The Honda Beat continues to receive modifications at our shop. After initially redesigning the taillights with new acrylic lenses and LEDs, feedback highlighted that the reverse light color needed adjustment. A newly acquired 3D scanner provided the perfect opportunity to create improved reverse light bezels.
Background
Earlier modifications to the taillights generated significant online engagement, though some critics questioned the reverse light design. This project aimed to address those concerns by developing proper safety-compliant reverse lights using modern fabrication techniques.
Equipment Used
- Creality CR-Lizard 3D Scanner
- Ender 3 3D Printer
- ASA 3D printing filament
- LED pod lights
- 3M double-sided tape
- Jigsaw with thin kerf blade
- Foot powder spray for surface preparation
- Waterproof wire connectors
Scanning Process
The CR-Lizard scanner requires surface preparation for optimal results. The workflow involved:
- Surface Preparation: Applied foot powder spray to reduce reflections on shiny bumper surfaces
- Masking: Added random masking tape patterns to create surface variation for the scanner's tracking system
- Scanning: Used "Texture" mode with minimal ambient lighting to reduce glare
- Cleanup: Removed floating points and unnecessary data to minimize file size
Design and Fabrication
The processed point cloud was imported into Fusion 360 as an OBJ file. Using the form tool, a shape was created that matched the bumper geometry, then additional components were added to complete the bezel design.
The 3D model was printed using ASA filament for its heat resistance and weatherproof properties. LED pod lights were mounted to the completed bezel, with shortened wiring and weatherproof connectors added for durability.
Installation
A 3D-printed template helped accurately position the cutout location on the bumper. Using a jigsaw, sections were carefully removed to accommodate the new bezels. The reverse light wiring was straightforward: positive and negative wires from the LED pods were combined and connected to a two-pin connector that taps into the existing tail light harness.
The finished bezels were secured using double-sided tape.
Results
The new reverse lights proved significantly brighter and addressed the original safety concerns raised by viewers. Free STL files are available for download to recreate this modification.