Making cool angel eyes with your own hands quickly and easily

Hello, dear friends! At one time, angel eyes on BMW cars made a splash on the market. It was optics of amazing beauty, especially in the dark. But even now fashion has not disappeared, and many people want to make angel eyes with their own hands.

In practice, there is nothing particularly complicated here. You will have to tinker, but the result will certainly please you. You can start from different instructions and manufacturing options. Some people use sites with videos that can be watched in parallel with taking notes in a notebook. Also on the Drive2 resource, motorists share their own experience of making peepholes, like those on a BMW.

I suggest you consider 3 interesting options. 2 of them are homemade and one more can be purchased online. The kit usually includes an ignition unit or a stabilizer, depending on the light source used.

First option

Often, when motorists want to make homemade angel eyes, LEDs are used. They perfectly complement the main beam headlights, and their installation does not cause much difficulty.

As for the set of materials and tools, here you will need to take:

Installation

You can attach angel eyes to the lens housing using thin, strong wire (for attaching pictures). To do this, you need to drill small holes in the casing. The shroud (the inner frame in front of the lenses) acts as a barrier and helps protect the angel eyes from the heat that comes from the lens. The process of installing and connecting “angel eyes” is described in detail in the article “how to install angel eyes”.

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5 mm white LEDs;
a resistor of approximately 330 Ohms and 0.25 W;
wires for connection;
plastic rod;
or a plexiglass rod (diameter from 8 to 10 mm);
jar or lid (1-3 liters);
drill with adjustable speed;
soldering iron;
silicone glue;
construction type hairdryer.

Take a rod of suitable length to make a ring out of it. You will need to make holes on the end sides for installing LEDs.

To avoid damaging the rod, it is recommended to wrap it in polyethylene or fabric and then fix it in the machine. This will ensure immobility and the ability to carefully make indentations without scratches.

Typically the holes are made with a diameter of about 6 millimeters. The depth depends on the design of the tube itself. But it is better not to exceed the value of 10 millimeters. To make the body take the shape of an optical device, you can take a jar or a lid from it. By bending around the jar, you will get a perfectly even ring. It is important that the diameter matches the internal diameter of the headlight itself on your car. Using a hair dryer, the body heats up and bends around the jar or its lid. There is no need to completely connect the ends of the tube to each other.

At the next stage, diodes are installed. Here you need to solder a wire of a suitable length to the terminals, which is enough to connect to the power wires outside the car headlight housing. A resistor is soldered onto one wire. As a result, you need to assemble an electrical circuit of LEDs with a serial connection and the resistor itself.

Now insert the diodes into the holes of your tube and secure with glue. The number of LEDs is determined individually.

In this case, you should not count on a bright glow and the ability to replace DRLs. The option is rather decorative.

Ring connection

First of all, it is worth considering the rules for using light lights. The “angel eyes” themselves can be classified as daytime running lights. In this case, it is necessary to make the connection in such a way as not to violate the requirements of GOST R 41.48.-2004. This means that the rings and the DRLs themselves must turn on as soon as the engine starts and, accordingly, turn off when it stops.

In this regard, you need to adhere to a certain connection scheme. There are two ways to solve this issue:

You can use a 5-pin relay and female terminals (you need 4 pieces). In this case, the negative wire of the “eye” is connected to the machine body, and the positive terminal is soldered, after which it is connected to contact No. 30. After this, you need to find the wire under the hood that connects the “dimensions” and the switch. Contact No. 85 is connected to the “+” of the side lamps, and No. 86 is connected to the housing (that is, the relay will be powered simultaneously with the “dimensions”). You will also need to make one more wiring, which will go from “Ignition + 12V” to contact No. 87a. When the ignition is turned on and the dimensions are on, +12V reaches the “eyes” through the closed contacts of relays No. 87a and No. 30 and they begin to burn. As soon as the size switch is turned to the “off” position, the relay is de-energized, and contacts No. 87a and No. 30 open. In this case, the “angel eyes” will go out along with the “dimensions”, as required by GOST. If rings are purchased ready-made, then a current stabilizer is usually included with them. It must be connected between the 30th pin of the relay and the “eyes” themselves. If there is no current stabilizer, then it is better to purchase one, as this will help avoid situations when a voltage surge occurs in the on-board system and devices fail.

Connect “angel eyes” through the DRL controller. It can be purchased at any specialty store. Then the assembly will be carried out in accordance with a specific diagram, which is demonstrated in detail in the instructions for the device.

If we talk about which connection method is better, then, of course, it is much more convenient to use the DRL control unit. It will help protect against possible overloads. In this case, homemade “eyes” will last much longer.

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to Priora;
Toyota Chaser 100;
BMWs deprived of such a privilege;
VAZ 2106;
VAZ 2109;
2110;
VAZ 2115;
VAZ 2114;
Renault Logan;
Hyundai Solaris;
Daewoo Lanos, etc.

Objectively, angel eyes look more advantageous on foreign cars. Although no one will forbid you to install such solutions on any machine.

To implement the task, you will need to prepare a slightly different set of materials and tools.

The following is required:

double-density white LED strip, but without silicone coating;
wires for connection;
transparent silicone;
glue;
varnish (silver color);
screwdriver;
pliers;
Have a good mood;
extreme concentration and accuracy.

LED strips bend perfectly, which will allow you to easily make a ring of the required diameter. Just keep in mind that one headlight requires about 30-40 centimeters of tape.

Then the pads at one end are stripped to allow additional wires to be soldered there. They allow you to connect to a +12V power supply.

Next, a piece of tape is pointed onto a flat surface with the diodes facing upward. Gradually the tape is filled with transparent silicone. Do this slowly and carefully, armed with a mounting gun. This will allow you to coat the diodes with a uniform and even layer of silicone. It is important to wait for the resulting structure to dry completely, otherwise you will ruin everything with your own hands. Silicone will protect the product and act as a light diffuser.

To avoid wasting light illuminating the reflector, coat the back side of the tape with silver varnish. You can borrow it from your wife, sister or mother. Or buy it at your nearest store. The varnish will act as a reflector.

We attach to the headlights

Installing angel eyes is no less important than assembling them. Here you need to do the following manipulations:

we disassemble the headlight housing and take out the glass from it;

Note! It is necessary to disassemble the headlight very carefully in order to subsequently use the removed glass to cover the installed optical system.

Ring installation

We clean the reflector from dirt. Use cotton swabs and cleaning chemicals for this;
during processing, avoid touching the surface of the reflector with your hands;
We apply sealant to the glass and install a homemade luminous ring on it, with the notches facing outward;

after that we lay the wires;
Apply silicone between the headlight itself and the protective glass, carefully filling all the pores;
It takes at least half an hour for the silicone to dry.

Finished headlight

At the end, all you have to do is test the operation of the headlights with the new LED installation. To do this, connect all wires to a power source. Here you need to disconnect the plug that connects the turn signals. This is where the “eyes” should be connected. Now your car has a beautiful tuning. Moreover, such a homemade device is not only beautiful, but also practical. If all elements of the lighting fixture are assembled correctly, it will serve you faithfully for many years, providing bright light from the headlights.

Third method

In theory, it is the simplest, since you are simply buying a ready-made device, which has a diffuser, an ignition unit and other necessary components. It’s just important to choose a quality product, since the Internet offers many options that are not of the best quality.

Eyes based on CCFL rings have proven themselves to be excellent. They have high reliability indicators and are in many ways superior to their LED counterparts.

If we talk about Aliexpress, then I would not advise you to buy ready-made angel eyes based on LEDs. Low-quality products are used here, which can quickly overheat when the head optics are turned on. As a result, in less than a year they will have to be removed due to the significantly reduced brightness level.

What type of “eyes” is best to make?

If we talk about the features of structures of this type, the lighting can be:

LED. LED devices can withstand low temperatures well and have a long service life. They rarely break. LED “angel eyes” can be bought ready-made (they are quite expensive) or made with your own hands without any problems (you will have to spend the most money on a plexiglass tube just for LEDs).
Neon. CCFL is distinguished by a brighter and more uniform glow, since in this case there are not light bulbs inside the tube, but heated gas. However, such products cannot withstand frost and begin to fully glow only a few minutes after turning on the headlights. To make such “angel eyes” yourself will require more costs (you need to additionally buy an ignition unit), so it’s easier to buy a ready-made kit.

Upgrading headlights must be done very carefully. Do not forget about the main function of lights and traffic rules. For example, if you use red or blue LEDs for “angel eyes,” then a conversation with a traffic police officer cannot be avoided. The fact is that such colors can only be used in the optics of official vehicles. If an ordinary driver imitates a “flashing light,” he risks paying a fine of 2,500 rubles or his car may be sent to the impound lot. Therefore, it is best to use white, yellow or orange lights for tuning headlights yourself.

How to make and install angel eyes with your own hands

Making angel eyes will require maximum endurance, accuracy and creativity from the home craftsman. The main part for the glowing ring is a transparent plastic rod. These round rods must be able to withstand high temperatures. Typically, such rods are sold in curtain, curtain and blind shops.

Required tools:

pliers;
wire cutters;
hacksaw for metal;
file;
drill;
cutting wheel;
construction hair dryer;
soldering iron

For self-assembly you will need: a flat wide container for laying rods, a wide round container, for example, from a herring container, carbon insulating adhesive tape, 220 Ohm resistors, 4 LEDs at 3.5 volts, connectors, wires. One group uses 3 diodes, like on a tape. With a 220 Ohm resistor, the current at a voltage of 12 V will be about 10 Ma, and at 14 V - about 20 Ma.

The length of the rod is calculated by the formula: 3.14 x D, where D is the internal cross-section of the headlight. Cut the rod in place. Soften with a hairdryer or in hot water poured into a container. Take the tip with pliers and wrap it around the jar.

Keep it until it cools down. Solder resistors to the LED terminals. Take two diodes for each headlight

When soldering leads, it is very important not to confuse plus and minus

Remove the glass from the headlight and plug the hole. Hide the diodes on top so that they are not visible. The ring does not require fasteners; it is pressed against the reflector. The popular tuning has been completed and can be tested in night mode. Manufacturing from plexiglass and installation in headlights, manufacturing from LED strip is carried out in the same way.

Next Decorative lighting and tuningHow to install and connect angel eyes on a VAZ 2109

A couple of important points

A car is a vehicle whose technical condition must meet certain standards and norms.
This means that any change in design requires prior technical expertise. If you follow the letter of the law, then the car owner must contact a specialized organization with an application “to make changes to the vehicle’s light signaling device.” The expert will conduct an examination and give an opinion on the vehicle’s compliance with the requirements of the Technical Regulations. A simple procedure at first glance has one significant drawback: the minimum cost of services is 5 thousand rubles. Not wanting to pay such a sum, many drivers continue to tune their car themselves, thereby violating Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offences. According to the article, every driver who independently installs angel eyes risks receiving a warning or a fine of 500 rubles. An exception is the installation of lamps emitting red light in front of the car, for which a penalty is imposed in the form of deprivation of rights for a period of 4 to 6 months.

We create beauty

When all the listed materials and tools have been collected, you can safely begin creating “angel eyes” on a vase or prior. In order for everything to work out correctly and quickly, you must adhere to the following instructions:

Curved tubes

We heat the transparent tube until it begins to bend and easily give in to the necessary deformations. You can heat the tube using a hair dryer or a regular oven;
take a round shape. In its role, you should use a round salad bowl or coffee can. Using pliers, we bend the heated plastic tube around the perimeter of a round shape;

Next, we wait for the tube to completely harden;
after that, we saw off the edges so that LEDs can be installed in the tube;
then we assemble the resistor and LEDs, carefully insulate the contacts and grind the soldering points;
then you need to make notches on the tube in increments of approximately 2-2.5 mm. In this case, you should retreat 1–1.5 cm from the edges;

Notches on the pipe

In order for the glow emanating from the LEDs to be uniform and bright enough, the notches should be placed closer to the center. At the same time, they need to be made deeper: in the middle - 5 mm, and at the ends - 2 mm;
after this, it is necessary to solder the diodes, making sure to observe the sequence so that the current flowing through them is equalized. The tape should be cut and soldered only in specially designated areas;
We finally insert the LEDs into the tube.

As a result, the ends of the rings should have holes 5-7 mm long and 5 mm in diameter. It is recommended to use foil to cover the ends of the plastic tube. If an LED strip is used, it is simply glued to a plastic strip. In this case, the tape is soldered according to the standard scheme. Before installing your homemade “angel eyes” system on your car, be sure to check it for build quality, the glow of the LEDs and the strength of the resulting structure. Otherwise, if problems are discovered after installation, it will be very difficult to eliminate defects.

Why are owners of cars with such tuning fined?

Owners of cars in which such tuning is legally included in the vehicle package should not be afraid of claims from law enforcement agencies. Everything here is legal, correct, fair. But when installing it yourself, you need to be guided by legal acts regulating the lighting of the front and rear of the car. In traffic rules, codes of offenses, government regulations and GOSTs regulating safety requirements for technical condition, angel eyes are not directly mentioned anywhere.

But there is a legal requirement according to which white lights can be used on the front of the car (dimensions and headlights), as well as orange lights for turning lights. Eyes of other colors are not allowed and will result in a fine.

Blue color is outlawed

Therefore, there is no need to install yellow, red, green, purple and other colors in the headlights

We can advise all drivers CAUTION: you need to install angel eyes CORRECTLY, although even this advice does not guarantee problems when passing a technical inspection

Eyes for button toys

Another interesting and unusual way to make eyes for a doll from ordinary buttons. True, you will need buttons with a smooth surface and the desired shape. For example, such as in the photo below. The essence is the same as with eyes made of plastic or glass. You need to draw an eye on the surface of the button and sew it to the toy. Here is a detailed tutorial on making eyes for toys from buttons . Don’t be confused by the fact that MK is for copron dolls, because such eyes can be made for any homemade toy.

Why are owners of cars with such tuning fined?

Blue color is outlawed

Therefore, there is no need to install yellow, red, green, purple and other colors in the headlights

We can advise all drivers CAUTION: you need to install angel eyes CORRECTLY, although even this advice does not guarantee problems when passing a technical inspection

Fines and optics tuning

Many car enthusiasts are interested in whether angel eyes are allowed for installation in a passenger car? As already written earlier, in accordance with the UNECE and Rosstandart Rules, the car must be equipped with white headlights. By installing white angel eyes, the driver will be able to parade freely in front of road service employees.

Of course, if such lights are included in the vehicle's package by the manufacturer, they are not a violation of the design documentation. If the car has angel eyes of other colors - blue, red, yellow, green, purple, orange - the car inspection staff will definitely consider this a violation of the rules. There is no penalty for such a violation of the rules. However, part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses states: “shall entail deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of six months to one year with confiscation of the specified instruments and accessories.”

A similar penalty is imposed for installing white lights on the rear grille, bumper and fenders of the car. Everything in the car must be done technically correctly, according to the rules, in accordance with the design and settings of the manufacturer. After installing colored angel eyes, the driver will have to walk for a year or six months and travel only by subway.

Modern tuning of lighting equipment involves many modifications and installation of additional devices. The most popular types of work:

installation of bi-xenon lenses;
installation of alternative optics;
installation of angel eyes in headlights;
angel eyes on fog lights;
angel eyes with inscription;
LED angel eyes.

When installing additional lighting devices, each car owner must check his actions with the rules and not violate the design of the vehicle and the established lighting standards. It is best to use LED technology, that is, LED lamps that give a cool and efficient glow.