Hella 4000s converted to HID

Rock Slide · 05-08-2008, 11:18 AM

I wasn't sure where to put this thread, so I dumped it here. Mods, move it if you feel it does not belong here.

Let me start off by giving thanks to Bruce on UY for the great write up on this mod. I would have never thought to do this, had I not seen his write up first.

(For more information on his install, check it out here: Click Me)

Having sold my previous set of IPFs, I’ve been on the hunt for another pair of lights for my TJM. This time, I wanted a bigger, brighter light than I had before. I tossed around the idea of Hellas, KCs, Lightforce’s & even HID Hellas. However, once I came across Bruce’s thread, the decision was made easy.

I opted for a set of Hella 4000s. These are 8” round, 100wt halogen lights with the Cornering Beam pattern. I chose this pattern over the Driving Beam pattern simply because I wanted a wider light spread. I got a deal on the lights and picked up the set brand new for $150. The Hella wiring harness is sold separate, but since I already had an existing wiring harness from my previous lights, I was able to reuse what I already had. I also purchased an inexpensive 35wt HID kit off ebay for around $75. It is a H1 kit with 4300K bulbs.

Picture of the HID kit I purchased. Please note, this is just a universal picture of the kit I used. I used H1 bulbs.

Install was very easy. I removed the lense from the housing and simply removed the stock 100wt halogen bulb:

Next, I inserted the new HID H1 bulb:

Like Bruce, I also drilled a hole in the back of each housing to accommodate the new HID bulb. I decided to leave the stock-wiring plug in place in case I ever decide to convert these lights back to a halogen set up. Therefore, I just covered up the existing pin connections with tape and zip tied it off.

With the bulbs installed, I sealed the grommets with black RTV silcone to further prevent water from leaking in through the new holes.

I sealed each ballast to prevent water from entering. I disassembled each one and placed a bead of silicone inbetween the top and bottom covers. Once the covers were reinstalled and the silicone had dried, I wrapped each ballast in tape. I also siliconed both areas of the ballasts where the wires plug into it.

To mount them, I just zip-tied them in place. I may ditch the zip ties and upgrade to hose clamps in the future, but for now, this works.

(You will also notice I have 4 ballasts mounted…the other 2 are wired for small fog lights that I’m in the process of adding.)

Lights mounted. I also added a set of clear covers to the lights to protect the lenses:

Darkness was approaching, but here they fired up:

That night, I took a few more pictures of them:

Approx 10ft back:

Approx 40ft back: (And yes my headlights are still on. I will say that the camera deceives you a little though. In this picture, both lights are on, but it appears as though only one is. From this distance, I could clearly make out both lights even though the camera could not. Although, if I looked at them too long, I could not see anything afterwards. They are very bright):

On the trail with just my headlights on (photo taken thru the sunroof):

Same spot with just the Hellas on:

Notice the ridge in the background…that is approximately 300ft away.

I'm digging these new lights. The light output is amazing. With this Cornering Beam pattern, the light spread is almost a complete 180 degrees and reaches very far out on both sides. I could not stand back far enough to get a good enough picture to show the side-to-side light spread, but believe me, it is WIDE.

Now I can say I officially own a pair of Hella HIDs

I'll post a video soon of them warming up...it's really cool to see too.

Hirox · 05-08-2008, 11:45 AM

Awsome work!
I always admire what you done well.
It makes me to buy one for my rig

looking foward to see your video.

netwt12 · 05-08-2008, 12:05 PM

good work. you did a really clean install. War Eagle BTW.

blarchitect · 05-08-2008, 12:28 PM

So bright!!
As ever, professional install!!

Tacoclimber · 05-08-2008, 12:28 PM

Very, very cool! Great writeup!

Sloan · 05-08-2008, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by netwt12

good work. you did a really clean install. War Eagle BTW.

oh please, not that crap lol

looks awesome though, the light output looks fantastic!

Rock Slide · 05-08-2008, 12:51 PM

Thanks guys...these lights really do turn night into day.

Cxrazy · 05-08-2008, 12:59 PM

That just inspired me to do this mod.

Thank you.

pattycakes77 · 05-08-2008, 04:05 PM

Quote:

WOW! that looks like a train! i guess you won't have any trouble seeing where you're going and people won't have trouble seeing you

a nice, clean install as usual. it's all in the details

good job!

Texas_Ace · 05-08-2008, 05:10 PM

I have been planing to do this to my extra lights for some time, though i was going to use the Hella 500's. But i really like that beam battern of the 4000 cornering lights!

Before any of that though i need to get an SC!

Rock Slide · 05-08-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pattycakes77

WOW! that looks like a train! i guess you won't have any trouble seeing where you're going and people won't have trouble seeing you

Crazy aint it. You look head on at these lights at night and it will cause you to loose your vision momentarily. I know, b/c it happened a few times to me...

Rock Slide · 05-08-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hirox

Awsome work! Looking foward to see your video.

As promised...

YouTube Video

MARSHALLMAY · 05-08-2008, 07:45 PM

I have been thinking of doing that for over a year now. The only reason I don't Is because HID bulbs burn out very quickly when they're switched on and off frequently. I'd love to have them for hi beams, and they do look awesome from the drivers seat. But that's alot of $$ for light bulbs.

Cxrazy · 05-08-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock Slide

As promised...

YouTube Video

Where'd you get the arc reactor?

Fo_SheeZy · 05-08-2008, 08:35 PM

Looks amazing, you should upgrade your headlights though, are they stock?

Jdizzydub · 05-09-2008, 03:27 AM

Man was tinkering with the thought of how to do that with my 500's...that totally gives me the idea. I do like the beam pattern better on those 4000's, that's just awesome! Was looking at that same kit on ebay, too.

That picture head on is super bright, and as said before looks like a frickin train,lol.

Nice work!

Rock Slide · 05-09-2008, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fo_SheeZy

Looks amazing, you should upgrade your headlights though, are they stock?

Let me just say I'm working on an upgrade for those too

05-08-2008, 11:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
Rock Slide Contributing Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: B'ham, AL... 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD Posts: 1,695	Hella 4000s converted to HID I wasn't sure where to put this thread, so I dumped it here. Mods, move it if you feel it does not belong here. Let me start off by giving thanks to Bruce on UY for the great write up on this mod. I would have never thought to do this, had I not seen his write up first. (For more information on his install, check it out here: Click Me) Having sold my previous set of IPFs, I’ve been on the hunt for another pair of lights for my TJM. This time, I wanted a bigger, brighter light than I had before. I tossed around the idea of Hellas, KCs, Lightforce’s & even HID Hellas. However, once I came across Bruce’s thread, the decision was made easy. I opted for a set of Hella 4000s. These are 8” round, 100wt halogen lights with the Cornering Beam pattern. I chose this pattern over the Driving Beam pattern simply because I wanted a wider light spread. I got a deal on the lights and picked up the set brand new for $150. The Hella wiring harness is sold separate, but since I already had an existing wiring harness from my previous lights, I was able to reuse what I already had. I also purchased an inexpensive 35wt HID kit off ebay for around $75. It is a H1 kit with 4300K bulbs. Picture of the HID kit I purchased. Please note, this is just a universal picture of the kit I used. I used H1 bulbs. Install was very easy. I removed the lense from the housing and simply removed the stock 100wt halogen bulb: Next, I inserted the new HID H1 bulb: Like Bruce, I also drilled a hole in the back of each housing to accommodate the new HID bulb. I decided to leave the stock-wiring plug in place in case I ever decide to convert these lights back to a halogen set up. Therefore, I just covered up the existing pin connections with tape and zip tied it off. With the bulbs installed, I sealed the grommets with black RTV silcone to further prevent water from leaking in through the new holes. I sealed each ballast to prevent water from entering. I disassembled each one and placed a bead of silicone inbetween the top and bottom covers. Once the covers were reinstalled and the silicone had dried, I wrapped each ballast in tape. I also siliconed both areas of the ballasts where the wires plug into it. To mount them, I just zip-tied them in place. I may ditch the zip ties and upgrade to hose clamps in the future, but for now, this works. (You will also notice I have 4 ballasts mounted…the other 2 are wired for small fog lights that I’m in the process of adding.) Lights mounted. I also added a set of clear covers to the lights to protect the lenses: Darkness was approaching, but here they fired up: That night, I took a few more pictures of them: Approx 10ft back: Approx 40ft back: (And yes my headlights are still on. I will say that the camera deceives you a little though. In this picture, both lights are on, but it appears as though only one is. From this distance, I could clearly make out both lights even though the camera could not. Although, if I looked at them too long, I could not see anything afterwards. They are very bright): On the trail with just my headlights on (photo taken thru the sunroof): Same spot with just the Hellas on: Notice the ridge in the background…that is approximately 300ft away. I'm digging these new lights. The light output is amazing. With this Cornering Beam pattern, the light spread is almost a complete 180 degrees and reaches very far out on both sides. I could not stand back far enough to get a good enough picture to show the side-to-side light spread, but believe me, it is WIDE. Now I can say I officially own a pair of Hella HIDs I'll post a video soon of them warming up...it's really cool to see too. __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD My 4Runner Profile Accessories: SS 7.1 Lift Kit, WabFab 1" BL, TJM T15, Stubb Sliders, FX/TSX HID Headlight Retrofit, 1st Gen Rollbar, Tundra Brake Upgrade, Hilux Surf Field Monitor, TRD I.S. Wheels, Nitto TG 265/75s, Hella HID 4000s, Tint, Black Pearl Emblems, Clear Corners, TRD Decals, JBL Door Speakers Mods: Disabled DRLs, Disabled Keyless Entry Chirp, Disabled VTRAC/VSC/ABS, Fog Light Mod, Air Elbow Mod, Ashtray Mod, Mud Flap Mod, Rear Diff Breather Mod Last edited by Rock Slide : 05-08-2008 at 01:29 PM. Reason: added another picture

05-08-2008, 11:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
Hirox Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 22	Awsome work! I always admire what you done well. It makes me to buy one for my rig looking foward to see your video. __________________ '96 1KZ-TE DIESEL TURBO 3000. Geolander M/T+ 285/75R16

05-08-2008, 12:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
netwt12 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Auburn,Al Posts: 502	good work. you did a really clean install. War Eagle BTW. __________________ 2000 4Runner Limited 4x4 "TRD". Blown, etc. 1988 Trail Truck. SAS, Dual Cases, Exoed, Aluminum Trail-Ready Beadlocks, 37" Boggers, and Extreme Rock Rash. 2008 Camry LE.

05-08-2008, 12:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
blarchitect Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 386	So bright!! As ever, professional install!! __________________ Wanted: Square end caps for dark tan 4Runner cargo cover. Wanted: 96-98 4Runner Clear bumper lights.

05-08-2008, 12:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tacoclimber Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Between a rock and a hard place, AZ Posts: 3,504	Very, very cool! Great writeup! __________________ CJ ...<>< 03 DC TRD Tacoma 4wd with a bunch of junk. Just wheel the stupid thing!!! But do it responsibly, ok?

05-08-2008, 12:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
Rock Slide Contributing Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: B'ham, AL... 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD Posts: 1,695	Thanks guys...these lights really do turn night into day. __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD My 4Runner Profile Accessories: SS 7.1 Lift Kit, WabFab 1" BL, TJM T15, Stubb Sliders, FX/TSX HID Headlight Retrofit, 1st Gen Rollbar, Tundra Brake Upgrade, Hilux Surf Field Monitor, TRD I.S. Wheels, Nitto TG 265/75s, Hella HID 4000s, Tint, Black Pearl Emblems, Clear Corners, TRD Decals, JBL Door Speakers Mods: Disabled DRLs, Disabled Keyless Entry Chirp, Disabled VTRAC/VSC/ABS, Fog Light Mod, Air Elbow Mod, Ashtray Mod, Mud Flap Mod, Rear Diff Breather Mod

05-08-2008, 07:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
MARSHALLMAY Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: South Texas, America Posts: 168	I have been thinking of doing that for over a year now. The only reason I don't Is because HID bulbs burn out very quickly when they're switched on and off frequently. I'd love to have them for hi beams, and they do look awesome from the drivers seat. But that's alot of $$ for light bulbs. __________________ We are the people bred, raised and nurtured to maturation to live life in the pursuit of acquiring status-ensuring product in a never ending pilgrimage to find value in ourselves through the indulgence of materialism...gotta love it oh yea, 98 4x4 ltd for sale

05-08-2008, 08:35 PM	#15 (permalink)
Fo_SheeZy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 1,543	Looks amazing, you should upgrade your headlights though, are they stock? __________________ *Check out my 2008 Urban 4Runner on CarDomain!!* http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3108855 http://www.myspace.com/bmplayar *Hella 500's FOR SALE, PM me!*

05-09-2008, 03:27 AM	#16 (permalink)
Jdizzydub Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mill Creek, Washington Posts: 562	Man was tinkering with the thought of how to do that with my 500's...that totally gives me the idea. I do like the beam pattern better on those 4000's, that's just awesome! Was looking at that same kit on ebay, too. That picture head on is super bright, and as said before looks like a frickin train,lol. Nice work! __________________ 97' 4RUNNER SR5 4x4 Lift:OME 881's OME Fronts w/ TOYTEC top out spacer, OME LC Rears 2in. 4crawler BL, SS Diff drop, Custom welded drop bar Performance:Yellow Top,Custom Dual Vortex Exhaust, Magnaflow Hi-flo CAT, K&N FIPK, Diff Breather Mod Wheels & Tires:315 16x9's on MOTO METALS Lights:Silver Reverse Glow Gauges, Hella 500's Armor:Trailgear Sliders, Taco ARB "Sounds stupid. . .sign me up!" Last edited by Jdizzydub : 05-09-2008 at 03:30 AM.