[Lt. Zed]

Hey all

It's been really cold in New England so I haven't had the chance to getting to modding the 'bu, but one thing that really frightens me a bit: the 2009+ Malibu doesn't have side markers. In 2008, there are small blinkers just under the A-pillar. That way, if someone is right next to you, they can see that you're making a turn/changing lanes. So two solutions come to mind:

1 - add the blinking mirror, like Mercedes does. I suspect it's a pain to do this tho, as you have to tap into the blinking light, then run a line to the door, ideally through the firewall.
2 - add the blinker in the sheet metal. Not feasible.

One other thought I had is to swap the two amble bulb sockets in the headlight fixture. For you all that have opened your headlights up already, is this doable? Can I simply swap the 2 amber bulbs, fixture and all so that the blinker is on the side, rather than in front?

While I am at it, I'll do HIDs and probably LEDs in there. Do I need LED timers, so I don't have the fast-flash?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DrivenDaily]

Hey all

It's been really cold in New England so I haven't had the chance to getting to modding the 'bu, but one thing that really frightens me a bit: the 2009+ Malibu doesn't have side markers. In 2008, there are small blinkers just under the A-pillar. That way, if someone is right next to you, they can see that you're making a turn/changing lanes. So two solutions come to mind:

1 - add the blinking mirror, like Mercedes does. I suspect it's a pain to do this tho, as you have to tap into the blinking light, then run a line to the door, ideally through the firewall.
2 - add the blinker in the sheet metal. Not feasible.

One other thought I had is to swap the two amble bulb sockets in the headlight fixture. For you all that have opened your headlights up already, is this doable? Can I simply swap the 2 amber bulbs, fixture and all so that the blinker is on the side, rather than in front?

While I am at it, I'll do HIDs and probably LEDs in there. Do I need LED timers, so I don't have the fast-flash?

Thanks in advance!

The front turn/park bulb is a 3157 and the side marker is a 168 or 194. The two are not interchangeable, and the holes in the light assembly are not compatible. So, no, you can't simply change their location. Good idea, though, 'cuz I'm wondering how to mod mine to get some kind of signal repeater like the '08s have.

I switched out my front and rear 3157 bulbs for LEDs. Yes, you need a load resistor for each bulb that you change. I have 4 load resistors: one on each bulb in the back, one on each bulb in the front. I got mine at AutoZone. You can probably find them at most auto parts stores.

Your biggest concern is finding LEDs that actually work and put out enough light. I changed my DRLs from using the low beams to using the front turn filaments, then changed them from incandescent to LED to keep from melting the plastic housing. (Lesson learned from a different car.) They are already starting to burn out the bright elements in the "bulbs", but since I don't run my brake lights all day long those "bulbs" are still working perfectly. I'm still on the hunt for LEDs that can stand up to DRL duty. And they're not cheap, either!

I can't speak to the HID question, but there are other posts on this forum if you start reading around. Just be aware that if you change your low beams out for HIDs they may suffer from rapid on/off abuse when starting your car. (Gleaned from other posts.)

 

[Silver LTZ]

I don't know why they stopped the side repeater after '08. I actually like the idea of having them on the sides.

 

[DrivenDaily]

I don't know why they stopped the side repeater after '08. I actually like the idea of having them on the sides.

That is so true! And when I bought the schematics I couldn't find them for the '09 so I bought the '08 ones. The only difference I've found so far is the existence of the TS repeaters. Everything else has been bang on.

 

[crm2019]

I don't know why they stopped the side repeater after '08. I actually like the idea of having them on the sides.

My guess, $.

 

[Silver LTZ]

My guess, $.

Maybe, but once it's there the costs of retooling the fenders you think would counteract that.

 

[elcompaLalo]

I'm so glad I got an 08 and love the side markers for the extra security they offer when making it easier for others to see my car.

What if you installed OEM side markers from an 08. Maybe the price for them isn't that bad.

 

[Lt. Zed]

That's a good idea, and one I thought of. the thing is that in order to do that, I have to cut metal, which I really don't want to do if I don't have to.

The original theory was to just swap the two orange marker lights. I am thinking now that I may need to do some more hacking. So the theory I have now is:
1- pull both sets of bulbs out and swap the leads only.
2- Buy new holders and LED bulbs. I understand I only need the inline resistors in these.

The other option is still to run a lead to the door and install a marker in the mirror. I am thinking that is a really difficult and pricey thing to do...I have never seen anyone else doing it either. Has anyone here tried to do this?

 

[DrivenDaily]

That's a good idea, and one I thought of. the thing is that in order to do that, I have to cut metal, which I really don't want to do if I don't have to.

The original theory was to just swap the two orange marker lights. I am thinking now that I may need to do some more hacking. So the theory I have now is:
1- pull both sets of bulbs out and swap the leads only.
2- Buy new holders and LED bulbs. I understand I only need the inline resistors in these.

The other option is still to run a lead to the door and install a marker in the mirror. I am thinking that is a really difficult and pricey thing to do...I have never seen anyone else doing it either. Has anyone here tried to do this?

I've had my door panels off. They're easy. Running wire to the doors is pretty easy, too. I pulled both ends of the rubber tube connecting the door to the body, fished my wires through, then reinstalled the ends. They're even marked to help!

Yesterday I was in AutoZone and got some flexible edge-mounted amber SMT (surface-mount technology) LEDs that are 28" (14" x 2). I may have to trim them a little, but the idea is to install them in the upper and outside gaps between the mirrors and the housings, then wire them to the front signals. I tested them outside last night and they're plenty bright. They use 3M tape which is permanent once applied correctly. And no holes! Now all I have to do is find some warmth on a weekend and get it done.

 

[elcompaLalo]

How about a write up DrivenDaily, would be nice to see how its done.

 

[DrivenDaily]

How about a write up DrivenDaily, would be nice to see how its done.

Sure, once I get it done! It looks like next weekend might be a little milder. We're in the 20's now, warming up to the 30's and maybe 40's by then, so should allow me enough warmth to at least investigate how I'm gonna do it.

Anybody got any photo software? I have pictures of my mods but can't seem to get them small enough to fit on here without making them too small. I could send you the full-size pics and you could return them properly sized. If you can, I'll also be able to provide pics of this mod. I'll be sure to take pics step-by-step, too.

Or you can just refer me to what you use. I have a Nikon D90, so quality isn't an issue, just size.

 

[Silver LTZ]

Sure, once I get it done! It looks like next weekend might be a little milder. We're in the 20's now, warming up to the 30's and maybe 40's by then, so should allow me enough warmth to at least investigate how I'm gonna do it.

Anybody got any photo software? I have pictures of my mods but can't seem to get them small enough to fit on here without making them too small. I could send you the full-size pics and you could return them properly sized. If you can, I'll also be able to provide pics of this mod. I'll be sure to take pics step-by-step, too.

Or you can just refer me to what you use. I have a Nikon D90, so quality isn't an issue, just size.

Put them on Photobucket, it will resize them to work here. That is what I use.

 

[elcompaLalo]

Sure, once I get it done! It looks like next weekend might be a little milder. We're in the 20's now, warming up to the 30's and maybe 40's by then, so should allow me enough warmth to at least investigate how I'm gonna do it.

Anybody got any photo software? I have pictures of my mods but can't seem to get them small enough to fit on here without making them too small. I could send you the full-size pics and you could return them properly sized. If you can, I'll also be able to provide pics of this mod. I'll be sure to take pics step-by-step, too.

Or you can just refer me to what you use. I have a Nikon D90, so quality isn't an issue, just size.

I have the ability to re-size if you need it, but Photobucket has those options as well plus the hosting is free too. Much easier to post up from there IMO as long as you don't get all post crazy and exceed your bandwidth. Let me know what you decide.

 

[DrivenDaily]

I'll take a look at PhotoBucket and let you know. Thanks both of you for the ideas and offer.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Update: I've installed the passenger's side light in the housing but still need to run the wiring, do the driver's side, and then post the how-to. Stay tuned!

 

[Silver LTZ]

Update: I've installed the passenger's side light in the housing but still need to run the wiring, do the driver's side, and then post the how-to. Stay tuned!

Cool man, be sure to post pics.

 

[elcompaLalo]

Patiently waiting.

 

[DrivenDaily]

A little longer . . .

Passenger's side mounted, temporary wire to test looks good. Rain stopped further work. Will do driver's side next weekend.

Sorry about the disappointment, but I already have a lot of pictures and will get more to put together a comprehensive install procedure.

If I make the whole thing a Word document (with pictures) is that something I can post to Photobucket or other similar site? If not, ChevyFreak sent me an invite to DropBox and I can look there. It shoud be pretty easy no matter where it goes to just post the link, right?

 

[elcompaLalo]

Yea a link would work. But honestly, nothing like a detailed "how to". A few steps, pic, more steps and another pic posted up here. They take some time but well worth it.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Here's the right side - once I figure out how to get the rest uploaded, I'll get it done!

But how do I get it to be large like you guys do it? I'm just not good with graphic stuff. I can cut a mean spreadsheet or database, but graphics have always befuddled me. Any help??? Please?