Ebay Projector Headlights, Anyone opened them up?
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 2
From: Franklin Lakes, NJ
Ebay Projector Headlights, Anyone opened them up? Hear me out. this is the back of the ebay projector headlights:
Is it possible to cut these open, and cut open my stock headlights make a hybrid of the two that utilizes the projectors but without the funky halos and LEDs and black bezel? I basically want stock headlights and projectors. I am thinking of doing it, but am wondering if it has been done before. Nothing came up on search, but then again i really didn't know what to search. Thanks
Is it possible to cut these open, and cut open my stock headlights make a hybrid of the two that utilizes the projectors but without the funky halos and LEDs and black bezel? I basically want stock headlights and projectors. I am thinking of doing it, but am wondering if it has been done before. Nothing came up on search, but then again i really didn't know what to search. Thanks
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 509
Likes: 1
From: North Chicagoland
Sounds possible and may make for some sweet headlights... but without having one of each in my hands and looking at them up close, I can't tell if it's possible. Gonna keep an eye on this though.
first off, no you can't do that. The projector bowl is built into the housing. Second, those projectors aren't that great for light output anyway, you'd do better to get some tsx projectors or something like that to use to retrofit your stock housings with.
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 2
From: Franklin Lakes, NJ
some better searching yielded a good thread:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...r-project.html
Cliff notes:
-ebay projectors suck. they are no better than stock headlights
-the ebay projectors are small, so simply swapping out other projectors isn't easy
-the guy who made that thread gave up on the project.
I think I may do this:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/western-m...ave-again.html
minus all the fiberglassing. It won't be pretty, but I really just want better lighting. Basically I will need a spare set of headlights to cut up, and some projectors. I have now, until summer when I have time to be adventurous to find cheap projectors. Just figured I'd pass along the info.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...r-project.html
Cliff notes:
-ebay projectors suck. they are no better than stock headlights
-the ebay projectors are small, so simply swapping out other projectors isn't easy
-the guy who made that thread gave up on the project.
I think I may do this:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/western-m...ave-again.html
minus all the fiberglassing. It won't be pretty, but I really just want better lighting. Basically I will need a spare set of headlights to cut up, and some projectors. I have now, until summer when I have time to be adventurous to find cheap projectors. Just figured I'd pass along the info.
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
Definitely look through that thread and also check out the Lighting FAQ and the forums at HID planet.
In short, if what you want to do is put HID projectors into your stock housings, get TSX or FX or FX-R projectors and install those. Those are real HID projectors with much better output than those ebay projectors you posted, plus their packaging makes them great for retrofits. TSX and FX projectors are the projectors that came on the Acura TSX and Infiniti FX. TSX is low-beam-only, FX & FX-R are bixenon (hi & low in one projector). FX-R is a replica of the FX with a few improvements.
You can buy parts on ebay or The Retrofit Source.
Definitely check out the Forums at HID Planet for more info on installing projectors and HID in general.
In short, if what you want to do is put HID projectors into your stock housings, get TSX or FX or FX-R projectors and install those. Those are real HID projectors with much better output than those ebay projectors you posted, plus their packaging makes them great for retrofits. TSX and FX projectors are the projectors that came on the Acura TSX and Infiniti FX. TSX is low-beam-only, FX & FX-R are bixenon (hi & low in one projector). FX-R is a replica of the FX with a few improvements.
You can buy parts on ebay or The Retrofit Source.
Definitely check out the Forums at HID Planet for more info on installing projectors and HID in general.
Well not quite. The ones he posted yeah don't have great output. I got some others from ebay that use an H1 bulb (Sonar projectors) and they are much better. I'm sure they aren't as good as a true HID projector, but they aren't bad at all.
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 2
From: Franklin Lakes, NJ
Definitely look through that thread and also check out the Lighting FAQ and the forums at HID planet.
In short, if what you want to do is put HID projectors into your stock housings, get TSX or FX or FX-R projectors and install those. Those are real HID projectors with much better output than those ebay projectors you posted, plus their packaging makes them great for retrofits. TSX and FX projectors are the projectors that came on the Acura TSX and Infiniti FX. TSX is low-beam-only, FX & FX-R are bixenon (hi & low in one projector). FX-R is a replica of the FX with a few improvements.
You can buy parts on ebay or The Retrofit Source.
Definitely check out the Forums at HID Planet for more info on installing projectors and HID in general.
In short, if what you want to do is put HID projectors into your stock housings, get TSX or FX or FX-R projectors and install those. Those are real HID projectors with much better output than those ebay projectors you posted, plus their packaging makes them great for retrofits. TSX and FX projectors are the projectors that came on the Acura TSX and Infiniti FX. TSX is low-beam-only, FX & FX-R are bixenon (hi & low in one projector). FX-R is a replica of the FX with a few improvements.
You can buy parts on ebay or The Retrofit Source.
Definitely check out the Forums at HID Planet for more info on installing projectors and HID in general.
Trending Topics
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
Originally Posted by qwikz28
I'm going to peruse ebay for cheap projector kits and an extra set of headlights.
Here is a pic of a complete FX-R kit from The Retrofit Source:
That kit includes the projectors, ballasts, bulbs, and shrouds for $370.
Sometimes you can try ebay to source the same parts and sometimes come out cheaper, but this is is a fairly complete package which makes it easier. Also you can contact them and assemble your own package with the parts parts you want.
Last edited by VIP1; Nov 23, 2009 at 12:54 PM.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 2
From: Franklin Lakes, NJ
If you want to do it right, skip the cheap ebay projector kits. Take a look at the options I posted. Its not much more money and its certainly a much better result. Also, the result doesn't have to be ugly. Without much effort, you can have something looking really nice.
Here is a pic of a complete FX-R kit from The Retrofit Source:
That kit includes the projectors, ballasts, bulbs, and shrouds for $370.
Sometimes you can try ebay to source the same parts and sometimes come out cheaper, but this is is a fairly complete package which makes it easier. Also you can contact them and assemble your own package with the parts parts you want.
Here is a pic of a complete FX-R kit from The Retrofit Source:
That kit includes the projectors, ballasts, bulbs, and shrouds for $370.
Sometimes you can try ebay to source the same parts and sometimes come out cheaper, but this is is a fairly complete package which makes it easier. Also you can contact them and assemble your own package with the parts parts you want.
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
You're welcome. Have fun with the project. Check out the install threads at the Forums at HID Planet. You'll see how people have installed these and other projectors. Some people used the shrouds in that kit some people used other shrouds or made their own.
One thing to remember that some people forget... in addition to making sure the projectors are installed straight and not rotated, also compare them to the stock high beams to make sure everything is aimed properly since the high beams can't be aimed separately. What I mean is turn everything on and look at the beams aimed at the wall at least 20ft away. The projectors should produce level lines and aimed straight forward. The high beams should be slightly higher with an slight overlap at the upper edge.
Something like this (not perfect, but its easy for me to change since on the Firebird the high and low beams are separate):
One thing to remember that some people forget... in addition to making sure the projectors are installed straight and not rotated, also compare them to the stock high beams to make sure everything is aimed properly since the high beams can't be aimed separately. What I mean is turn everything on and look at the beams aimed at the wall at least 20ft away. The projectors should produce level lines and aimed straight forward. The high beams should be slightly higher with an slight overlap at the upper edge.
Something like this (not perfect, but its easy for me to change since on the Firebird the high and low beams are separate):
Last edited by VIP1; Nov 23, 2009 at 01:07 PM.
I always saw the Sonar lights on eBay and I wished they were different.I wish Sonar made a Stock Headlight replica with Projectors and the whistler mod! That would sell like hot cakes
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 2
From: Franklin Lakes, NJ
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 2
From: Franklin Lakes, NJ
You're welcome. Have fun with the project. Check out the install threads at the Forums at HID Planet. You'll see how people have installed these and other projectors. Some people used the shrouds in that kit some people used other shrouds or made their own.
One thing to remember that some people forget... in addition to making sure the projectors are installed straight and not rotated, also compare them to the stock high beams to make sure everything is aimed properly since the high beams can't be aimed separately. What I mean is turn everything on and look at the beams aimed at the wall at least 20ft away. The projectors should produce level lines and aimed straight forward. The high beams should be slightly higher with an slight overlap at the upper edge.
Something like this (not perfect, but its easy for me to change since on the Firebird the high and low beams are separate):
One thing to remember that some people forget... in addition to making sure the projectors are installed straight and not rotated, also compare them to the stock high beams to make sure everything is aimed properly since the high beams can't be aimed separately. What I mean is turn everything on and look at the beams aimed at the wall at least 20ft away. The projectors should produce level lines and aimed straight forward. The high beams should be slightly higher with an slight overlap at the upper edge.
Something like this (not perfect, but its easy for me to change since on the Firebird the high and low beams are separate):
Thanks again for all your help!link to headlight aiming FAQ: http://faqlight.carpassion.info/hl-aiming.htm
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
Originally Posted by qwikz28
I love good lighting.
Originally Posted by qwikz28
VIP, I'm gonna link you up with picture of the final product when its done next summer. I have some cool ideas in store Thanks again for all your help!
Thanks again for all your help!If you put it into a thread, I'll add it to the Lighting FAQ.
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 2
From: Franklin Lakes, NJ
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 2
From: Franklin Lakes, NJ
this is an old thread, but I am bumping it for new info. I never got around to doing it, but would like to do it this winter. for those of you that are interested, here is a youtube video that helps alot. This is great for those of you that want better vision, but don't want the ebay style headlights.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1umAEkQV20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1umAEkQV20
