Quad Bi-xenon retrofit? woot woot!!!

[Blckshdw]

Well, I got things trimmed up so they fit and I can fit the bezels on, so that's done. Good thing I wasn't planning on just using these shrouds, you can see all behind the high beam ones from the sides

Wasn't able to get them aligned on the truck this morning. Slow getting outside, and there was too much ambient light (with the truck 25' back from the wall) to get a clear indication of the cutoff lines. I also had a tough time getting my sharpie in there to mark where the lock rings' tabs are to epoxy them later. After swapping headlights and dismantling my current HID system, and then putting it all back together, I think I might just align them in the reflectors and call it a day. I'm ready to move on to the vacuum table part now anyway

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

I had mine aligned, and almost had then installed, and then decided I wanted the custom halos and demon eyes...and 6 months later, here I am.


Eff this! I'm pulling an all nighter tomorrow when my parts come in if I have to...there's no way I'm letting you beat me on this install lol

 

[Blckshdw]

I won't be installing anything anytime soon. I JB Welded that stationary reflector bowl mount, and when I went to put them on the truck I intended to just press it the top and side mounts, leaving the reflector just resting on that bottom stationary one. Well of course the one that's broken, decides it wants to snap in. So when I had to remove it again, it broke the epoxy. FWIW it seemed to hold pretty strongly on the wiggle test beforehand. I got that ball joint pried out of the reflector again, but now I lost it.

Something else I noticed, I aligned the lights in the reflectors, and JB Welded the back sides. Somehow, the driver's side low beam sagged slightly as it set. So the cutoff line is about 4-6" lower at 25' away. I can raise the projector up with a finger, so I might try to chip the JB weld off and redo it. Have to make sure it's propped up securely the entire time as it cures.

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

Damn, that sucks...I still have my extras parts if ya need any of it. You had it tightened with the locking nut and it still sagged? That concerns me a bit now, for when I do mine.

 

[Blckshdw]

Mine had a movement problem with the lock rings tightened down before. I think the problem was operator error though. I used the JB Weld putty so I could work it into all the small areas and stuff. It has a set time of 25 minutes, and a cure time of 3 hours. Wanted to get them in place that way first, and then go back with a 2 part epoxy to really lock them in place prior to install.

I did the driver's side first, and used the trimmed shroud to hold it up where I wanted it. I pulled it off after a half hour or so, and put it on the passenger side and did that one. Left to run errands while the passenger side sat there. Well, the passenger one is fine, so I guess it just took longer to set than expected. From the reflector mount breaking, I know that if I can get a pick under the surface, you can chip it off.

Not sure if there's an easy way to replace that mount with a surrogate, and have it stay there. Would need some type of plate, or a brace. The 2 part JB weld I initially tried snapped off easier than the plastik weld I tried this time. Unless the 2 part stuff was just too old and losing it's properties... I have this sinking feeling I might end up having to buy new headlights before this is over. From the one you bought, are the mounting points the same? (at least I'd be able to use the current reflector bowls in them)

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

Yes, it snapped right in place. I'm sure some kind of reinforcement would be best, but I think it coukd be done.

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

Called zack today at trfs, and my replacement nuts are on the way ((insert witty joke here))

 

[smitty5150]

I read these tales and I'm reminded of my first few retrofits. Sometimes you need to think simple to fix simple problems. The stationary mounts, for example....

Drill out the hole a little deeper and get a longer screw with a similar thread pitch. Use JB Weld and tighten down the new screw before it sets. That will have to be smashed with a hammer to break again.

Here's a set I'm finishing this weekend, just to show you I actually do this. MH1 projectors, gti-r shrouds, and xBALED rings in 70mm(look at the output on those suckers!):

 

[Blckshdw]

The stationary mount on mine (the bottom one) doesn't have a screw, it's just solid plastic, which broke right at the ball joint which the reflector grabs onto. No matter, I picked up a donor headlight at the junk yard this morning, so I'll be firing up the dremel tomorrow.

I got some of those LED halos too, and yes they are crazy bright.

 

[smitty5150]

Wait, so is it the actual mount on the light assembly or the one on the reflector bowl? If it is the ball joint on the back of the light that broke off, you can run a small machine screw from the outside of the light to secure it. I've done that repair several times to lights damaged being shipped to me.

 

[Blckshdw]

Yep, it's the mount on the base that broke off. Took a while to pry the little ball fragment out of the reflector piece, I JB welded it with the 2 part kind, and the plastic weld putty, but it snapped right off with ease each time.

So when you used the machine screw, did you go through the base, and directly to the screw hole on the reflector? Bypassing that white piece that attaches to the ball joint? Or do something else?

 

[smitty5150]

I've done it two ways. Once, I left it in the socket, lined it up, and drilled a pilot hole before running a machine screw into it. That went through the socket and was done with the light assembled. The other way, the joint was out of the socket. I epoxied it in place first, then drilled a pilot hole, ran a screw through from the outside, and cut the screw flush with a dremel so it would snap back in place. Only takes a few minutes and saves you the cost of a new light.

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

I read these tales and I'm reminded of my first few retrofits. Sometimes you need to think simple to fix simple problems. The stationary mounts, for example....

Drill out the hole a little deeper and get a longer screw with a similar thread pitch. Use JB Weld and tighten down the new screw before it sets. That will have to be smashed with a hammer to break again.

Here's a set I'm finishing this weekend, just to show you I actually do this. MH1 projectors, gti-r shrouds, and xBALED rings in 70mm(look at the output on those suckers!):

that IS bright...but I think it's a bit too much for my taste
I could care less abt functional drl's...and that may be a bit overkill at night lol


Sidenote...I got my nut today

 

[infamouz]

I read these tales and I'm reminded of my first few retrofits. Sometimes you need to think simple to fix simple problems. The stationary mounts, for example....

Drill out the hole a little deeper and get a longer screw with a similar thread pitch. Use JB Weld and tighten down the new screw before it sets. That will have to be smashed with a hammer to break again.

Here's a set I'm finishing this weekend, just to show you I actually do this. MH1 projectors, gti-r shrouds, and xBALED rings in 70mm(look at the output on those suckers!):

I wish I knew about those rings. I would've deffinetly got those instead.

 

[smitty5150]

I wish I knew about those rings. I would've deffinetly got those instead.

If I'd have known how badass they were, I would've recommended them.

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

Got a good bit of work done today 3 projectors together and in the bowl. One of my red smd's commited suicide on me, so I gotta order a couple more (can't just order one lol just not right) and my super secret squirrel squad homie hookup on my clear corner lenses to get here, and they'll be going in
gf took a few pics of the led's/projector combo
will upload in a few

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

They'll all look the same when I'm done wiring them up, but here are a few examples of the different modes
GF couldn't get a head on pic of it, because the halos were washing the camera out :wootwoot:

 

[ConeKilrAutoX]

They'll all look the same when I'm done wiring them up, but here are a few examples of the different modes
GF couldn't get a head on pic of it, because the halos were washing the camera out :wootwoot:

thats going to be awesome. NICE WORK NinjuhhNutz

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

thats going to be awesome. NICE WORK NinjuhhNutz

thank, bro. It's all FINALLY coming together! Seems like I've had to look at the projectors every day, and they just stare at me begging to be installed
I have a lil secret that I'm not letting out of the bag until I'm finished...lol I think everyone will enjoy it haha

 

[dmanns67]

I love the red glow coming from the projector! Is that from painting the cut-off shield red?

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

I love the red glow coming from the projector! Is that from painting the cut-off shield red?

Thanks, it was kind of a pain to do tbh lol
No, painted the shield red gives a hint of red to it during the day. I actually wired a red smd led facing into each of the projectors for the red glow. I think I have a pic on here somewhere, if not, I'll see if I can find one. Idk what happened to one of them, just quit on me. So I'm gonna order a couple more wednesday...

 

[dmanns67]

Thats an awesome custom touch. Do you have the LED wired to come on with the parking lights? I am sure that will look sweet when the sun is going down!

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

Not yet, as they're aren't installed quite yet...still have a bit of tweaking to do, and 1 more trick up my sleeve lol
But that's the plan. Run them with my park lights, and independently to hidden switches.
Then cut the turn signals out of the parking lights in the front (if I can manage it) so only the red/white with be on

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

ok, some better pics
and you can see the effect of painting the shields red better in one of them

 

[Blckshdw]

So what's wrong with the clear lenses you made? I can't see any problems, especially if you're gonna spray them to darken them a bit.

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

So what's wrong with the clear lenses you made? I can't see any problems, especially if you're gonna spray them to darken them a bit.

they have several spots on them where they're cracked, didn't fit right, melted etc
and I figured what's a couple sprays of vht to see if I liked it or not...
just tossed them on to see what it'd look like
in person you can see the inperfections much much better

 

[Blckshdw]

Looks good pieced together. I was gonna put mine to the side for a while and work on something else (meaning easier) but that will be harder after seeing this. I wonder how Jared's are coming along.

Side note: seeing your projectors from the bulb socket side, I can tell yours are much smaller. Now I know for next time, go with H1 instead of D2S to save headaches!!

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

Looks good pieced together. I was gonna put mine to the side for a while and work on something else (meaning easier) but that will be harder after seeing this. I wonder how Jared's are coming along.

Side note: seeing your projectors from the bulb socket side, I can tell yours are much smaller. Now I know for next time, go with H1 instead of D2S to save headaches!!

I'm glad I started this project, though. I've learned more than I ever knew was out there
But damn if it didn't put my mod bug in hyperdrive!
well damn...who knows, your output may be better? hmph...AND you got snazzy bulb connectors hahaha
as usual with me, I ordered up everything before knowing EXACTLY what I wanted/needed. But, that's the learning process I guess

yea, I saw him down there a few minutes ago, too
and HECK no...next time I'll be doing FX-R's if not better lol
the cutoff looks good in the mini's...but had I known then what I know now, I'd have went went the fx-r projectors.
TL Projectors
FX-R 3.0 Projectors

 

[Blckshdw]

When I first saw how wide the beam pattern on the Lexus LS430s (low beam) were, I wanted to go with those. But since I had no idea what to do, or how, there was no way (or so I thought) that I was gonna spend that much money on my first retrofit

Now that the LS460s (bi-xenon) are out, and cheaper than the LS430s , that choice is simple. It would be a single pair, no way I could afford to do quads with those babies

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

The only way I would do single prjectors, would be with a custom bezel and shroud for the lights...i just dont like the look of projector and halogen together

 

[ConeKilrAutoX]

The only way I would do single prjectors, would be with a custom bezel and shroud for the lights...i just dont like the look of projector and halogen together

agreed. that is why I did the single bixenon projector and the upper slot is empty except for my halos. I couldnt even stand the clear corners with those ugly stock bulbs not hidden behind the amber with the look of the hids.

 

[kjkim93]

ok, some better pics
and you can see the effect of painting the shields red better in one of them

if I had the skill and money to do this I would. Great job man!

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

agreed. that is why I did the single bixenon projector and the upper slot is empty except for my halos. I couldnt even stand the clear corners with those ugly stock bulbs not hidden behind the amber with the look of the hids.

Mmm hmmmm... Exactly

if I had the skill and money to do this I would. Great job man!

You can do it man...not.nearly as difficult as it looks....it's just the creative parts that make it harder lol
AND if you choose to only do the low beam slot, it bolts right in

 

[Blckshdw]

if I had the skill and money to do this I would. Great job man!

You can do it man...not.nearly as difficult as it looks....it's just the creative parts that make it harder lol
AND if you choose to only do the low beam slot, it bolts right in

Just learn from our mistakes, and don't try to be fancy. If you do that, you'll have your retrofit done before we do!

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

Hahahaha yes...yes indeed

 

[ConeKilrAutoX]

Just learn from our mistakes, and don't try to be fancy. If you do that, you'll have your retrofit done before we do!

same here its all about learning with every project almost. First time I had halos I left the original high beam bulb there and they melted the halo rings, then with my HID retro fit I learned I needed to physically retro fit the damn things in there haha. but in the end its all worth it!

Between your project Blckshdw and NinjuhhNutz's it is awesome ! definitely very cool projects guys

 

[smitty5150]

I completely agree with everything said here. Your lights are turning out great, and it looks like you got some clear corners figured out before I had some ready to go...so kudos. I am gearing up for the quad retro on my new truck and it's actually going to be similar to yours...all the bells and whistles. Gonna keep it under lock and key until all the components are ordered.

 

[Sparky]

Looks good pieced together. I was gonna put mine to the side for a while and work on something else (meaning easier) but that will be harder after seeing this. I wonder how Jared's are coming along.

Side note: seeing your projectors from the bulb socket side, I can tell yours are much smaller. Now I know for next time, go with H1 instead of D2S to save headaches!!

Ouch! Stop poking me

I goofed reading the wiring diagrams and almost miswired some stuff, so I'm having to make some adjustments. Been playing with the circuit to make sure I have it right this time.

 

[NinjuhhNutz]

I completely agree with everything said here. Your lights are turning out great, and it looks like you got some clear corners figured out before I had some ready to go...so kudos. I am gearing up for the quad retro on my new truck and it's actually going to be similar to yours...all the bells and whistles. Gonna keep it under lock and key until all the components are ordered.

Smitty, since you've done a few...ever had V3 tritons for the turn signals? They suposedly wicked bright...and I need the brightest I can get for the matte black lol

 

[smitty5150]

Smitty, since you've done a few...ever had V3 tritons for the turn signals? They suposedly wicked bright...and I need the brightest I can get for the matte black lol

I personally haven't, but I've heard good things. I did just hook up with a new couple new companies that deal with hids and leds, and I plan to use their components in my personal retrofit to wee how they perform. If they're decent, I'm bringing them to the table in a retail capacity.