DIY DRL Halo Diffuser Ring Modifications

[Joe@NightOwlLEDs]

If you want an awesome look to the DRL Halos (LED Rings of any make), you can add a diffuser ring over
the top to more closely match the stock RS Halos, as well as to blend the light.
A few additional steps makes it look even better.



Please keep in mind that I am very OCD with my car. I think they look great without any extra work. I don't have a side-by-side picture though.

I start by spraying the inside with frosting spray. Even though the LEDs are tiny in the NightOwl New Ultimate DRL Halos, with mixed colors, there is still a tiny bit of refraction due to the prism shape of the grooves on the diffuser. On mixed colors like purple, that may mean that sometimes you can pick up a little red or a little blue. Using the frosting, helps blend the colors.

The edges of the diffuser rings are clear. So you can see the LEDs directly if you are looking from the side. To hide this, I spray the sides with chrome spray.

I also install the LED ring as far back as possible to allow the light to blend before going through the diffuser.

Here are the rings side by side. On the right...the way they come. On the left...my personal modifications.



The back side. Notice the notches I made so that the ring will sit against the back of the
DRL housing without rocking.


Here is some "Caulking Saver" that I found at the hardware store. Fits perfect inside to
prevent spraying the chrome on the inside of the diffuser. I spray the chrome from the back to
leave the front clear. I then take a rag with mineral spirits to wipe off any overspray on the front.



Inserting the ring. Leave the ring towards the back of the ring. This lets the light disperse
so that it doesn't leave any hot spots. You do have to push it in a little further to sit
below the notches on the finished piece. The fit is very tight. You may need to sand the edge
of the LED ring a little if it is too tight.


Finished Outcome

[chef-beavis]

Awesome work, as always. Expect my order soon.

As a side note, would these diffusers fit my ride-on???

[Joe@NightOwlLEDs]

Originally Posted by chef-beavis

Awesome work, as always. Expect my order soon.

As a side note, would these diffusers fit my ride-on???

I think they would be too big for the ride-on.

[Deke736]

That really looks great! Very easy steps and I like the notches you cut. Now that I see how you did the chrome spray, I really can't wait to see your car in person to compare against mine. I hope I don't decide to tear mine back apart and take that step.

[a.morblu]

I had no idea they made these!! The only reason I haven't done this mode is because I hate the look of raw LEDs. Looks great!!

[Deke736]

Originally Posted by a.morblu

I had no idea they made these!! The only reason I haven't done this mode is because I hate the look of raw LEDs. Looks great!!

The RGB COB rings are brand new to the market. Many lighting vendors don't even have them available yet. I was waiting on this technology to come out for the same reason as you, I couldn't stand the individual SMD LED dots. I was lucky enough to work with Joe on the initial testing and I am extremely happy that he is offering these for sale now! I posted a video in his sale thread if you want to see them in action.

[a.morblu]

Originally Posted by Deke736

The RGB COB rings are brand new to the market. Many lighting vendors don't even have them available yet. I was waiting on this technology to come out for the same reason as you, I couldn't stand the individual SMD LED dots. I was lucky enough to work with Joe on the initial testing and I am extremely happy that he is offering these for sale now! I posted a video in his sale thread if you want to see them in action.

Just picked up an entire system. You guys should make a half moon shaped diffuser with some type of clip to fit the taillights for afterburners and then let me beta test them!!

[SSMKNU2]

Bookmarked this page from when I get my kit

[badazss]

Hey Joe
I have mine on for over a year here are some pics with them one
By the way Joe you have the best system out there

[Deke736]

Originally Posted by a.morblu

Just picked up an entire system. You guys should make a half moon shaped diffuser with some type of clip to fit the taillights for afterburners and then let me beta test them!!

If those existed, they would be on my car!

[a.morblu]

Originally Posted by Deke736

If those existed, they would be on my car!

Mine too!

[ka1]

Can I just buy the rings? I had a set but they didn't fit my fog halos. They both said 80mm but the halos were a little bigger than the rings

[Joe@NightOwlLEDs]

We can discuss our DRL halos in the sale thread. This thread was meant just as a simple DIY that should work on any DRL rings...not just our new ones. I thought everyone could benefit.

But to answer you question quickly, no we don't sell them without the rings. We test fit every single one and in most cases, we trim down the LED rings to fit inside the diffuser. We also don't purchase the diffusers for very much, so you wouldn't be saving much even if we did offer them by themselves.

Joe

[MackMan]

Finally some pictures of the kit! Top notch product and service!