n3985's Lighting Evolution Worklog Begins....
12-12-2006, 01:45 AM
#1
n3985's Lighting Evolution Worklog Begins....
As many with factory reflector HIDs, I personally think the output is crap compared to a projector setup. So, I will be retrofitting a pair of projectors into my headlights. This thread will be updated with pictures as well DIY steps as soon I get home to NJ on the 17th. The current setup is factory HIDs with Helios 6,000K D2R bulbs and a Helios 6,000K H3c fog kit with custom relay wiring.
I have purchased the following for my retrofit:
1. TSX projectors with clear lens - to be color modded for a sexy thick blue band at the cutoff line
2. Toyota/Lexus Denso slim ballasts as the factory Matsu****a ballasts are too bulky IMO.
3. eBay black housing projector headlights with halos - to be painted silver like factory (why mess up a good pair of factory headlights when the eBay ones are only $150 right?)
The preceding will be Part 1, Part 2 will involve a pair of Bosch mini projectors going into my fog lights, combined with the H3c HID kit the output should be great!
Wish me luck!
I have purchased the following for my retrofit:
1. TSX projectors with clear lens - to be color modded for a sexy thick blue band at the cutoff line
2. Toyota/Lexus Denso slim ballasts as the factory Matsu****a ballasts are too bulky IMO.
3. eBay black housing projector headlights with halos - to be painted silver like factory (why mess up a good pair of factory headlights when the eBay ones are only $150 right?)
The preceding will be Part 1, Part 2 will involve a pair of Bosch mini projectors going into my fog lights, combined with the H3c HID kit the output should be great!
Wish me luck!
12-12-2006, 02:16 AM
#2
Originally Posted by n3985
As many with factory reflector HIDs, I personally think the output is crap compared to a projector setup. So, I will be retrofitting a pair of projectors into my headlights. This thread will be updated with pictures as well DIY steps as soon I get home to NJ on the 17th. The current setup is factory HIDs with Helios 6,000K D2R bulbs and a Helios 6,000K H3c fog kit with custom relay wiring.
I have purchased the following for my retrofit:
1. TSX projectors with clear lens - to be color modded for a sexy thick blue band at the cutoff line
2. Toyota/Lexus Denso slim ballasts as the factory Matsu****a ballasts are too bulky IMO.
3. eBay black housing projector headlights with halos - to be painted silver like factory (why mess up a good pair of factory headlights when the eBay ones are only $150 right?)
The preceding will be Part 1, Part 2 will involve a pair of Bosch mini projectors going into my fog lights, combined with the H3c HID kit the output should be great!
Wish me luck!
I have purchased the following for my retrofit:
1. TSX projectors with clear lens - to be color modded for a sexy thick blue band at the cutoff line
2. Toyota/Lexus Denso slim ballasts as the factory Matsu****a ballasts are too bulky IMO.
3. eBay black housing projector headlights with halos - to be painted silver like factory (why mess up a good pair of factory headlights when the eBay ones are only $150 right?)
The preceding will be Part 1, Part 2 will involve a pair of Bosch mini projectors going into my fog lights, combined with the H3c HID kit the output should be great!
Wish me luck!
How much do you expect to spent total for 1+2+3? not including your labor or paying others for labor?
There are shops here that customize headlights with CCF for Halos (much better than regular angel lights).. but they are not Cheap...
Anyway.. keep up the good works.. and will let ya know (hopefully by Monday or Tuesday on the Trunk lip wings)
SY
12-12-2006, 02:27 AM
#3
I am using eBay projectors because I want to use the projector bracket already inside, instead of cutting a hole in a regular reflector and then screwing the projector to it. 1+2+3 is approx. $500 and maybe another $20 for bolts, screws, paint, wires...etc. If I am keeping the halos, I will prob swap them out for facelift E46 coupe CCFL rings, which I can get in HK for $40. As for labor fees, I am doing everything myself and won't be paying anyone to do it for me, DIY FTW! 
12-12-2006, 09:58 AM
#6
Originally Posted by nycspudz03
n3985...I guess you wont be needing the Matsu****a ballasts I had f/s on Hidplanet...lol. You move pretty fast
12-12-2006, 10:07 AM
#7
Good luck. I hope it works out for you the way you are anticipating. Mine didn't so that's why I never made a thread like this. Mine are finally very very close though. If there's anything I can help with shoot me a PM.
12-12-2006, 06:33 PM
#8
Originally Posted by n3985
I thought they were reserved for another buyer before me? I never heard from you again after I posted so I bought another pair.
StLI30...have anymore pics of your project.....I was thinking of going dual like you...b/c I didnt really like the way the single projector looked with the blacked out housing....
12-13-2006, 04:10 PM
#9
I wanted HIDs but after looking through many forums, HIDs in a reflector housing aren't that nice. They are bright, but the light is scattered everywhere; it's horrible. They are nothing compared to the beautiful, balanced output when used with projectors. Good luck with the retrofit man. WE ALL can't wait to see it =]
12-14-2006, 08:59 PM
#12
Well the projectors came and I started to colormod them for fun. I stuck a friend's 6000K 9006 bulb in temporarily and aimed it at a wall, pics taken with a cell phone, sorry about the quality.
12-14-2006, 11:21 PM
#13
Dude, I hope the mounting bracket in the projector headlights makes your life easy.
I started tonight, mounting one TSX projector in one of the headlights.
Mounting in a reflector-based headlamp SUCKS. This is taking much more effort than I thought. But it will get done, just, it will take some time, LOL.
I started tonight, mounting one TSX projector in one of the headlights.
Mounting in a reflector-based headlamp SUCKS. This is taking much more effort than I thought. But it will get done, just, it will take some time, LOL.
12-14-2006, 11:41 PM
#14
Ya I hope so too, with a present bracket, I can just drill or cut whatever I need to make the new projector fit. I would hate to measure out a reflector, cut a big hole at the end, and then drill 4 more holes to secure the projector. Just imagine if you cut wrong and the projector is slanted, one good reflector gone 
Oh and I'd like to see your result if you have a pic.
Oh and I'd like to see your result if you have a pic.
12-15-2006, 10:11 PM
#16
Originally Posted by n3985
Ya I hope so too, with a present bracket, I can just drill or cut whatever I need to make the new projector fit. I would hate to measure out a reflector, cut a big hole at the end, and then drill 4 more holes to secure the projector. Just imagine if you cut wrong and the projector is slanted, one good reflector gone
Oh and I'd like to see your result if you have a pic.
Oh and I'd like to see your result if you have a pic.
I only have one pic so far, and it's on my cell phone. I'll have to wait until I get a chance to open up laptop #3 and BT it over.
12-17-2006, 09:00 PM
#17
Ok, I am home and here are pics of the stuff I'm working with.
Everything together
Closer look
Closeup of the projector headlight from eBay
TSXs
Denso slim ballasts
As far as quality of the eBay headlights, everything is OK (not OEM quality) except for the sealant. There are blotches of sealant all over, overruns all around, and the tabs seems to be barely fitting on, but for the $ not bad I guess. Below are a couple pics of the output with a REGULAR halogen bulb.
Everything together
Closer look
Closeup of the projector headlight from eBay
TSXs
Denso slim ballasts
As far as quality of the eBay headlights, everything is OK (not OEM quality) except for the sealant. There are blotches of sealant all over, overruns all around, and the tabs seems to be barely fitting on, but for the $ not bad I guess. Below are a couple pics of the output with a REGULAR halogen bulb.
12-18-2006, 09:57 PM
#26
You wanted a pic or two of my progress:
(what I want it to look like)
(actual progress)
If the above links don't work, try this:
http://picasaweb.google.com/metaorbit/Projectors
(what I want it to look like)
(actual progress)
If the above links don't work, try this:
http://picasaweb.google.com/metaorbit/Projectors
12-18-2006, 10:13 PM
#28
LOL...first pic is the planned outcome (read: parts laid upon the the headlight and photo snapped, no fabrication yet), second pic is the actual work (ugh).
If you think it's done in that second pic you are sorely mistaken.
The hole is cut out to allow the projector to mount to the back of the housing (it works better that way on this headlamp for a variety of reasons - thanks Kelly!). By making it so large I can still play with the projector aim while still not interfering with the reflector (and consequently can independently aim the high beam as well).
The e46 shroud will eventually be there. I just need to get the mounting and aiming done right before I move on to cosmetics.
If you think it's done in that second pic you are sorely mistaken.
The hole is cut out to allow the projector to mount to the back of the housing (it works better that way on this headlamp for a variety of reasons - thanks Kelly!). By making it so large I can still play with the projector aim while still not interfering with the reflector (and consequently can independently aim the high beam as well).
The e46 shroud will eventually be there. I just need to get the mounting and aiming done right before I move on to cosmetics.
12-18-2006, 10:59 PM
#30
Originally Posted by nycspudz03
Those are the aftermarket headlights right?...Looks good...Finished product is going to be pretty sweeet!
Meta, I will bake the headlight when I wake up tomo. Then we can all see the innards.
12-20-2006, 09:13 AM
#32
OK, here it is, eBay headlight taken apart:
projector held in by two screws on each side
Inner trim, held in to the clear lens by two screws on the bottom, with LED inverter box glued to the other side, angel eyes attached via two screws behind
Most importantly the projector bracket:
projector held in by two screws on each side
Inner trim, held in to the clear lens by two screws on the bottom, with LED inverter box glued to the other side, angel eyes attached via two screws behind
Most importantly the projector bracket:
12-20-2006, 11:39 PM
#36
If I were using those headlights, I'd almost be inclined to make an adapter plate of sorts that uses the stock projector mounting points, and then attach the TSX projector to that plate. Might be easier to line everything up that way (on paper, then transferred to plate) first before cutting.
12-21-2006, 07:25 PM
#38
Originally Posted by clayman88
Looking good! BTW, how does your lady feel about you doing your project on those nice kitchen counters?
But, for the record, I waited to do most of my mad-scientist headlight work when my fiancee was out of town. I made sure to cover everything (stove, counters, kitchen table) in plastic sheeting though...LOL.
12-21-2006, 07:35 PM
#39
Ya it is the parents' house, and they have been complaining about the mess I've made. I just got a new Dremel Stylus today, and painted the trim silver, but forgot the cutting blade, so no bracket mod til tomo.