:31 PM 11/11/2008

Yeah dude I'm VERY VERY HAPPY with the results of my headlights. And YES I am willing to and will send him the headlights of my Frontier and my show car to get retrofitted. Like I stated before I will post pics up as soon as I wash, wax, polish and buff the car. Install my fog HID kit and insall my Stillen spoilers. For now I have no hurry to post pictures for you because to me dude you are not worth my time. All the BS that has been said is rediculous. Like I said you are not worth my time to do all the things I have to do to the car before I take pictures. So you will just have to wait for me to take pics of the car.

Ricky C.

[08Coupe]

Any way to put a trim piece over the visible part of the re-sealed area?

[dangeris]

.... For now I have no hurry to post pictures for you because to me dude you are not worth my time. All the BS that has been said is rediculous. Like I said you are not worth my time to do all the things I have to do to the car before I take pictures. So you will just have to wait for me to take pics of the car.

Ricky C.

I'm not worth your time? Are for real Ricky? First off I didn't ask you to post pic of your lights immediately! and 2nd, that comment was the most immature comment I've read this evening. Nice way of showing us your maturity level Ricky

Perhaps if I or Mike have received our lights in a better condition, this thread would have never been started. Maybe you were one the "lucky" ones that received their lights in good working order. However Me and Mike were not hence the thread.

So do whatever your kids your age do to get your car ready for pictures and when you're done, and at your convenience and when you feel Mike and I are "worth your time", please post pictures of your lights for us

[dangeris]

Any way to put a trim piece over the visible part of the re-sealed area?

Thought of that already but the lights need to be resealed first. At this point, if you lift the hood up, you can push down on the headlights (where the seal is) and you can actually see the silicone material "heaving" back and forth. which tells me that the housings were not properly sealed. And if it were properly sealed, one would have to cut down the material so the trim piece would sit flat.

I have to say though, I'm still thinking of puttin on a trim piece to "finish off" that area.

[Infantry1327]

Thought of that already but the lights need to be resealed first. At this point, if you lift the hood up, you can push down on the headlights (where the seal is) and you can actually see the silicone material "heaving" back and forth. which tells me that the housings were not properly sealed. And if it were properly sealed, one would have to cut down the material so the trim piece would sit flat.

I have to say though, I'm still thinking of puttin on a trim piece to "finish off" that area.

Thats exactly what I am thinking. Would add a little extra pop to the engine bay. I would probably go with a chrome or white trim piece. A red would look sick on your whip dangeris. Could probably lay down alot of extra silicone, then cut it flat with a razor blade and mount the trim. I have been discussing this with brandon allready.

[ESP]

To be honest, after I saw the pics of the sealant I was seriously considering backing out.....fast. I'm showing the car next year and I don't need something like that to affect the look of my engine bay. If, however, Brandon can make it a little smoother and (as you guys have already mentioned) we can get some kind of trim piece to go over top of it, then I'm still 110% in. I'm thinking some CF trim on my black coupe would look sick.

Many thanks to the folks here who are speaking up in favor of Brandon's work! It just seems like there's so much passion behind the negativity that the positive aspects of the retrofits are completely overshadowed........

[dangeris]

....Would add a little extra pop to the engine bay. ....

A little "pop" , Infantry, be honest now, you've been watching a little to much of "Design to Sell" on HGTV haven't you...

Honestly, I think a trim piece would add more "texture" to the engine bay

[brandonbeeb]

can lbc or bat come up with say a carbon overlay or colour ones like he did for the grill and then we can get say a thin piece of flexible plastic cut and put underneath the overlay and apply it to the light should be good to go then

[dangeris]

I don't think that would work Brandon. overlays are very thin and you will see all the imperfections (grooves, pits, etc) in the silicone if you put overlay on it. The trim piece would have to be custom made from fiberglass or something of that nature. Some thing that can be sanded smooth and painted to "cap" the silicone, yet provide a second barrier of protection to the lights. I was thinking it would be similar to a fiberglass eyelid. Thoughts anyone?

[Infantry1327]

Excuse my frazeing, lol

I think brandow was talking about getting a thin piece of flexible plastic, then putting the vinal on top of that. Not a bad Idea, but I would like to see something that raps around the edge.

I may and try to do some kind of fiberglass set up. All you would need to do is rap the edge in ceran rap then foil then put a few layers of resin on it. The thrim should just peal off in the shape you need, then just sand and paint. Probably a couple hours of work and like $20. I may try and experiment this weekend if ime not to busy.

[LongBeachCoupe]

The nature of how vinyl responds is very fickle... it needs to be adhered to a smooth surface... Any imperfections or pits bumps will be very visible under any vinyl as its very thin and its properties lend to "wrapping" stuff. If its not a smooth surface, the vinyl wont adhere properly and will fall off almost instantly.

(from my experience... Ive tried to lay vinyl on some cinderblocks and it just wont work)... But if its smooth, vinyl can work...

Taking that into consideration... if there was something like a "chrome trim" piece... Something like cars use in door jams or window trim.. used to cover the visible seams...It wouldnt be an issue getting the vinyl to adhere to it.. theres several types of CF style vinyl.. and pretty much any color is available in vinyl... including several shades that can mirror the car's paint codes.

Some of you HGTV guys may be familiar with how to re-caulk seams in a bathtub... using tape and a proper tool... i think that the material used to seam the headlights could be applied in a fashion that is aesthetically pleasing, as well as functional. Therefore making an "overlay" an option to make it look nice, but not a necessity.

[brandonbeeb]

i meant do like a thin piece of flexible plastic so it would be a smooth surface, secure that to the light and then add the vinyl on top. we almost need the eyelids off of like a civic they wrap around the top and front of the light and there straight across, maybe these could be modified to fit

[bina12834]

after seeing the great seal job that Brandon did on Mendi's lights, im not too worried about all of this. since my car wont be a "show car", i wont have to worry about things being ugly under the hood. Just as long as everything looks good on the outside. :-)

[brandonbeeb]

if im not mistaken i think surman has a better seal then he does, cant remember exactley but i think his went back together pretty clean, the problem with dangeris is that the led strips in the bottom are cut into the housing but they can only but cut in so much that they dont let the lens sit flush since its causing them to put a space between the housing and the lens thats why his where so hard to seal

[dangeris]

Your're correct Brandon. The LEDs are in front of the oem shroud thus adding additional width that needed to be "sandwiched" between the lens and the housing which is why it was pulling apart when you were putting them back together. However, I wanted you to mount the LED strips underneath the oem shroud so it follows the contour of the shroud. The width of the LED strip is like 1/2" inch as oppose to the height which is 1/4" inch. Does that make sense to you?

[brandonbeeb]

the problem with that is it wont let the housing go back together any easier, it would sit underneath the lip but wouldnt be seen, the leds that are on there now basically are on the very bottom of the lens, its not possible to put them underneath its the only way they could really go just because of there width, the way the housing sits into the glass and a few other things, im going to touch them up but they cant be put any lower its hard to explain but once you have it open its easy to see why, once i get them back ill show you what i mean and ill try and get them to sit lower as much as possible,

[dangeris]

I'll have to listen to you Brandon and what your see and experience with these lights. I know they're posing a big challenge to you but I'm confident that you'll get them right on the money. As for sealing, when I blackout the housing on my Acura CL, when I put them back together, I used silicone and wrapped a the lights with a couple of dish towels and used a couple of ratchet straps to tighten and hold everything down while the silicone cures. Are you doing the same thing or something similar?

[ESP]

As for sealing, when I blackout the housing on my Acura CL, when I put them back together, I used silicone and wrapped a the lights with a couple of dish towels and used a couple of ratchet straps to tighten and hold everything down while the silicone cures. Are you doing the same thing or something similar?

That's exactly how I've always done my lights in the past. I'm also curious as to whether or not this is how Brandon does it. Also, why did Lightwerkz poo-poo the use of RTV sealant?

[Mr.Coupe]

I'm not worth your time? Are for real Ricky? First off I didn't ask you to post pic of your lights immediately! and 2nd, that comment was the most immature comment I've read this evening. Nice way of showing us your maturity level Ricky

Perhaps if I or Mike have received our lights in a better condition, this thread would have never been started. Maybe you were one the "lucky" ones that received their lights in good working order. However Me and Mike were not hence the thread.

So do whatever your kids your age do to get your car ready for pictures and when you're done, and at your convenience and when you feel Mike and I are "worth your time", please post pictures of your lights for us

Dude don't make things out to be bigger then they are. That's why this thread was started in the first place. You were not happy with your lights and right away you start WWIII. If Brandon told you he would fix the problem then he would. I'm happy to have been one of the MANY people to get their lights in perfect condition. And at the end its not worth the time for me to take pics FAST. So you will have to wait.

Ricky C. Ricky C.

[LongBeachCoupe]

This thread was started to discuss the builds and the satisfaction of the members involved... Not to be a "bash brandon" thread.

I am glad that theres people on both sides of the fence here and I look forward to seeing your pictures.

[dangeris]

Right!..Back on topic then! I was not intending to make this a bash brandon thread and if it was heading that way I apologize

Ricky C, I look forward to see pics of your lights!

[brandonbeeb]

for some of the guys that where standing by lightwerkz i like the job he did on opening up sedan lights which are a joke compared to the coupes, heres a pichttp://i5.photobucket.com/albu...8.jpg

[brandonbeeb]

heres a link to bina light which are being done at the momenthttp://forums.altimas.org/zero...d=249