V-LEDs Projector Headlight Install

[LittleBeast]

Alright as some of you know I have been wanting projector headlights in the VehiCross for quite some time now. Well I finally had everything ordered and all the paint supplies and a free couple of days and a different vehicle to drive so I started the project. It was A LOT easier than I thought and ANYONE could do this with just a little info and I hope that some of you can use these photos and instructions to do this yourself one day:

Projector as I got it out of the box and installed the included chrome plastic cover:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_0366.JPG
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-HID-Headlights/H4-9003-HB2/H4-HighLow-BiXenon/V-HID-BI-XENON-HIGH-LOW-p9377715-1-2.html

I took the projector apart to separate the metal housing that the bulb slides through because it will show on the rear of the projectors and since I am painting everything black this section will need to be painted as well. To separate it is easy just 4 screws that hold the chrome metal housing to the black plastic housing for the lens:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1040.JPG

1st you will need to remove your headlights. In order to do this you will want to remove your front bumper, this is easy and once you get good at it takes about 5 minutes. Then there is simply one screw on top of the headlights and 2 screws just below each headlight and it comes right out easily, if you really take your time taking both the bumper and headlights out should take you 15-30 minutes.

OK HERE IS WHERE SOME PEOPLE GET SCARED, but there is no need, this is really a simple step.

Locate an oven make sure that there is only one rack in oven and that it is on one of the lowest tracks in the oven. Test fit the cookie sheet/towel/1 headlight into your oven to make sure no metal is going to touch the headlight. Then turn your oven on and set the Temperature to 200 degrees exactly. Get a large cookie sheet, and cover the top of the cookie sheet with a damp towel. Then place your headlight onto the towel which is on top of the cookie sheet. Place headlight into oven and let it sit in there for 5 to 6 minutes. I would suggest wearing gloves from here on out. Remove cookie sheet and use a flat screwdriver and start slowly making your way around the headlight loosening the glue in between the clear plastic cover and the black plastic base of the headlight. Once you have gone all the way around once prying and turning the screwdriver start to pull the headlight apart with your hands. If you start to feel it coming loose keep going. If not place headlight back onto cookie sheet and place in oven for another 2 to 3 minutes, then try and pull apart again. Eventually it will break loose.

Out of the oven and apart:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1037.JPG

Here I am test fitting the projector unit to make sure I know exactly how all of the rubber gaskets and metal washers and one nut hold all of this together before it is painted all nice. Notice the white rubber gasket just behind the metal projector housing (this white rubber gasket comes in a ziploc bag in the kit), it fits in between the stock plastic chrome reflector and the metal projectors bulb housing. Note: in order to slide the white rubber gasket on and then slide the projector kit through the stock chrome reflector you must first remove the bulb holder that the clip fits onto which comes installed on the rearmost part of the projector kit. In order to remove there are 3 small screws, east just don't drop them when reinstalling (I used tweezers to get them in place before using a very small screwdriver to tighten them down):
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1039.JPG

Here is a picture to show the order in which the various gaskets and washers are installed. You already saw in the previous photo that on the inside there is one large rubber gasket. Well seen in this photo:
1) First you must slide on the larger metal washer that has 3 prongs coming out from it, there will be grooves on the stock bulb socket that this fits perfectly into, note that there is only one way this washer fits perfectly into the stock socket, and only on one side, flip it around and then flip sides and one will fit perfectly.
2) 2ndly there is a smaller white rubber gasket that goes on in between these 2 washers.
3) 3rd there is a smaller metal washer that only has one notch coming out from it and this slides on 3rd from the back side.
4) Finally there is the nut that screws on by hand. I would highly recommend TAKING your time on making sure the threads are going on correctly. There is also only one side this goes on. One side has rounded edges and the other side has 90 degree sharp edges. The rounded edges should face out. Once you have it going on and off easily I would recommend doing this a few times, totally tightening it, pushing on the projector unit from the front (hold it with a soft towel not to damage it) and squishing the rubber gaskets tight to get a good tight connection. You should be able to get it pretty tight by hand and then use a pair of pliers VERY CAREFULLY to get the nut just past flush with the most shallow part of the projectors bulb socket. The nut must be screwed far enough in to not interfere with the projectors 3 screws that hold on the bulb clip that must be put back on to install the bulb. This picture is of the nut tighten totally down, but before installing the socket, clip, and bulb:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1033.JPG

Now here is a picture after reinstalling the bulb socket with the 3 small screws and then installing the bulb and then the clip:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1102.JPG

Here is a shot of the incredibly tiny ballast:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1133.JPG

Here is the stock photo of the projector kit:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_0297.JPG

Test fitting (before paint):
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1031.JPG

Test fitting:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1029.JPG

Nasty glue on clear plexiglass:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1044.JPG

Goo Gone, this will remove the adhesive and not harm the plastics plus it is a gel and will not run as bad as other removers. I just sprayed it on the very edge let it sit for a few seconds and then rubbed it off with a hand towel:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1063.JPG

After Goo Gone:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1048.JPG

Here is the black housing with the nasty glue in the grooves:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1057.JPG

After letting Goo Gone sit for a few minutes in grooves and using a screwdriver and hand towel to remove almost all glue:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1058.JPG

I used 400 grit sandpaper and prepared all surfaces for paint:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1062.JPG

Here is the awesome Dupli-Color paints I used. Metal self etching and primer for the metal chrome bulb housing, adhesion promoter for all the plastics parts, then for the color coat I used the Gloss Black engine enamel, and finally for the clear coat I used the Clear Gloss engine enamel:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1115.JPG

Plastics being painted:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1072.JPG

Metal housings being painted, make sure to cover the threads that the nut must screw down on AND cover the inner chrome housing that the bulb will reflect off of, I used masking tape:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_10701.JPG

Drying inside:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1077.JPG

[LittleBeast]

Stock chrome reflector painted close up (I love the texture):
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1082.JPG

Metal Chrome reflector housing painted:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1084.JPG

Plastic Parts Close Up:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1086.JPG

Assembly after painting:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_10921.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_10941.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1096.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1098.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1100.JPG

Bulb installed and rubber grommet used to seal the rear off:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1104.JPG

Both done:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1106.JPG

Driver's side close up:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1114.JPG

Ok so now that you are happy with the way everything fits together and all the screws AND BULBS are installed, it is time to seal up the front. Just get some "The Right Stuff" Gasket maker and run a thick bead inside the groove and press the clear plexiglass cover on until the clips make a good connection:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1166.JPG

Test Fitting:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1121.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1123.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1119.JPG

Testing the wiring:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1137.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1147.JPG

Here is the beam pattern on the wall:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1141.JPG

Here you see that there is roughly 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch clearance from the lens to the plexiglass cover, PERFECT!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1145.JPG

1st shot with bumper back on:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_11511.JPG

[LittleBeast]

Both the new projector headlights and the Hella Micro DE projector fog lights on:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_11591.JPG

Here are the 1st shot out in some sunlight. It will look A LOT better after I clean the VX, I will post some more photos after the Little Beast is clean, but for now these will have to do. I think it makes the VehiCross look very mean:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1197.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1201.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_12031.JPG

Final closeup (so glad I painted everything to match:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1205.JPG

Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJGf6TvZSLM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcRgaxXCztk

[Dumke]

OMG Ryan that looks freaking sweet. Awesome AWESOME job. Now I know what to do with my soon to be spares. Nice write up as well.

[Bob Barker]

SWEEEEEEET!

You got a list of parts bought like the different projectors used for this? I'm completely green with jealousy about this! If I can afford the lights I'd love to do this to mine as well!

Thanks for the write up!

[LittleBeast]

You got a list of parts bought like the different projectors used for this?
The projector kit is $119.98, but you will need the H1 HID Kit (bulbs/ballast/wiring) as well which is $79.99, so complete total is: $199.97
This is it:
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-HID-Headlights/H4-9003-HB2/H4-HighLow-BiXenon/V-HID-BI-XENON-HIGH-LOW-p9377715-1-2.html
Here are the options I went with:
Projectors: 2.5" (only option)
Choose Harness: H4 Relay Wiring Harness (you will need this unless you already have one)
H1 HID Kit: 6000k Slight Blue (add $79.99 this is a great deal, highest quality I have seen yet!)

[yellowgizmo99]

that's what I was looking to do also, without the painting though, will be doing the painting now after seeing your shots of the finished project. Any outside shots yet?

[tom4bren]

That setup really makes the lights in the horns more prominent. I likey. Great job.

[JAMAS]

Very impressive.

[johnnyapollo]

Very nice write up - and it solves the glare problem from the reflector using an aftermarket HID kit only (what I'm currently using). One question - your post is "V-LED" - shouldn't it be "V-HID"? That confused me a bit as I started to read your instructions...

-- John

[etlsport]

I'm not 100% sold on the look... but the light output is awesome and you did a fantastic job with the install and write up! definitely on my potential mod list

it definitely gives the VX a more futuristic look, reminds me of the police 300's and magnums from "the island"

http://www.imcdb.org/i010551.jpg

[waaaaht]

nice job and professional even.... showed some friends of the outside pic and they said it looked likes a PO'ed catfish lol

[Gussie2000]

I like the way you did the job.

The painting procedures is great,but don't you think it will look much "stock" if you find a way to fill the empty area around the HID housing ?

[vt_maverick]

Hmmm... not sure the black paint will look nice with Foxfire or any of the other non-neutral colors. I wonder how it would look with a light silver paint, or even paint match a la the new Corvette headlights? :_thinking


Very nice write up - and it solves the glare problem from the reflector using an aftermarket HID kit only (what I'm currently using). One question - your post is "V-LED" - shouldn't it be "V-HID"? That confused me a bit as I started to read your instructions...

-- John

V-LED is the name of the company he purchased the HIDs and projects from...

[helf]

wow, I'm doing this as soon as I can. The stock lights are pretty anemic and I've been wanting something better. This is fantastic. Thanks for the great info.

[vt_maverick]

Hmmm... not sure the black paint will look nice with Foxfire or any of the other non-neutral colors. I wonder how it would look with a light silver paint, or even paint match a la the new Corvette headlights? :_thinking

Just found this on a JDM site:

http://vehi.world.coocan.jp/nakamula/na39.jpg

http://vehi.world.coocan.jp/nakamula/na41.jpg

http://vehi.world.coocan.jp/nakamula/na31.jpg

http://vehi.world.coocan.jp/nakamula1/na10.jpg

[Bob Barker]

I was just about to suggest painting the inside of the light to match the color of the truck. Lots of new corvette owners have done this and it looks great on their rides.

[LittleBeast]

I was just about to suggest painting the inside of the light to match the color of the truck. Lots of new corvette owners have done this and it looks great on their rides.

Haha, yes that is exactly what I did my VX is black, the projectors and housing are now black. If your VX is a different color and you can't find spray paint to match just go have a shop spray the pieces for you.

[Bob Barker]

Yeah something as small as these lights and pieces the shop couldn't charge more than $50! Can you powder coat plastic?

[vt_maverick]

This thread might be of interest for anyone contemplating this project...

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?threadid=20484

[VXorado]

Nice write up! The look of your headlights is very unique & mean.

I'm still working on the Fj crusier headlight mod that should fill the entire headlight cutout with an HID bulb and a halo ring. I'll probably start working on it later this summer after I finish some other projects and hopefully my headlights will turn out as good as yours :bwgy:

[VXorado]

This thread might be of interest for anyone contemplating this project...

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?threadid=20484

Just added it to my ebay watch list :grino: Thanks Mav

[eternal21]

Pretty sweet!

You should convert those MicroDE's to HID, too ;)

DDM Tuning also makes a slim kit for ~$68, 55W no less. Price includes the harneses. I have a set for my car.

http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/DDM-HID-Kit-Slim-Ballast-35W-or-55W

[LittleBeast]

Pretty sweet!

You should convert those MicroDE's to HID, too ;)

DDM Tuning also makes a slim kit for ~$68, 55W no less. Price includes the harneses. I have a set for my car.

http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/DDM-HID-Kit-Slim-Ballast-35W-or-55W

The Micro DE's are HID. They match perfectly, both 6k.

I have heard bad things about DDM, I will avoid them, but V-LEDs has HIGH quality stuff, amazing customer service, and great prices.

[rowhard]

Haha, yes that is exactly what I did my VX is black, the projectors and housing are now black. If your VX is a different color and you can't find spray paint to match just go have a shop spray the pieces for you.

Unless laws have changed, you use to be able to get your color shoved into a rattle can at a good automotive paint store.

[Vasha13]

That's looks amazing! I am so jealous of people that can just tear mechanical stuff apart and recreate it. Good job and thanks for the detailed pics!

[taylorRichie]

Wow!

[eternal21]

The Micro DE's are HID. They match perfectly, both 6k.
Did you pick up the HID MicroDEs or did you convert them? I did the latter using the DDM set.


I have heard bad things about DDM, I will avoid them, but V-LEDs has HIGH quality stuff, amazing customer service, and great prices.
I've been using them for the past 3 years w/no problems, so I can't say I'd agree with that, but to each their own. Regardless, like I said, it looks good :thumbsup:

[VX crazy]

Ryan, like I said before, awesome! Great job! Cant wait to see it in person, lets get an Austin meet together!!

[LittleBeast]

Did you pick up the HID MicroDEs or did you convert them? I did the latter using the DDM set.
I converted the Hella Micro DE's to HIDs back in September 2006 :-)

Back then I used to order HID stuff from XenonRider, and I do remember a few years ago people were having good luck with DDM stuff as well. But as you know times/products/prices change and companies don't always keep up. The current HID kit I am running on the fogs is amazing, the ballast/ignitor box is actually a very small black cylinder, found them on eBay.

The newest HID kit from V-LEDs has the most compact high quality ballast/ignitor that I have ever seen. These are not just slim, they are pocket sized almost like a credit card small.

[LittleBeast]

Ryan, like I said before, awesome! Great job! Cant wait to see it in person, lets get an Austin meet together!!

Sounds great. Maybe I can convince Aland to let us have the meet at HorseShoe Bay Resort :-) Or whatever is convenient so everyone could make it.

[VX crazy]

Sounds great. Maybe I can convince Aland to let us have the meet at HorseShoe Bay Resort :-) Or whatever is convenient so everyone could make it.

THAT would be fun!! Just FYI I cant 5/28, 6/11, or 6/18.......

[LittleBeast]

.....don't you think it will look much "stock" if you find a way to fill the empty area around the HID housing ?
I thought about this, but I do not like how it looks with the area behind the projector filled in. I prefer the stock empty space surrounding the projectors. I think it looks better almost "floating". Here are some pictures for reference what do you think?:
http://www.vehicross.info/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&id=56
http://claus.fotoplenka.users.photofile.ru/photo/claus.fotoplenka/150076224/xlarge/152347536.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1201.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_12031.JPG

http://claus.fotoplenka.users.photofile.ru/photo/claus.fotoplenka/150076224/xlarge/152347530.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3286/IMG_1114.JPG

[mdwyer]

I have heard bad things about DDM, I will avoid them, but V-LEDs has HIGH quality stuff, amazing customer service, and great prices.

I recently had experiences with three different lighting dealers. DDM had some problems with the shipping department, and getting it cleared up took MUCH longer than it should have. But their products are pretty good. I'm running their 1157/1156 LEDs and HID kit, and am happy with both. The products from Autolumination are completely unregulated. Half of mine didn't even make it down the driveway. To their credit, they didn't make any issues with returns. V-LEDs is my current favorite. All my 198 (?) LEDs are from them, and I am very happy with them. The only thing I'd note is that they sell in pairs, so the prices aren't nearly as bad as they look at first. :)

[vt_maverick]

The products from Autolumination are completely unregulated. Half of mine didn't even make it down the driveway. To their credit, they didn't make any issues with returns.

+ 1 - My experience exactly.

[Ldub]

Nice job Ryan...:thumbup:

Crap, now I've got another back burner project...:upsetgray..:smilewink

:thanx:

GREAT write up...:yes:

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

nice write up..
I thought about doing this about a yr ago but dont plan on
using aftermarket Projectors. They are tend to be not engineered
as well as OEM stuff. And they are all about 20% smaller too.
I compared aftermarket stuff with my factory Projectors on my
Lexus or Svx, both OE stuff is a bit larger diameter, and I know they
have better light output.
So I was going to buy a set of used BMW/Lexus or SVX headlights
pull out the projectors, add some 5k HIDs and possibly take on the
project.
It was either that, or maybe even go with a set of Infinity factory
multi projector headlights and use them for the conversion.|
To me, this is would be a worthwhile swap :)

http://www.motorsportwarehouse.com/space/hl10.jpg

[Bob Barker]

How much more are those used headlights going to be? A quick search for projector headlights from a couple of the manufacturers mentioned turned back some high prices, I imagine people selling them know what they cost new and would charge a few hundred easily.

[LittleBeast]

nice write up..
I thought about doing this about a yr ago but dont plan on
using aftermarket Projectors. They are tend to be not engineered
as well as OEM stuff. And they are all about 20% smaller too.
I compared aftermarket stuff with my factory Projectors on my
Lexus or Svx, both OE stuff is a bit larger diameter, and I know they
have better light output.

I had OEM projectors on my last car Mazda RX-8 and they were very nice, put out a lot of light, but this specific kit from V-LEDs is larger and puts out far more light than those OEM, and the built in hi/low switch that moves the internal shield on this specific kit is much better than the typical OEM halogen hi beams.

Once you get around to spending 5x the time in labor and R&D on your homemade kit we can compare output levels and especially the aiming of the beams which you do not have to worry with this kit ;-) For me this was the perfect solution to wanting some type of projector without the risk of ruining the stock housings with R&D. And it is just a huge plus that you don't have to worry with aiming problems or the hi beam problems that most OEM conversions would have, and the light output is far better than the OEM's I have experienced. Seems pointless to me to put in R&D on something that has already been made to fit, but to each their own :-)

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

How much more are those used headlights going to be? A quick search for projector headlights from a couple of the manufacturers mentioned turned back some high prices, I imagine people selling them know what they cost new and would charge a few hundred easily.

I found a pair for $500...
just waiting to put them in .
Ive been selling aftermarket projectors (which are always
smaller then OE Lexus btw) headlights for a variety of cars
for over 5 yr. The most common complaint is the lack of lite
out put from them over stock.
Even the 350z when it first came out had small projectors and
after numorous complaints from owners, 2 yrs later Nissan increased
their size by 20%.
All my OE projectors still havent compared to anything aftermarket
yet, and I havent found an aftermarket as large as OE yet either.
Still nice job, when I get my Infinity units in Ill post up something.

[LittleBeast]

I found a pair for $500...
just waiting to put them in .
Ive been selling aftermarket projectors (which are always
smaller then OE Lexus btw) headlights for a variety of cars
for over 5 yr. The most common complaint is the lack of lite
out put from them over stock.
Even the 350z when it first came out had small projectors and
after numorous complaints from owners, 2 yrs later Nissan increased
their size by 20%.
All my OE projectors still havent compared to anything aftermarket
yet, and I havent found an aftermarket as large as OE yet either.
Still nice job, when I get my Infinity units in Ill post up something.

At $500 you have already more than doubled the cost of this all in one $200 kit, once you price in the other needed hardware for a custom job I bet you are looking at $600 for all you need in the end. In my opinion $200 for HID projectors is quite a deal for a definite increase in light output and a much more concentrated beam pattern over our factory light performance. I would say they even put out more light than my old xenon HID bulbs in the factory housing I had in the VX before this kit.

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

Still comparing apples to oranges..
to me its worth it for really unique and oe quality headlights.
Esp for the Infinity headlight, theres not another car out there
with anything close.
But still, I dont give aftermarket projectors much credit compared
to even OE quaility. Ive been down that road with customers and
have had many complaints when we have sold them, thats all Im saying.
They look good, but still the no 1 complaint was lite output.
Maybe they work good for you, but I know what Ive experienced in the
past. Ill go bigger factory projectors (which I can buy used probably
for around $100 for the pair) or stick with the Infinity set up.

[vt_maverick]

Off topic, I'm sorry but as a former owner it drives me crazy. The correct spelling is:

INFINITI

[vt_maverick]

It was either that, or maybe even go with a set of Infinity factory multi projector headlights and use them for the conversion. To me, this is would be a worthwhile swap :)

http://www.motorsportwarehouse.com/space/hl10.jpg


Still comparing apples to oranges..
to me its worth it for really unique and oe quality headlights.
Esp for the Infinity headlight, theres not another car out there
with anything close.

Well it turns out someone may have beat you to it.

http://vehi.world.coocan.jp/isuzu2011c/21.JPG

http://vehi.world.coocan.jp/isuzu2011c/22.JPG

[samneil2000]

Well it turns out someone may have beat you to it.

Oh SNAP!:drool:

[djmdma02]

All of those look so good. I'd be too afraid of breaking the housing and never finding another... :)

[LiquidVX]

That turned out great. Good job!

[LittleBeast]

So I have been doing so much other work on the VX I have not washed or drove the LittleBeast in a while. So here are some updated pics after a good washing :-)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1717.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1761.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_17591.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1765.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1749.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1735.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1745.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1743.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1739.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_17691.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1767.JPG

[VXorado]

Dude, that VX is lookin' great. Looks much better with everything polished up.

[vt_maverick]

Looks sharp LB! :thumbup:

[VXorado]

What size are the V-LED projectors, 2.5"? I can't get any info from V-LED because they're sold out.

I'm going to start a projector project now that I have VT's old headlight to work with.

[vt_maverick]

Good to hear my baby is making a contribution, even in the after life. :)

[VXorado]

Good to hear my baby is making a contribution, even in the after life. :)

oh yes, your headlight is a huge help for this project. :thumbup:

BTW, you should let everyone know what type of headlight protectors you use because the one on your old light was very nice.

[vt_maverick]

oh yes, your headlight is a huge help for this project. :thumbup:

BTW, you should let everyone know what type of headlight protectors you use because the one on your old light was very nice.

They're 3M Stongard protectors, and I bought them on eBay at this link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STONGARD-PROTECTION-1999-2000-2001-ISUZU-VEHICROSS-/230414809223?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item35a5caf887

If you look carefully in the photo below you can see that the kit comes with headlight protectors as well as turn signal and fog lamp protectors. The fog lamp pieces are a total waste of time since they're perfectly round and 2D, whereas the front of our fog lamps are actually convex. Bottom line is they don't stick. Sue and I both had these and found that it was difficult to get rid of the bubbles in the the top of the headlight protectors (around the horn), but the protection is amazing. I got hit head-on by a drunk driver at over 60 MPH and I found my driver's side turn signal lens IN ONE PIECE in the ditch. Upon closer inspection the lens had shattered in probably a dozen pieces, but the protector held them altogether with just a few lines showing around the cracks. :eek:

If I could figure out some way to eliminate the bubbling problem I'd buy these again in a heartbeat. Maybe someone should buy them and figure that out for me? :)

http://surlamer07.readyhosting.com/HP/UHB073.JPG

[Ldub]

They're 3M Stongard protectors, and I bought them on eBay at this link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STONGARD-PROTECTION-1999-2000-2001-ISUZU-VEHICROSS-/230414809223?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item35a5caf887

If you look carefully in the photo below you can see that the kit comes with headlight protectors as well as turn signal and fog lamp protectors. The fog lamp pieces are a total waste of time since they're perfectly round and 2D, whereas the front of our fog lamps are actually convex. Bottom line is they don't stick. Sue and I both had these and found that it was difficult to get rid of the bubbles in the the top of the headlight protectors (around the horn), but the protection is amazing. I got hit head-on by a drunk driver at over 60 MPH and I found my driver's side turn signal lens IN ONE PIECE in the ditch. Upon closer inspection the lens had shattered in probably a dozen pieces, but the protector held them altogether with just a few lines showing around the cracks. :eek:

If I could figure out some way to eliminate the bubbling problem I'd buy these again in a heartbeat. Maybe someone should buy them and figure that out for me? :)

http://surlamer07.readyhosting.com/HP/UHB073.JPG

I don't have jack diddly for experience with them, but...

did you put them on wet or dry ?

[vt_maverick]

I don't have jack diddly for experience with them, but...

did you put them on wet or dry ?

I actually paid someone else to do it because I've had really bad experiences with stick-on stuff in the past, and I wanted to make sure this was done right. As soon as I handed the covers to the guy he (correctly) predicted that bubbling on the top (horizontal) surface might be an issue because the plastic is so incredibly thick (like 1/8" or more maybe). Since our headlights make a 90 degree turn from the vertical to horizontal surfaces, the thickness of the plastic naturally pulls the smaller surface area section (the area around the horns) away from the headlight surface. The only thing we could think to do would be to either trim down the area around the horn (upward slope near the horn was a problem too) or use something even more sticky to hold the top area down.

It's because of this issue that I'm looking into clear coating my headlights. If someone can figure out how to beat the bubbling issue I'd change my mind though.

[VXorado]

It's because of this issue that I'm looking into clear coating my headlights. If someone can figure out how to beat the bubbling issue I'd change my mind though.

Thanks for the link :thumbup:

Once I finish the headlight mod, I'll but a set of protectors and look into the bubbling issue.

[ramathorn]

Littlebeast, I underwent a retrofit tonight and turned out pretty sharp. Used your thread a lot! Did you have any problems making the projector snug against the housing? I feel like mine are a little too loose. Haven't sealed them up quite yet, ran out of patience :)

[VXorado]

Littlebeast, I underwent a retrofit tonight and turned out pretty sharp. Used your thread a lot! Did you have any problems making the projector snug against the housing? I feel like mine are a little too loose. Haven't sealed them up quite yet, ran out of patience :)

What projectors/ballasts/bulbs did you end up using? I'm just asking because my setup will be arriving today from retrofit source and last I checked, VLED wasn't selling projectors anymore.

I purchased a projector from China for fit testing a had the same issue with getting it snug. I'm hoping the Morimoto Mini projectors from retrofit source won't have the same issues since they're the real deal (and cost a lot more). :)

...and please post some pics if you have them!!! I would love to see the retrofitted headlights on an astral.

[ramathorn]

I ordered mine from retrofit source as well. The quality seems great, and I'm happy with the beam, but i have to work on tightening them. Whenever i hit a bump they move a little more than they should. One of those things thatll drive ya nuts. I painted everything gunmetal and looks pretty sharp if I do say so myself. I'll work on some pictures. Taking everything back off tonight to try and tighten 'er up. Let me knowhow yours go.

[LittleBeast]

Yeah, I really spent my time getting those things super tight, but since all components that tightened down were made out of metal all it took was some good pressure from the inside to push threads as far out the back side as possible and some good turning force from some huge pliers, and they do not really bounce much at all when hitting bumps. I mean they do bounce a little but I am a perfectionist and they pass my standard, they are not loose. Good luck tightening them down, and please share some photos. I am wondering how the light output will be. Mine is far better than OEM HID :-)

[Ldub]

Did you have any problems making the projector snug against the housing? I feel like mine are a little too loose.



I purchased a projector from China for fit testing a had the same issue with getting it snug. I'm hoping the Morimoto Mini projectors from retrofit source won't have the same issues since they're the real deal (and cost a lot more). :)


The quality seems great, and I'm happy with the beam, but i have to work on tightening them. Whenever i hit a bump they move a little more than they should.

Ok fellas...what about cutting a shim ring out of gasket material (it'll take the heat), & installing that between the projector base & the housing?

Seems to me like that'd take all the wiggle out of the assembly, & be nearly invisible if it were black, or if you used some hi temp black paint, or even a black sharpie marker.

Don't like that idea?...how about some 3M double stick...:naughty:

Or am I looking at this wrong...:confused:

[ramathorn]

I tightened everything up and took her for a test drive, less bouncing around. There is a little, but something I can live with. I just put my 285/65s on my stock wheels and I'm just a little nervous when I crank those tbars it will make them shake more.

Overall happy with the purchase, although they are so tight I'm afraid i wont be able to remove them if I ever need to. Oh well. I've been hitting up the gym, what can I say? Haha. One of my headlights is all messed up and cracked already, not due to the einstall though. Hopefully I can find a replacement, I'm learning it might be impossible though. Any suggestions?

I'll try to post some pics tomorrow. It looks mean. :)

[LittleBeast]

Larry, mine came with a white rubber gasket exactly like what you are describing and it works perfectly.

[VXorado]

I guess i'll just plan on wrenching it into place... and maybe some thread locker will ensure it stays put.

[VXorado]

One of my headlights is all messed up and cracked already, not due to the einstall though. Hopefully I can find a replacement, I'm learning it might be impossible though. Any suggestions?

I'll try to post some pics tomorrow. It looks mean. :)

I have an extra lense that will be available after i'm finished. Is that what you need?

[clipper 03 rodeo]

I can also vouch for TRS (the retrofit source), they have awesome products. I did a retrofit on my Rodeo last January and I love it. To the guys that bought theirs from them, which projectors did you purchase? There are several different versions of the Morimoto Mini D2S, and different versions of the Mini H1.

Both of them have their advantages and disadvantages. I have the Mini D2S in my headlights and I custom made some off-road lights with the Mini H1 5.0 (the newest version that just came out not long ago, also has a built in foreground limiter) and loved them. I already sold the H1 projectors out of my off-road lights since i'm going to be experimenting with other lights, but I do have some pics.

I'll post the pics up tonight when I have access to my personal computer for anyone interested.

P.S. I snugged mine down really well and they don't vibrate at all, just be careful not to go overboard and crack the plastic. Remember these are just bolted onto the reflector so it's possible it's the reflector vibrating since it has a lot of extra weight on it, and tightening the projector isn't going to help that.

[VXorado]

I got the Mini D2S, Five3 ballasts & 5000k bulbs in the mail yesterday. I was fit testing with a knock off Mini H1 unit and didn't realize there was a size difference until I opened the box yesterday... oops. Luckily, I checked the fitment today and the DS2 should fit the VX headlight nicely.

Really curious to see your off road light retro...

[clipper 03 rodeo]

Good choice, I love my D2S's in my headlights. I'm running them with the 50w 5five ballast and 6000k 5five bulbs. I know it's not recommended to run those in the Mini's since they are more prone to burning the bowls due to the extra heat, but when I pulled mine apart this month (after 8 months of usage) they bowls still look perfect. No bubbling or anything so i'm going to keep running them. I ran cheap Xentec 35w ballast and Mori 3five 5000k bulbs in the MH1 projectors for my offroad lights.

Here are a couple pics. I never got a pic of the glass installed in the off-road lights while on my Rodeo, but you get the idea. I had to remove the glass to get them aimed properly. Since they were also bi-xenon I wired them into my headlight high beams, so when the headlight highs came on, the off-road lights highs came on.

http://i48.tinypic.com/or4cwp.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/27wxezs.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/2mx25xw.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/jkgg8j.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/2ntb70j.jpg


Output pics of the MH1 off-road lights againt a wall..

http://i47.tinypic.com/vnpd76.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/97idr4.jpg


My headlights on along with the off-road lights.. My headlights are 6000k, and the off-road lights are 5000k so that's why there is a color difference.

http://i45.tinypic.com/s1kl8j.jpg

High beams (remember when I flip the high beams on the headlights on, it turns the high beams on the off-road lights on). As you can tell i'd probably blind people a mile away :lol:

http://i46.tinypic.com/ux8gp.jpg

[clipper 03 rodeo]

Here are some more output pics of just my D2S headlights.

http://i44.tinypic.com/2iidagm.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/wkmdy8.jpg
Low beam on road..

http://i39.tinypic.com/2nt8x1y.jpg

High beam on road..

http://i39.tinypic.com/24wblth.jpg


What it looks like when behind someone. Low beam.

http://i41.tinypic.com/98vzo0.jpg

High beam.

http://i41.tinypic.com/dpz1y0.jpg


Across a field pointed at a fence. Low beam.

http://i43.tinypic.com/snlwuw.jpg

High beam.

http://i41.tinypic.com/nqwx3l.jpg

[ashley2010]

OK i am sold send me a pair what the price i have the hid.

[clipper 03 rodeo]

If you want the complete retrofit kit, here are the links to them.

D2S: http://www.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=237

MH1: http://www.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=227

Which one should you choose? Honestly that's up to you. Most people say the MH1's are better than the D2S, but that's debatable. The new v5 H1 projectors that come in those kits have a nice curved cutoff shield for a sharper cutoff line, and also has a foreground limiter built into them, and have the squirrel finders blocked. I personally like mine without the foreground limiter and open squirrel finders, mainly because I like seeing directly in front of my truck, and the squirrel finders help light up signs.

Also, the Morimoto HID kits that come with these kits are absolutely awesome. Great warm up times, don't flicker, and last a long time. My 50w headlights (with the morimoto 5five ballast) warmed up WAY faster than the 35w Xentec Ebay ballast, and one ballast seemed like it wasn't working properly since one side was a bit dimmer than the other. That's not the case with the Morimoto stuff from the retrofit source, so be sure not to try and cheap out and use a crappy HID kit.

[VXorado]

Hey looks great Clipper and nice idea for the fog lights. :thumbup:

Now after seeing Littlebeast's updated pics and your light output shots, I'm amped up to get my projectors installed. I'm modifying the headlight bezel for some LEDs before I can go ahead with the full install. Hopefully I'll get a good start this weekend... I know I can't wait too much longer. :)

[clipper 03 rodeo]

Thanks, if you guys need any recommendations or help let me know. I've already done 3 retrofits so I know just about anything you need to know about installing these babies.

Be sure to post pics!

[ramathorn]

Vxorado Sorry I went MIA for a few days. I have a cracked lens and all the housing pieces are crap inside. The lens is my number 1 priority though, to stop moisture from getting in there. How much would you want for it??

[ramathorn]

http:// http://m1141.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/rubicon89/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0141.jpg.html?o=0

[ramathorn]

http:// http://m1141.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/rubicon89/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0141.jpg.html?o=0

http:// http://m1141.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/rubicon89/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0137.jpg.html?o=1
http:// http://m1141.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/rubicon89/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0147-1.jpg.html?o=2

I don't have any up close pics. I'm on vacation right now, and its sad but i kind of miss driving her around..

I still need to work on perfecting the output. I like the halos though.

[ramathorn]

http://m1141.photobucket.com/albums/n586/rubicon89/Mobile%20Uploads/?action=view&current=IMAG0141.jpg

http://m1141.photobucket.com/albums/n586/rubicon89/Mobile%20Uploads/?action=view&current=IMAG0137.jpg

http://m1141.photobucket.com/albums/n586/rubicon89/Mobile%20Uploads/?action=view&current=IMAG0147-1.jpg

Stupid photobucket. Sorry for the technical difficulties.

[ramathorn]

I give up. Apparently you werent meant to.see those pictures. How embarrassing.

[Ldub]

:confused:
I give up. Apparently you werent meant to.see those pictures. How embarrassing.

http://mob1141.photobucket.com/albums/n586/rubicon89/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0137.jpg?t=1345657258

[ramathorn]

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n586/rubicon89/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0147-1.jpg

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n586/rubicon89/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0137.jpg

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n586/rubicon89/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0141.jpg

Stupid photobucket. Sorry for the technical difficulties.

I'd be okay with a moderator cleaning up my mess. It won't let me edit my current posts.

[VXorado]

Looks great :thumbup:. I like the idea of matching the astral silver in the headlights. The halos look like they're floating. :yesgray:

Are these Mini H1s?

[ramathorn]

Yeah mini h1s. I saw you went with the d25s. What's the difference?

[ramathorn]

Looks great :thumbup:. I like the idea of matching the astral silver in the headlights. The halos look like they're floating. :yesgray:

Are these Mini H1s?

And thank you! I think it looks pretty sharp.
I wasn't sure if the halos would make it look cheap, but I think they are pretty sweet.

[VXorado]

Yeah mini h1s. I saw you went with the d25s. What's the difference?

They're bigger. It was a surprise when I pulled them out of the packaging.

I have today/tomorrow off work and am hoping to get them installed... if I can get off the damn computer. :laughing:

I'll make sure to get some pics soon.