Headlight Design, Need Opinions.

[VXorado]

I've been working with projectors to make a new headlight design. I'm hoping to add a new aggressive element to the headlights and also hoping to have a kit for sale to those interested.

The Design:
I don't care for the OEM circular reflector in the headlights and feel that a new shroud will add a new, aggressive element to the headlights. By switching to projectors, the headlights will have much better light output & bring the styling up to date. Also, projectors give you the option to paint the reflector any color and change to circular design.

The Kit:
If everything works out, I would like to have a kit available that will allow anyone to easily switch their headlights to projectors and change the design. The whole process will be bolt in with no fabrication required. The kit would include a new shroud & projectors. Bulbs & ballast would need to be purchased separately depending on what you want (35w, 55w, blue light, white light, etc...)

The Projector:
I will be using the Morimoto Mini projector for this build. It's a nice size for our headlights and has a shutter to utilize the high/low beam function. Littlebeast used Morimoto Mini's for his headlights that were being sold through V-LED. I know this because I have the Morimotos and they are the exact same ones in his write-up. Thanks Littlebeast ;), the write-up made it VERY easy to install the projectors.

LittleBeast's Write-Up:
http://www.vehicross.info/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&id=86

Lens:
Also considering adding an etching to the lens glass that will have the Isuzu symbol or VX lettering. It's a new thing the sema cars have and it shouldn't have an negative affect on the light output.

I'm flying by the seat of my pants on this project... I will work hard to get this project finished as a kit but there are no guarantees.

Here's some pics of the initial design. Let me know what you think and any suggestions you have to improve the design. This was built with dowels & gorilla tape, so please ignore the rough edges. Once I settle on the design, I'll work on a permanent mold to use as a template.

http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/VXorado/106_2282.jpg
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/VXorado/106_2283.jpg
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/VXorado/106_2284.jpg
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/VXorado/106_2290.jpg
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/VXorado/106_2291.jpg

[ND92]

awesome idea ;Do;
Maybe an LED strip along the sides somewhere?

[atilla_the_fun]

Single projector lamps on the VX look stupid - they always come out looking like small pupils on a large animal. New cars don't just have a single element anymore, they are made up of many smaller projectors and have a nice, balanced look.

[Triathlete]

LED headlights!

[rwolf15241]

Nice Project, heres my 2 cents, move the bulb to the right, & up. The add the second bulb lower left!!!

[VXorado]

hmmm, I can't easily move the projector because it fits snugly in the stock halogen slot and allows for the OEM vertical beam adjustment. I should be able to add another light to the inner corner. I'm thinking about couple square high output LEDs to help break up the empty space. Thanks for the input guys, I'll update with progress.

[VXorado]

This is the look I'm going for by adding the angles & "brow" to VX shroud. I would black out all the chrome on mine just like the Tacoma.
http://www.customlightz.com/pictures/gallery/toyota/tacoma/4.jpg

[atilla_the_fun]

That still looks ugly. The single "pupil" look is quite tacky and looks really like cheap aftermarket. The image below was one I found to be quite appealing, so I saved it locally. I've uploaded it again because I can't remember the thread it is from...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/vx-awesome.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/22168)

[hankstrange]

I like the idea of LED headlights, or at least a LED ring around the headlight bulbs, like BMW's have...also Carbon Fiber surround on the inside is cool as well, like this photo:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Photo0064.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22169)

[VXorado]

That still looks ugly. The single "pupil" look is quite tacky and looks really like cheap aftermarket. The image below was one I found to be quite appealing, so I saved it locally. I've uploaded it again because I can't remember the thread it is from...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/vx-awesome.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/22168)

Gotta disagree about the Tacoma, I think it looks awesome & would be very happy if my VX had similar lights. I know what you mean by the "pupil" but there are ways to hide it and way to make it stand out. Still I agree that many single projector headlights don't look very good. If you go to HID planet forum, you'll see tons of projector retrofits and very few of them look good.

The mock-up on Patrick's VX does look great but would be hard to duplicate in the real world with the size of our headlight. I will look again to see where more lights could fit. This is just a mock-up on spare parts and will only get made for the VX if it looks REALLY good.


I like the idea of LED headlights, or at least a LED ring around the headlight bulbs, like BMW's have...also Carbon Fiber surround on the inside is cool as well, like this photo:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Photo0064.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22169)

Actually the carbon fiber can be installed very easily, it comes as a fabric that wraps the reflector. I should pick some up and see how it looks with a black shroud in front of it. Usually I'm not a fan of faux carbon fiber but it might look great in this case.

[vxfocus]

what about two projectors in one headlight an d the shroud molded like this?
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332176737.jpg

[pbkid]

That still looks ugly. The single "pupil" look is quite tacky and looks really like cheap aftermarket. The image below was one I found to be quite appealing, so I saved it locally. I've uploaded it again because I can't remember the thread it is from...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/vx-awesome.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/22168)

those headlights on that VX where photochopped in... they arent real, i remember the discussion in the thread.

what about leaving the reflector 'chrome' and adding a 'running light' more similar to the TC?
see the running light in the big middle light thats on?
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRJzBkvkWa4C62Wiw-rXCahZaHnGSoFJQCVqByIBzkLV0muSTlzKNlspZHp

[ND92]

If you added a more pronounced LED strip like these then it would help the look of just one projector without adding a second one. IMO
could tie the strip into the running lights
http://www.carid.com/images/spyder/headlights/pro-yd-aa306-drl-bk.jpg

[VXorado]

Here's the problem with adding another full size projector &/or keeping the reflector.

http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/VXorado/106_2287.jpg

There's not enough room. if I take the projector left or right I will have to cut into the back of the headlight casing to make room. Then I have to fix the projector in place with no adjustments and worry about sealing the back from moisture.

I really like the idea of adding another smaller projector, smaller reflector (like the light on the furthest left side of the scion) or LEDs while keeping the large projector in place to keep the design more functional.

[Etfren]

I really like the look of the Tacoma light you pictured, and I think it would look fine with just one main bulb. I think if you start putting a bunch in there is looks too busy and wouldn't work well with the shape of our headlights.

Edit: Also, I'd love to see some carbon fiber. :)

[Triathlete]

By far the best headlight mod I have seen is on that one Russian VX...I'll have to search for the pics.

[atilla_the_fun]

How about an LED headlight mod. Maybe in the shape of an arrow that terminates at the horn light...

http://www.free-press-release.com/uploads/news/2010/04/18/1271610448_img0.jpg


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Truck-Lite-7-LED-HEADLIGHT-12v-HUMMER-JEEP-SET-2-/350278363918?hash=item518e37ab0e&item=350278363918&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr#ht_2553wt_952

[Triathlete]

I think this is the headlights I was talking about (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=117488&postcount=11)...unfortunately the pics no longer work:mado:
Any of you internet sluethes able to find 'em?

[vt_maverick]

I think this is the headlights I was talking about (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=117488&postcount=11)...unfortunately the pics no longer work:mado:
Any of you internet sluethes able to find 'em?

I want to know why some members have access to these threads and others of us don't. Here's what I get when I go to that link:


$bbuserinfo[username], you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:

1.Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
2.If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.
3.This may be a feature only to those members who have Log Out Home


Happened with a link Ldub posted the other day as well. Weird...

[VXorado]

I want to know why some members have access to these threads and others of us don't. Here's what I get when I go to that link:

Happened with a link Ldub posted the other day as well. Weird...

Me too.

Billy, are they the headlights with the solid front piece replacing the clear plastic? Those are the only custom Russian headlights I remember.

[Triathlete]

Yep

[vxfocus]

two smaller projectors in each light instead of one big one

[eternal21]

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/vx-awesome.jpg

That.is.awesome.

[atilla_the_fun]

Yes, I would love to see the real (not photoshopped) version in person.

[vxfocus]

yes,thats what i am talking about...alittle busy looking with three in there but pretty awesome!

[VXorado]

I'm putting some more time into the project tonight and will try to improve the design. I almost bought a micro projector fog light today for the inner corner of the headlight but ended up with a square light to try first. I'm not sure if I want multiple projectors becuase it gives a bug-eye look.

Also, I'm going to buy these projector shrouds because they will fit my design better than the chrome ones I have now.

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/images/products/projector-shrouds/MiniGraphiteShroudsl.jpg

[VXorado]

Yes, I would love to see the real (not photoshopped) version in person.


yes,thats what i am talking about...alittle busy looking with three in there but pretty awesome!

I just don't think it would look as good in person & at a front view. Also would be spendy since you would need three sets of projectors.

IMO, two projectors per headlight is plenty.

[Ldub]

I'm not sure if I want multiple projectors becuase it gives a bug-eye look.

Soooooooooo...let's extrapolate that point for a few more words....:laughing:

2 triangular LED's/HID's,(up & down) connected with a row or two, or three, of LED's between them. It'll look like snake eyes...:thumbup:

[VXorado]

Soooooooooo...let's extrapolate that point for a few more words....:laughing:

2 triangular LED's/HID's,(up & down) connected with a row or two, or three, of LED's between them. It'll look like snake eyes...:thumbup:

Yeah that's the look I want. :laughing:......You might a well make some for me since you have it all thought out.


Working on the headlights is easy and just requires a big hammer & some glue. :)

[nfpgasmask]

There must be something wrong with me....:_wtf:

Bart

[Petos]

Just for information - Russians have done a version of this about 2 years ago, no longer in production though...

http://forum.4x4club.ru/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=37068

But if someone wants to split the price of this VX 50/50 with me, I promise I will take out the headlight units and sent them to the US ;)

http://cars.auto.ru/cars/used/sale/16681240-9b4b42.html

[Triathlete]

Those were the headlights I was eefering ro!

[VXorado]

They look great on this VX.
http://is.auto.ru/all/images/d5/03/720x540/d50337f4.jpg


Too bad these aren't still available. I really like them but I think they would look funny on my Ironman and are better suited for darker colored VXs.

[vt_maverick]

^ WOW - That really is sharp! :eek:

[Triathlete]

If I remember right they only made 2 sets and they were quite pricey. Only thing I would have done different is incorperate the horn lights...they are part of the VX's character.

[Vendetta]

Am I the only one that's not a fan? Adding the horn back might "fix" it, but it looks kinda 3000GT (http://3sguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/driverlexan1.jpg)-ish to me.

Eyes are the window to the soul, they say. In the case of our particular rides, I happen to agree. Changing the headlights seems to also change the whole attitude and presence of the VX.

-V

[CoastieCosta567]

Am I the only one that's not a fan? Adding the horn back might "fix" it, but it looks kinda 3000GT (http://3sguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/driverlexan1.jpg)-ish to me.

Eyes are the window to the soul, they say. In the case of our particular rides, I happen to agree. Changing the headlights seems to also change the whole attitude and presence of the VX.

-V

x2, making the lights more up to date like HD's or fish eyes is one thing, but changing them completely is another. just my 2 cents.

P.S. I like the stocks, but I think Fish eyes with not painting the inside black and leaving them chrome will be an upgrade yet still looking stock. :)

[maxprime]

I've been toying with this idea myself. What I was thinking, is since the inside reflector is of no use with installing a projector housing. I was thinking about removing it and making a flat base to mount a 3" and a 2" projector or mount a 7" and 2" and remake the inner ring to fit the new lights or maybe just alter it.

Here's the 7" i've been looking at.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n18/maxprime57/vehicross/7inchlight.jpg
The only thing I haven't done was to measure the holes in the core support to see how much room there is.

[VXorado]

I've been toying with this idea myself. What I was thinking, is since the inside reflector is of no use with installing a projector housing. I was thinking about removing it and making a flat base to mount a 3" and a 2" projector or mount a 7" and 2" and remake the inner ring to fit the new lights or maybe just alter it.


I heard the light output on the halogen-projectors you pictured can be pretty poor so if you want brighter lights you'll need to go with HID projectors. I was looking into the same 7" lights (just black) and decided to go with a setup to improve the light output.

[VXorado]

Update: I bought a mini projector & some small halogen square fog lights. I'm going to build one of them into the headlight but have been tackling some other VX projects in this nice spring weather. I'll get beck to the headlight project soon and post some updated pics.

[maxprime]

Another idea I had was mounting cree ssr-90 led for a high beam mod.
I believe out the front lumens is 2100 @13v