Real HID Headlights for 1st gens

[ENafziger]

Biggest change I made to my truck was to power the headlights through a couple relays and run 12 gauge wire to them. Made a huge difference, I even used a small diode to keep the lows on with the high beams to help fill in right in front of the truck. Just be nice to oncoming drivers as there is a lot of light with highs and lows on. I was worried about overheating of the bulb at first, but after 4 years haven't popped a bulb yet. <!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Very helpful... thanks!!!

--Eric

 

[ENafziger]

So, has anyone tried one of the aftermarket HID retro-fit kits such as this one? It's bi-xenon, and includes lifetime warranty and separate relay...

Dodge W250 Truck Xenon Lights | Dodge W250 Truck HID Kits Dodge W250 Truck HIDs Headlights Bulbs

--Eric

 

[ENafziger]

Ok, so looking further at LED options... any thoughts on these?

Headlights - Products - J. W. Speaker Corporation

http://www.jwspeaker.com/products/headlights/model-8900-5x7-rectangular.pdf

 

[rMetzger]

Ok, so looking further at LED options... any thoughts on these?



Headlights - Products - J. W. Speaker Corporation



http://www.jwspeaker.com/products/headlights/model-8900-5x7-rectangular.pdf

Lumen ratings don't look very high. Might glow cleaner than OEM, but with HID available, why would you?

 

[ENafziger]

Lumen ratings don't look very high. Might glow cleaner than OEM, but with HID available, why would you?<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Yup, good point. I just ordered some H4 housings with glass fronts, and some 4300k HID mechanical bi-xenons with 3250 Lumen output.

Thanks, Eric

 

[ZedMikey]

The thing about HIDs is that you really need good projectors to get the most out of them and not just blind oncoming traffic. Just slapping HID retrofit bulbs into reflector housings will basically be the same as putting in really bright bulbs. It's the projectors that put all that badass HID light onto the road instead of into other people's windshields.

I found a pretty cool site for projector retrofit parts. Here's a link to a kit that, in theory, will basically convert your new reflector housings into projectors, Eric. Bi-xenon Morimoto Mini Stage III Kit (D2S) - Complete Retrofit Kits from The Retrofit Source Inc

I've been thinking about getting a set for my streetfighter...

 

[JHumphries]

... my streetfighter...

Do tell.
I have a Suzuki B-King

 

[ZedMikey]

Ok... this is the third time I've typed a response... both the previous two times, this damn thing I have called "work" distracts me, and I end up losing my message one way or another. Stupid jobs.

[hijack] I have a 1993 Suzuki GSX-R750 that I've pulled all the bodywork off of. I have all LED lights for stop/turn/tails; I just need to order some small HIDs for the headlights. Then I can mount it all up and call it good! :-D

That B-King is a beast, man! I've been toying with the idea of swapping an 1100 into my 'fighter, but we'll see how that goes. It's on the back burner right now, since I've been taking care of some issues with my truck and my wife's van. [/hijack]

 

[tugboat1st]

Wonderfull. Now you too can blind everyone coming the other way.

 

[ZedMikey]

Wonderfull. Now you too can blind everyone coming the other way.

That's what good projectors are for... no blinding of oncoming traffic. Some of them have an amazingly clean cut-off line.

 

[ENafziger]

Wonderfull. Now you too can blind everyone coming the other way. <!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message -->

Lol, don't worry tugboat. I won't be blinding everyone. I have experience with lights and aiming and plenty of respect for other people on the road

I'll make sure they're properly adjusted according to Daniel the lighting guru see what the results are.

--Eric

 

[ENafziger]

Finally got the HIDs installed. I have to say, I'm very surprised. I used some glass housings that are made for an H4 replaceable type bulb, but instead used an HID 4300 K setup. The housings have a "cap" over the end of the bulb, so the only forward light that is emitted is reflected light, and not direct. In addition, the bulbs themselves also are capped on the end.

I'm sure this didn't turn out as well as a true projector type setup. However, I'd say it is easily twice as bright as stock, and the cut off lines are actually very sharp. I'll try to get some pictures. The high beam indicator still works, and low/high beams both aim very well.

I've driven several hours already at night, and have never got flashed on low-beams, or any other indication that the light is annoying (driver's in front of you re-adjusting rear view mirror, etc).

--Eric

 

[bgreen776]

Did you get a chance to take those pictures yet?

 

[ENafziger]

Did you get a chance to take those pictures yet?<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

No I haven't. I may have spoken too soon on the aiming. It seems there is a stray band of light being scattered higher than desired. I need to adjust things and see what that'll do...

The light output is great, but I'm not sure if I could recommend the kit yet or not.

When coming up to a stop light behind other drivers, it seems as if the headlights are blinding them from behind? Maybe it's the difference between a truck lifted 5" and little cars with large back windows, but I never noticed it before...

--Eric