013 - Daz' R33 Update (Tail Light Conversion)

The Japanese car scene is incredibly diverse, it showcases creativity and thrives off the ability for people to push limits and social norms. At the very core of the Japanese car scene is one word we’re all very familiar with: modification. 

Somewhere in a workshop in Melbourne, I took it upon myself to totally revamp the rear lighting system in my R33. LED’s have been done time and time again, bolt on kits have been around for Skylines for a long time now. However, staying true to the scene we’re all so very fond of, I decided to add my own flavour to this particular mod. 

I don’t exactly recall how I came across zLED’s on instagram, but as soon as I saw what was on offer, I knew I had to have it. I purchased a DIY kit from the good old US of A and, after considering selling one of semi-vital organs to pay for shipping, the goods were en route. A light up rear garnish was also purchased somewhere along the line, soon to be modified as well. 

The rear tail lights were removed, but after breaking and melting more sets than I’m willing to admit, I outsourced the disassembly of the tail lights to a friend of mine with far more patience than myself.

LED boards were then fit to the factory tail light assemblies, siliconed down and then reassembled and resealed. The module was fitted and wired accordingly.

The process for the rear light up garnish was very similar. The garnish was heated and disassembled, the factory lighting board was removed and replaced with an LED board which ran on 12V instead of 5. The garnish was then reassembled and sealed. 

After much, much procrastination and a whole heap of choice language, the rear of the skyline has now been brought into the 21st century, and now for the rest of her. 

No gels used here, red lighting provided by the led taillights lol*