Topic: Headlights

[sharpxmen]

I upgraded my headlights to HIDs, HUGE difference. Very easy to do, cost about $120 total, new lights with the removable bulb, HID ballasts and all the wiring harnesses needed. Funny thing is the manufacturer goofed up and sent me angle eyes with a blue hue, since i had it i wired it into a separate switch.  Its really worthless on the function side - but looks cool in the dark.

do you have daytime running lights, is that still working? how's the high beam on the HIDs, regular bulb or is it motor actuated?

[AGUHR]

No daytime running lights - and no high beams(FL does not require high beams) - the high beams you can get are halogens which are about the same brightness as the HIDs, just make sure you re-angle the lights so they do not blind oncoming traffic.

not sure what you mean by motor actuated.

Here is a link to what they are:
http://www.carhidkits.com/xenon-hid-kit-99/8000k-hid-kit-184.html

I like the real crisp white light rather than a color beam.

[sharpxmen]

not sure what you mean by motor actuated.

there are 2 types of high/low beam combination HID bulbs: one has a filament for the high beam just like a regular bulb, the other one has a little stepper motor that creates the high beam by moving the HID bulb (or or moves the screen, can't remember exactly but i'm sure you understand what i mean).

And then there are the ones with only low beam (what you got) - I was looking at doing the conversion as well but the HID with high beam option was too expensive, the HID with regular high beam was the same as I have today and the "no high beam" was not appealing. the other thing is that i have the daytime running module and I heard it won't work with HIDs, not that it can't be modded to work but not plug and play i guess.

[aka-justin]

I've done a lot of researching into doing an HID conversion. Ultimatley, for me and in short, I don't want to risk the ticket in not doing a full projectiong HID conversion (which is timely and expensive.) The inexpensive kits blind oncomming drivers and can get you a ticket if they're not in a projection housing.

Here's some longer discussions
http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php/topic,8484.0.html

[AGUHR]

The housing I have is a projection. When you have them on it has a clean flat line on the top where it cuts off. That flat line is cool, and HID light signs up so well, even in the rain the road lines shine.

[Jeffy]

The housing I have is a projection. When you have them on it has a clean flat line on the top where it cuts off. That flat line is cool, and HID light signs up so well, even in the rain the road lines shine.

I wish most of the projections didn't look so ugly. The reflector with the fish-eye glass looks really bad.  I'd like to see a dual 6x7 with no extra reflector.

Only problem with HID's on a lifted truck is the cutoff is usually still too high.

[dwtaylorpdx]

I have Cibie H4 conversions in mine with 120/55 watt bulbs.

Good cutoff, awsome high beams had them for 12 years...

Dave

[sharpxmen]

Only problem with HID's on a lifted truck is the cutoff is usually still too high.

you adjust the cutoff by the headlight angle, HIDs would be no different than regular headlights for that - it's where it hits the ground that matters though but all that is for oncoming traffic, if you're close behind someone then yeah, you'll flood their interior with light.

[Jeffy]

you adjust the cutoff by the headlight angle, HIDs would be no different than regular headlights for that - it's where it hits the ground that matters though but all that is for oncoming traffic, if you're close behind someone then yeah, you'll flood their interior with light.

I knew someone would mention that. BUT... Optimally you want your headlights pointed parallel to the wheels so you get as much throw.  Aim them down and you get less throw.  Unfortunately, there's no way around this unless you mount the headlights lower.  Back in the day I used to use one of these to aim headlights.  Pretty low tech, it was a box with split mirrors in it.  Now a days they use lasers.

[sharpxmen]

I knew someone would mention that. BUT... Optimally you want your headlights pointed parallel to the wheels so you get as much throw.  Aim them down and you get less throw.  Unfortunately, there's no way around this unless you mount the headlights lower.  Back in the day I used to use one of these to aim headlights.  Pretty low tech, it was a box with split mirrors in it.  Now a days they use lasers.

you're supposed to aim the beam down, something like in front of a wall at x distance the cutoff would be at y height which would be lower than the headlight height

just did a google search for "headlights low beam adjustment rules" and first hit that came up says 2 inches lower at 25 feet.
http://www.coolbulbs.com/HID-VISUAL-HEADLIGHT-AIMING-PROCEDURE.pdf

and another one http://www.midstatedmc.com/tech/aim.htm that mentions 3'' below headlight center or 2.1'' per US specs.

either way needs to point down otherwise you'll blind the oncoming traffic.

[Jeffy]

you're supposed to aim the beam down, something like in front of a wall at x distance the cutoff would be at y height which would be lower than the headlight height

It's done at 25ft 2-4" below centerline.  But doing it this way isn't as accurate since you can't be sure the car is actually level.

[chrisfranklin]

Was looking at the Hella housings and bulbs (55/65). 

I know ARB sells that upgraded wiring harness, but that's if you are running really powerful bulbs or something, right?  Know that harness would probably help street-legal bulbs too, but you think it's absolutely necessary? 

[WranglerCOdy]

anybody ever had issues with there headlights flickering with the delta headlight conversion? mine has burnt up 2 headlight switches now. i emailed delta and they said i have may have a short but i cant seehow i would have a short?any ideas??

[Jeffy]

anybody ever had issues with there headlights flickering with the delta headlight conversion? mine has burnt up 2 headlight switches now. i emailed delta and they said i have may have a short but i cant seehow i would have a short?any ideas??

Pulling too many amps with cheap switches or connectors.  You have a relay in there right?

[WranglerCOdy]

Pulling too many amps with cheap switches or connectors.  You have a relay in there right?

 yeah relay. i got around to pulaying with it. it was an 100/80 Watt bulb in it!!!!!    gonna get stock 9003s until i can afford my hid kit