A retrofit for gen 1 headlight (Not a gen 2 swap) (Page 5/10)
Dukesterpro FEB 15, 09:34 AM
Either way, the controller with support both Gen1 and 2. So the end user gets to make the choice whether to use OEM rebuilds or new aftermarkets
Rjberner46 FEB 16, 02:32 PM
I will definitely be interested in this upgrade. The current limit switches on my motors are on their last legs.
Trinten FEB 22, 12:45 PM
Dukersterpro -- awesome stuff, man!

It's always fun to read about projects like this, where folks with keen engineering minds/backgrounds build new things for the Fiero.
Congratulations on the progress you've made so far, and it looks like for drumming up continued interest in the mods!

Unrelated good info that came out your thread (for me), was the comment about how the new aftermarket Gen 2 motors are faster than the originals. I might have to pick up a set of those just to keep on hand if my Rodeny-improved ones ever die.

Looking forward to other cool stuff you cook up!
Dukesterpro FEB 23, 12:50 PM
Thanks Trinten. Should be an update on the project this week.

As a note to your comment. I always like that threads can wander a little off topic, as it sometimes creates valuable pools of information
zkhennings MAR 02, 02:41 PM
Any updates on this? I am ready to throw money at you
theogre MAR 02, 06:07 PM

quote
Originally posted by Larryinkc:
Quote from theogre

"Good news, Cardone AZ etc have New Gen2 Motors and with a lifetime warranty. They are a bit faster then OE but both are well under 1 sec to open or close. I've tested Cardone and opens in about ⅔ of a second."

Yes Cardone is bit faster...
"Measured" timing counting frames of video operating the motors. With dash cam putting out 30FPS and open several times = ~ 20 frames or about ⅔ of a second.

Note: Can do same w/ Other dash cams etc but have to check FPS before counting.
Even my current dash cam output different FPS depending on setup at given time. Many Phones do this too even before using "slow mo" and other modes w/ higher frame rates.
Dukesterpro MAR 03, 03:48 PM
We found a few failures of the motor brush holders. Circuitry seems to be holding up good. Still have a lot more testing before Im ready to start making production kits. Hopefully should have a video out this month of operation and install.
Dukesterpro MAR 21, 02:39 PM
Update for interested parties.

Bad News first. Lots of gen 1 motor brush failures. We are on revision 3 of our brush holder. Hoping these can hold out.

Good New. The cheapo depot Gen 2 cardones are working fantastically! Will be installing a set on my car. Quiet and Fast operation. Only one failure of my control box so far and it was more my fault during the install than anything. (It was the one I spilled my "beverage" on while building at 3am. Thought i dried it out enough but nope. Anyways. More updates and a video to come!

Would you guys be more interested in a cheaper control box and no brushes or should I stay the course and offer the brush kit for gen 1 housings?

[This message has been edited by Dukesterpro (edited 03-21-2023).]

fierofool MAR 22, 07:39 AM
My thoughts are that Generation 2 harnesses are in very short supply for converting from Generation 1. Far more Generation 1 cars out there. I have just completed a 2 month long distance diagnostics and rehab of a Generation 1 system. Stripped gears, then a bad motor relay, then a bad limiter switch, then a bad isolation relay. Luckily, I have stockpiled a few of the needed parts. Once you perfect your replacement limiter switch and control module, I think the only area where a problem would arise would be the stripping of the old plastic gears.

It would also be beneficial and likely more economical if a control module for Generation 2 headlights were developed. I could buy a decent parts car for what some are asking for a module.
Dukesterpro MAR 22, 08:53 AM
I would go back and read some of my old announcments FieroFool.

My module does work directly with GEN 2 and GEN 1 headlights. Nothing else but the headlight motors is equired.

It can plug and play directly into either gen car.
I was just wondering that if GEN 2 headlights are still in production, if its even worth producing the new brush holder for Gen 1s. I still think I want to provide the option. My new variant just came off the printer and I am curious to see if it holds up better.