LED Side Mirror Example Photos- Opinions Needed!!

[manxman]

OK, to follow up on Panson's request for opinions on the saleability of this product, here are some photos. Please chime in- will these sell, or should Panson not bother importing these?

Two example pieces- the Blue one is for GE8 Fits. The silver one is considerably smaller, and I assume it is either for GD3's or some model of JDM Fits.
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8067/imgp1257.th.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/i/imgp1257.jpg/)
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/6247/imgp1259.th.jpg (http://img693.imageshack.us/i/imgp1259.jpg/)

I hung the Blue shell on the front of my driver side 2009 Sport mirror. It may be hard to tell from the badly lit photos, but this looks as if it will be an exact fit for the GE8s.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/5431/imgp1248.th.jpg (http://img695.imageshack.us/i/imgp1248.jpg/)
http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/1774/imgp1249.th.jpg (http://img695.imageshack.us/i/imgp1249.jpg/)
http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/5127/imgp1250.th.jpg (http://img695.imageshack.us/i/imgp1250.jpg/)
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/3019/imgp1252.th.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/i/imgp1252.jpg/)


Here are views of the inside of the shell. The plastic clips lock the shell onto the mirror holder frame that is mounted to the doors.

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/589/imgp1260.th.jpg (http://img693.imageshack.us/i/imgp1260.jpg/)
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/2826/imgp1261.th.jpg (http://img693.imageshack.us/i/imgp1261.jpg/)

The LED light is held in with one screw, and the body of the light socket-fits into the shell. There is a black ground, and red positive wire with crimp type solderless connectors. I assume that there may be matching wires, currently unused, inside our doors to be connected to the leads for the lights. If we don't have existing wires, I would be hesitant to fish around for a wire harness under the dash or under the hood for connection to the stock turn signals. This is the missing info that we need, Panson, to show how difficult or easy the installation is.

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/2182/imgp1262f.th.jpg (http://img222.imageshack.us/i/imgp1262f.jpg/)
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6504/imgp1263.th.jpg (http://img222.imageshack.us/i/imgp1263.jpg/)

On GE8's, the black plastic 3/8" wide band that surrounds the mirror glass is the "mirror holder" that is part of the mirror body mounted to the doors. The body colored plastic that is forward of the black band is the housing that will be replaced by the LED Mirror Cover.

I personally don't find the LED in the shell to be ugly in appearance, and it would certainly tell people in the lanes next to you on a freeway, or on city streets, when your turn signals are on for a turn.

Stock Honda spray paint colors and clear coat paint are available from several on-line vendors. I will post a link to the one that I have dealt with in the past. Those with auto painting skills will have no trouble matching their body paint job when they paint these mirror covers. If this idea continues to develop on this thread, I will check with several auto body chain stores to see what you might expect to pay for professional painting.

Panson, I will send these back to you next week. Thanks for allowing me to help in the research. I will buy a set depending on the info. that you can provide in the future regarding installation methods. :):):)

[MzFiT]

yes it would be good to know if there is wiring in the doors.........make it alot easier !!
GD3 and GE8 color code

[claymore]

Once again nice write up with the introduction to a new product .... see them here first.

[VillageIdiot]

I see this as a valuable and functional product that would be of benefit to any driver that uses their turn signals..... It would be a great training aid for those that don't but want to show off their new LED lights while cruising from parking lot to parking lot on Saturday night..... I am all for it if I don't have to spend a great deal of time under the dash trying to figure out how to install them.

[manxman]

I see this as a valuable and functional product that would be of benefit to any driver that uses their turn signals..... It would be a great training aid for those that don't but want to show off their new LED lights while cruising from parking lot to parking lot on Saturday night..... I am all for it if I don't have to spend a great deal of time under the dash trying to figure out how to install them.
Following that train of thought, the same guys who wire their fog lights to work independently so that they can run their yellow bulbs all day as a decoration, rather than to light the road in real fog---- they could wire their mirror LEDs to work as decorations all the time too. Or, to be REALLY clever, they could wire the mirrors so that the right mirror flashes while the left turn signal is on, just to screw with everyone else on the freeway.

See? Lots of crazy people around here.

[VillageIdiot]

Man you are a deviant person to even think up the idea of reversing the wiring..... Now someone will read that, think it's a "dope" thing to do and it will be your fault... Gosh darn Super Mods need to be more responsible..... Just jesting.

[manxman]

You started it---.:D

[VillageIdiot]

I was thinking out loud about how it would be a subtle way to promote social awareness... If we were to see some actually use there turn signals we could reward them by pulling them over to reward the with a social awareness certificate and a JDM good driver sticker to put on their rear window..... It is so uncommon to see people use there signals where I live I always smile and wave at them.... I think it scares a lot of them when I do, but what I do when they don't signal scares them worse.

[manxman]

Panson (and other interested members)--

Here is a thread from fitfreak that concerns entire replacement mirrors (not just covers) that have LED turn signal lights. Note the photos of the electrical plugs that come with the mirror assemblies. Not just a pos. and neg. wire, but a wire harness connector. Keep in mind though, these are power folding/LED signal mirrors that are JDM. This is the reason why I am guessing that there may be usable wires in our doors that might activate the LEDs in Panson's mirror covers.

http://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-generation-ge8-specific-sale-wtb-used-parts-sub-forum/48139-wtb-signal-mirrors.html

P.s. If any of OUR members knows Atticus Fit, please let him know what we are working on with this thread. Panson's lighted covers are not going to cost the $300.00 that the guy in the freak thread spent for his JDM replacement mirrors.

[manxman]

And, all questions are now answered about wiring. Here is another thread on fitfreak that explains wiring colors for wires that are inside the doors, and that will make Panson's LED mirror covers work.

http://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-generation-ge-08-present/40786-diy-turn-signal-mirrors-winkers.html

Panson, if you can work a deal so that you can import these mirror covers, I will buy a set. I can't speak for anyone else, though. Also, can you find out if the silver painted, smaller mirror cover is for the GD3 (2007-2008) Fits? Another one of our members will probably be interested in the GD3 version.

Based on the DIY thread on fitfreak about the other brand of mirror covers (not as attractive as yours in my opinion- in fact the fitfreak ones are UGLY), the installation looks to be fairly easy. I will delay mailing out your example pieces just long enough to visit a local car paint shop to get a ball-park estimate on painting two covers.

[VillageIdiot]

If they come in silver I want some... what is the price??? What do they do???? LOL.

[manxman]

If they come in silver I want some... what is the price??? What do they do???? LOL.
For those with multiple personality disorder, here's a helpful guide-

1. If the DUMB personality is in control, log onto fitfreak.
2. If the smart personality is in control, log onto HondaFitForums.

There now. Isn't this helpful? A psychiatrist would charge you big bucks for a few minutes of such golden guidance, and make you buy very expensive prescription drugs too.

For anyone who hasn't read the two threads, you get the mirror covers painted, either you do it, or pay someone to do it, to match your car. I was joking about everything but the above sentence.

[EXWRX]

Sad that it's not for us GD series, but good for you guys. Of course you can already use the insight mirrors.

[VillageIdiot]

For those with multiple personality disorder, here's a helpful guide-

1. If the DUMB personality is in control, log onto fitfreak.
2. If the smart personality is in control, log onto HondaFitForums.

There now. Isn't this helpful? A psychiatrist would charge you big bucks for a few minutes of such golden guidance, and make you buy very expensive prescription drugs too.

For anyone who hasn't read the two threads, you get the mirror covers painted, either you do it, or pay someone to do it, to match your car. I was joking about everything but the above sentence.
I am a service connected disabled veteran..... I get all of my drugs for free.... I don't have multiple personality disorder either. Yes I do NoIdon'tYesI donoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tyesIdonIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon' tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tVesIdoN oIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon't .................

[manxman]

Sad that it's not for us GD series, but good for you guys. Of course you can already use the insight mirrors.
Jeff, I received two sample pieces. One was a perfect fit for the GE's. The other piece was smaller, and I suspect that it will fit GD's. I will try to visit a local GD owner to find that out for sure. I think that it is pretty certain that whoever in China is making the lighted ABS plastic covers for the GE's is also making same for the GD's.

If you like this concept, please speak up. Panson can use all of the encouragement that we can offer. If you can get lighted mirror covers for your GD for around $100.(real price unknown at this point, but cheaper than the ones on Ebay)----------
ARE YOU INTERESTED?

[manxman]

I am a service connected disabled veteran..... I get all of my drugs for free.... I don't have multiple personality disorder either. Yes I do NoIdon'tYesI donoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tyesIdonIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon' tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tVesIdoN oIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon't .................
Here's a TV series that a lot of people would like (I do but then I'm weird):

HBO "The United States of Tara"- both funny and gross at times, all about a woman with multiple personalities. Great writing and acting, wonderful actors. New season begins soon.

[EXWRX]

I am interested, but due to other pressures in my life, I won't commit to buying anything nonessential car related right now.

[manxman]

I am interested, but due to other pressures in my life, I won't commit to buying anything nonessential car related right now.
Thanks Jeff, the interest is what counts- not a commitment to buy. If the majority of people are not interested, it would be foolish of Panson to continue pursuing the whole idea.

[manxman]

I am a service connected disabled veteran..... I get all of my drugs for free.... I don't have multiple personality disorder either. Yes I do NoIdon'tYesI donoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tyesIdonIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon' tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tVesIdoN oIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon't .................
Now lissen here, Dee,

If you can't stop disrupting the rest of the class, go sit in the corner and put that pointy hat on!

[VillageIdiot]

My hat, my hat.. I will have to make a new one.... I needed tin foil to wrap up some defrosted pork tripe and had to use my hat and I began arguing with the other guy that lives in my head... Would it be better if I make my new hat pointy? .... It needs to deflect ELF transmissions that awaken me and direct me to this forum at weird hours during the night.

[macbuddy]

I am a service connected disabled veteran..... I get all of my drugs for free.... I don't have multiple personality disorder either. Yes I do NoIdon'tYesI donoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tyesIdonIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon' tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tVesIdoN oIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon'tYesIdoNoIdon't .................

Geez, no wonder you call yourself "Village!" :)

[manxman]

More Mirror Info.--

I don't have a local GD3 available at present so that I can compare the silver painted mirror cover, but I assume that Panson's supplier would not have sent a sample that does not apply to Fits. I asked Panson to confirm that mirror covers will be available for both GD3's and GE8's. We alrady know that the blue example fits my GE.

PAINTING:

I visited a local auto body paint shop that has done good work for me in the past, and asked for a quote on cost to paint two mirror covers. I was told that this minor job on replacement mirrors, gas cap doors, etc. comes up all the time. It involves about 1 hour of labor, and $20. of materials because they never use "Color Match" Spray cans- they always mix paint to match factory color formulas for each job.

Quoted price for two mirror covers: $100.00. I will assume that this is in the same range that you will find at national chain paint shops like "Earl Scheib", "Maco" and "Miracle Auto Body". When and if I can buy a set of mirror covers, I will take them to my local shop in Santa Cruz- "Autorella Auto Body" on Soquel Dr. (for any readers in the Santa Cruz, CA area).

Now this is back in Panson's hands to set up for sales if he chooses to go through with the project. As previously posted, I'll buy.:):)

[manxman]

I received a PM from Panson this morning. The GE8 mirror covers will be offered at a price of $90.00 per set, shipped. If ten or more people participate in a Group Buy, the price drops to $80.00 per set, shipped.

Panson, please start a new thread spelling out the terms of the Group Buy, and let us know about the availability of lighted covers for 2007-08 Fits.

Thanks very much for your efforts to bring high quality accessories to the Fit marketplace.:D

[VillageIdiot]

I found a paint store that custom matches and sells it in a spray can.... The only problem is the paint is an acrylic in the can and base coat clear coat on the car and the difference when applied is very noticeable..... If there was a large market for a certain color there are surely painters that would make a deal to do a batch of them in the same color. A great deal of the prep time on small items involves mixing the primer,the base then the clear coat and then the clean up between the two and after the last.

[VillageIdiot]

As you know I have done business with Panson.... I have nothing but positive things to say about the guy, his products, shipping process and follow up in dealing with problems by supplying information to solution them followed by replacement of if the problem isn't solved by the information.... As I have told him, I look forward to doing business with him again.

[VillageIdiot]

What manxman says is the truth.... I was very lucky that the group buy went as well as it did and that Panson was as good at what he does to see it through..... Everyone that wants to be able to purchase good quality products on line from a person that will stand behind what he sells needs to know that Panson is a person that meets and exceeds this criteria.

[manxman]

Well, I lied before- one more post-----

If Panson can get LED mirror covers for the GD3 too, VillageIdiot will join me in buying a set. I will buy my set regardless of price, but will give V.I. the opportunity to back out if he wants to. I think that this product is too good of an idea to turn my back on.

Dee, I will let you know whatever I can find out from Panson.

Also, I showed the GE8 mirror cover to my retired auto body repairman friend. He would paint my covers for me for free, but says that considering minimum quantities required for purchase from auto paint suppliers, my quoted price from the auto paint shop of $100.00 per set was VERY good. To buy only the paint for my buddy to do the job, I would have to pay at least the same $100.00.

[VillageIdiot]

Let him know that I opened an account with PayPal to do business with him and somehow they have taken money from my checking account that wasn't authorized. I guess it is OK since I am drawing interest on it and I'm not overdrawn,yet.

[manxman]

Hey-
That would not be OK if it happened to me!

[VillageIdiot]

It isn't OK really.... I hope to straighten it out, somehow..... I had heard of this happening and always relied on using a debit card for purchases on line but at the time TWP only took PayPal.

[manxman]

It isn't OK really.... I hope to straighten it out, somehow..... I had heard of this happening and always relied on using a debit card for purchases on line but at the time TWP only took PayPal.
Yeah, PayPal has its faults. I suggest that you use your debit card for those Pay Pal purchases. I'm not trying to tell you how to handle your finances, but credit cards give you a lot of protection in Internet shopping. I use Visa or AmEx to cover any PayPal purchases. As an example, some sh!thead hacked my AmEx account number, and tried to charge $5K worth of tickets on Ticketron. This was not (necessarily) related to PayPal. AmEx froze the account and asked if this was a legitimate charge. I said "No!!!!!!!!!!". They withheld payment, and replaced my card with a new account number.

I buy A LOT over the Internet. I save a hell of a lot of gasoline, and a hell of a lot of sales tax. Sure, that exposes my credit card numbers to a lot of hackers, but I am protected by the regs. of the credit card industry. I LOVE the Internet.

[VillageIdiot]

Panson said that he now takes credit cards but didn't take anything but PayPal at the time.. I had just missed out on a Weapon R manifold because I didn't have it so against my better judgement and seduced by the price and features of the T/C, I opened the account.

[manxman]

Panson said that he now takes credit cards but didn't take anything but PayPal at the time.. I had just missed out on a Weapon R manifold because I didn't have it so against my better judgement and seduced by the price and features of the T/C, I opened the account.
The good news out of that is that Panson is serious about having an Internet business, and will find other goodies to make us spend money. Yay!!!!

[claymore]

Time to close this temporarily until some administrative matters can be worked out. :)