Thinking about doing an h.i.d. projector retrofit on a 2nd gen

Keggo · 12-08-2005, 09:31 PM

YUP! I'm going to buy some cheap "crystal cut" housings and h.i.d. projectors (bi-xenon), ballasts, bulbs, etc... off ebay and the retrofit shall begin! I'll do a write up (if I remember! Any advice would be helpful! Hope to get all the stuff and get it done soon! (I'm going to ask my wife to buy me this stuff for x-mas)

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Racer944 · 12-08-2005, 09:34 PM

MAKE SURE YOU DO A WRITE UP!!!! I want to see how this turns out...

Silver_Truck · 12-08-2005, 09:56 PM

Yes we need a writeup for this...make sure you get glass housings

Keggo · 12-08-2005, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racer944

MAKE SURE YOU DO A WRITE UP!!!! I want to see how this turns out...

I will try my best to do a write up!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver_Truck

Yes we need a writeup for this...make sure you get glass housings

Definitely!

**Tofer** · 12-08-2005, 10:42 PM

take pics

**rocket** · 12-09-2005, 02:41 AM

Pictures and a write-up are a must! This "yet to be mod" is something i think about almost every night that i drive...

Make us all happy

Cebby · 12-09-2005, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver_Truck

...make sure you get glass housings

Forgive my ignorance, but why do they need to be glass? Will the plastic ones melt?

Bratik · 12-09-2005, 06:59 AM

Take a look at what I did HID Retro , it may help you.

shotking4 · 12-09-2005, 07:50 AM

my father has '00 acura TL and his hid's don't get hot enough to melt snow off the lights like a regular halogen do, so yeah, why glass?

Keggo · 12-09-2005, 10:26 PM

I don't know about the glass thing... hm... Anywho, Bratik, you were my inspiration! I've been really checking out those sites on your 3rd gen write-up. I may need some help with the wiring harness. This project will be done over then next few months as I don't have enough cash to buy all the components at once. But, I will start with the projector mounting in the regular rectangle housing. I'll be buying aftermarket housings as they have clear glass where the halogen ones seem to usually have patterned glass. Just remember guys, that you 2nd genners that are post '91 will deal with different issues since my headlights are sealed beams. Anyway, I'll start with the mounting issues first, then do all the electrical second. Mounting is my biggest concern as the electrical SHOULD be pretty straightforward. I'll keep all you guys informed... ESPECIALLY the 2nd Gen Fleet!

Snorkeldepth · 12-09-2005, 10:40 PM

Great idea Kevin! If this works and you get this written up before I get the Hellas I may join you! I love my HID in my Subaru, on my bicycle, and in my dive light. Hope all's well!

Keggo · 12-09-2005, 10:54 PM

Hey Joel! What kind of Hellas are you getting? You have an STi??????!!! SWEET! The '06? or 04-05? Or is it a Legacy? I want to get this done soon.

Snorkeldepth · 12-09-2005, 11:10 PM

Hey Kevin - the STI is an '04. Maybe someday I'll put it in gravel rally trim and see how it does on the fireroads. For now it's still new enough to keep it glued to the tarmac. In the mean time, the truck is my offroad "rally machine." I was thinking about the Hella Vision Plus and going 55/100. Roger (4Crawler) has had good experience with them. I had Hella's in my GTI years ago and they worked well for me then. I want to stay DOT. Do you think you can do a DOT HID system? The STI HID's are cool. They have a beam height adjustment on the dash. I think it's 5 different positions. So, you can be nice to people in traffic and still make the lights stretch down the highway when needed. Keep us posted on your project!

Cebby · 12-10-2005, 05:25 AM

I think for the 2nd Gens with the composite lamps, that the ridges/etc. on the inside of the glass are detrimental to the HID output. After separating the lens from the housing, is there a way to smooth the ridges from the glass? I realize it probably is not a DIY operation to accomplish this...

Keggo · 12-10-2005, 11:30 PM

On plastic lenses it is possible. But I'm buying aftermarket lamps that have clear lenses for this experiment.

Keggo · 12-11-2005, 09:16 PM

Ok, just purchased some E46 Bi-Xenon projectors.

Silver_Truck · 12-11-2005, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cebby

Forgive my ignorance, but why do they need to be glass? Will the plastic ones melt?

I don't know if they'll melt but the majority of the plastic replacement ones on the market are of very low quality. Mine have deteriorated terribly over time and the mirror reflecting stuff is falling off in places.

Keggo · 12-11-2005, 11:42 PM

Ew... that sucks. I'm going to be sanding the reflector and painting it black. Also, xenon bulbs actually burn cooler (don't they??). I'm going to take extra precautions wiring up the solenoid for the high/low feature so the solenoid doesn't get too hot... Gosh... the wiring is going to be crazy. Anyway, here are the projectors I bought.

Praufet · 12-12-2005, 12:25 AM

What are they from and where did you get them?

Silver_Truck · 12-12-2005, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keggo

Ok, just purchased some E46 Bi-Xenon projectors.

see quote

Keggo · 12-12-2005, 10:04 AM

I got them from a guy on HIDPlanet forums. Actually, there's a guy that has some from a Nissan Murano (I believe they're the same projectors that Bratik used from an Infinity FX45) for $125 shipped! BI XENON!! I paid 150 shipped for these. These are from a BMW. Just look in the "Buy, Sell, Trade" forum... there are TONS of projector addicts selling some good stuff.

Praufet · 12-12-2005, 10:04 AM

Well I feel dumb, that's what happens when you're browsing the forum when you should be sleeping

Keggo · 12-12-2005, 10:05 AM

Hahahah, don't worry about it.

Keggo · 12-17-2005, 08:32 PM

Ok, projectors still haven't arrived, but I have all the wires, connectors, relays and everything to make the wiring harnessess. I also bought the new clear lensed headlamps. I was going to go the eBay route, but decided I wanted something that I knew was DOT approved. Anyway, they're made by Pilot and I bought them at Kragen. The lenses are plastic but I've already put them in the oven at 260* F to get the lenses removed and they seem to hold up to heat pretty well. After I'm finished with the mounting of the projectors I'm going to get some 3m headlight protection film... just to further reinforce. I did notice something that may be a problem. The projectors I bought are about 6" long where the headlight housings are only about 4 1/4" deep. So, I'm going to have to take a look in the engine bay to see if there's any room for about 2-4 more inches (depending on the type of ballasts I get... if they have ignitors with bulb holders or something else) of light assembly. Anyway... I started taking pics of the softening the glue to take the lenses off... I did 260* F preheated at 3 minutes per light and it did fine. Wish me luck!

Silver_Truck · 12-18-2005, 11:04 PM

you're probably going to run into the stock air box, or get real close..hurry with the pics

12-08-2005, 09:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
Racer944 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Birmingham, AL WAR EAGLE Posts: 909	MAKE SURE YOU DO A WRITE UP!!!! I want to see how this turns out... __________________ Sean <>< 1995 4RUNNER 3.0 5SPEED FIPK, Borla, Stubb's Standard SKOs, 100W Hella 500's,PP Springs, 33x10.50 BFG AT, cute redhead http://community.webshots.com/user/racer944 http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c119/racer944/

12-08-2005, 09:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
Silver_Truck Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: B'ham, WA Posts: 1,820	Yes we need a writeup for this...make sure you get glass housings __________________ -Geoff *1991 Toyota Pickup Ext. Cab SR5 4x4 V6 5 spd K&N intake, port & polished heads with OS valves, port & polished intake manifold and plenum, NWOR headers and crossover, NWOR catback, Denso Iridium plugs, Redline Fluids, 4.88s, Rear LockRight, Aisin hubs, Chevy springs, BJ spacers, 2" RB body lift, 34x10.5 Swamper LTBs, WolphisWorks Sliders and bumpers, 400,000 mi.

12-08-2005, 10:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tofer Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Tacoma WA. Posts: 6,908	take pics __________________ 94 4runenr: all the good stuff....... 89 4runner: 3.0, Auto, 5.29 lockright f/r. 31x10.5 wildcountry ATs. 81 2wd pickup: 22R \| 5-sp \| long bed \|Civic SI seats \| LockRight \| Hella 500s pacific-crawlers.com For all your Trail-gear and HID lighting Solutions Needs check out yotaworks.com Online store coming soon :) Last edited by ToferUOP; 12-08-2005 at 10:43 PM.

12-09-2005, 02:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
rocket Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 4,527	Pictures and a write-up are a must! This "yet to be mod" is something i think about almost every night that i drive... Make us all happy __________________ '96-'02 gone: '92

12-09-2005, 06:59 AM	#8 (permalink)
Bratik Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 163	Take a look at what I did HID Retro , it may help you. __________________ 2000 Toyota 4Runner Home Page \| Lexus GS430 \| Amsoil Online Store

12-09-2005, 07:50 AM	#9 (permalink)
shotking4 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Milford, CT Posts: 232	my father has '00 acura TL and his hid's don't get hot enough to melt snow off the lights like a regular halogen do, so yeah, why glass?

12-09-2005, 10:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
Keggo Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,831	I don't know about the glass thing... hm... Anywho, Bratik, you were my inspiration! I've been really checking out those sites on your 3rd gen write-up. I may need some help with the wiring harness. This project will be done over then next few months as I don't have enough cash to buy all the components at once. But, I will start with the projector mounting in the regular rectangle housing. I'll be buying aftermarket housings as they have clear glass where the halogen ones seem to usually have patterned glass. Just remember guys, that you 2nd genners that are post '91 will deal with different issues since my headlights are sealed beams. Anyway, I'll start with the mounting issues first, then do all the electrical second. Mounting is my biggest concern as the electrical SHOULD be pretty straightforward. I'll keep all you guys informed... ESPECIALLY the 2nd Gen Fleet! __________________ - Kevin E. G. SOLD!!! '91 4Runner SR5 V6 5spd: CLICK!! FOR SALE NOW! Proud dad of Kai E. G.! Last edited by Keggo; 12-09-2005 at 10:27 PM.

12-09-2005, 10:40 PM	#11 (permalink)
Snorkeldepth Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 601	Great idea Kevin! If this works and you get this written up before I get the Hellas I may join you! I love my HID in my Subaru, on my bicycle, and in my dive light. Hope all's well! __________________ 1990 SR5 V6 Standard Cab Short Bed 4X4 5 Speed

12-09-2005, 10:54 PM	#12 (permalink)
Keggo Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,831	Hey Joel! What kind of Hellas are you getting? You have an STi??????!!! SWEET! The '06? or 04-05? Or is it a Legacy? I want to get this done soon. __________________ - Kevin E. G. SOLD!!! '91 4Runner SR5 V6 5spd: CLICK!! FOR SALE NOW! Proud dad of Kai E. G.!

12-09-2005, 11:10 PM	#13 (permalink)
Snorkeldepth Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 601	Hey Kevin - the STI is an '04. Maybe someday I'll put it in gravel rally trim and see how it does on the fireroads. For now it's still new enough to keep it glued to the tarmac. In the mean time, the truck is my offroad "rally machine." I was thinking about the Hella Vision Plus and going 55/100. Roger (4Crawler) has had good experience with them. I had Hella's in my GTI years ago and they worked well for me then. I want to stay DOT. Do you think you can do a DOT HID system? The STI HID's are cool. They have a beam height adjustment on the dash. I think it's 5 different positions. So, you can be nice to people in traffic and still make the lights stretch down the highway when needed. Keep us posted on your project! __________________ 1990 SR5 V6 Standard Cab Short Bed 4X4 5 Speed

12-10-2005, 05:25 AM	#14 (permalink)
Cebby Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 11,246	I think for the 2nd Gens with the composite lamps, that the ridges/etc. on the inside of the glass are detrimental to the HID output. After separating the lens from the housing, is there a way to smooth the ridges from the glass? I realize it probably is not a DIY operation to accomplish this... __________________ UZswap.com A site dedicated to sharing info for swapping the Toyota/ Lexus UZ (V8) engines into Toyota Trucks and 4Runners. My 4Runner 1993 4Runner, 1UZ (V8) auto dual ultimate crawler, double locked, 35's on beadlocked SR5 alloys, low lift, hacked fenders, tubbed firewall, custom armor TOOLandFAB.com A discussion forum dedicated to tools, fabrication & workshops. See my JD2 Bender Hydro Conversion BUY THIS 2008 CALENDAR

12-10-2005, 11:30 PM	#15 (permalink)
Keggo Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,831	On plastic lenses it is possible. But I'm buying aftermarket lamps that have clear lenses for this experiment. __________________ - Kevin E. G. SOLD!!! '91 4Runner SR5 V6 5spd: CLICK!! FOR SALE NOW! Proud dad of Kai E. G.!

12-11-2005, 09:16 PM	#16 (permalink)
Keggo Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,831	Ok, just purchased some E46 Bi-Xenon projectors. __________________ - Kevin E. G. SOLD!!! '91 4Runner SR5 V6 5spd: CLICK!! FOR SALE NOW! Proud dad of Kai E. G.!

12-11-2005, 11:42 PM	#18 (permalink)
Keggo Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,831	Ew... that sucks. I'm going to be sanding the reflector and painting it black. Also, xenon bulbs actually burn cooler (don't they??). I'm going to take extra precautions wiring up the solenoid for the high/low feature so the solenoid doesn't get too hot... Gosh... the wiring is going to be crazy. Anyway, here are the projectors I bought. __________________ - Kevin E. G. SOLD!!! '91 4Runner SR5 V6 5spd: CLICK!! FOR SALE NOW! Proud dad of Kai E. G.! Last edited by Keggo; 12-11-2005 at 11:43 PM.

12-12-2005, 12:25 AM	#19 (permalink)
Praufet Contributing Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort Worth/College Station, TX Posts: 835	What are they from and where did you get them? __________________ --Brian '94 4Runner SR5 4WD 285 Terra Grapplers on FJ80 wheels\|Rancho 9000s on all 4 corners\|Cruiser coils\|Marlin Rear brake line Stereo CDT Audio CL-61A\|CDT Audio CL-6X\|Profile 640 and Profile 600M\|Audiobahn 100Q

12-12-2005, 10:04 AM	#21 (permalink)
Keggo Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,831	I got them from a guy on HIDPlanet forums. Actually, there's a guy that has some from a Nissan Murano (I believe they're the same projectors that Bratik used from an Infinity FX45) for $125 shipped! BI XENON!! I paid 150 shipped for these. These are from a BMW. Just look in the "Buy, Sell, Trade" forum... there are TONS of projector addicts selling some good stuff. __________________ - Kevin E. G. SOLD!!! '91 4Runner SR5 V6 5spd: CLICK!! FOR SALE NOW! Proud dad of Kai E. G.!

12-12-2005, 10:04 AM	#22 (permalink)
Praufet Contributing Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort Worth/College Station, TX Posts: 835	Well I feel dumb, that's what happens when you're browsing the forum when you should be sleeping __________________ --Brian '94 4Runner SR5 4WD 285 Terra Grapplers on FJ80 wheels\|Rancho 9000s on all 4 corners\|Cruiser coils\|Marlin Rear brake line Stereo CDT Audio CL-61A\|CDT Audio CL-6X\|Profile 640 and Profile 600M\|Audiobahn 100Q

12-12-2005, 10:05 AM	#23 (permalink)
Keggo Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,831	Hahahah, don't worry about it. __________________ - Kevin E. G. SOLD!!! '91 4Runner SR5 V6 5spd: CLICK!! FOR SALE NOW! Proud dad of Kai E. G.!

12-17-2005, 08:32 PM	#24 (permalink)
Keggo Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,831	Ok, projectors still haven't arrived, but I have all the wires, connectors, relays and everything to make the wiring harnessess. I also bought the new clear lensed headlamps. I was going to go the eBay route, but decided I wanted something that I knew was DOT approved. Anyway, they're made by Pilot and I bought them at Kragen. The lenses are plastic but I've already put them in the oven at 260* F to get the lenses removed and they seem to hold up to heat pretty well. After I'm finished with the mounting of the projectors I'm going to get some 3m headlight protection film... just to further reinforce. I did notice something that may be a problem. The projectors I bought are about 6" long where the headlight housings are only about 4 1/4" deep. So, I'm going to have to take a look in the engine bay to see if there's any room for about 2-4 more inches (depending on the type of ballasts I get... if they have ignitors with bulb holders or something else) of light assembly. Anyway... I started taking pics of the softening the glue to take the lenses off... I did 260* F preheated at 3 minutes per light and it did fine. Wish me luck! __________________ - Kevin E. G. SOLD!!! '91 4Runner SR5 V6 5spd: CLICK!! FOR SALE NOW! Proud dad of Kai E. G.!

12-18-2005, 11:04 PM	#25 (permalink)
Silver_Truck Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: B'ham, WA Posts: 1,820	you're probably going to run into the stock air box, or get real close..hurry with the pics __________________ -Geoff *1991 Toyota Pickup Ext. Cab SR5 4x4 V6 5 spd K&N intake, port & polished heads with OS valves, port & polished intake manifold and plenum, NWOR headers and crossover, NWOR catback, Denso Iridium plugs, Redline Fluids, 4.88s, Rear LockRight, Aisin hubs, Chevy springs, BJ spacers, 2" RB body lift, 34x10.5 Swamper LTBs, WolphisWorks Sliders and bumpers, 400,000 mi.

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