05 headlight retrofit, looking for opinions

[ChiDiddy]

I'm working on a retro fit for my headlights right now but cannot decide whether to black out the reflector or not. Currently it's left chrome. I'm seeking a clean, stock look. What do you guys think? I haven't sealed anything up yet, shroud will be left chrome, on question is the reflector bowl.

 

[warpig12354]

Black

 

[arabbit]

i say black. and either way, make me a pair, I will buy them.

 

[ChiDiddy]

Lol I went ahead and did black. Now if I could only figure out the stupid little things.

 

[Hatchman]

Glad you did the black. Post some pics when you get it done and let us know how the lights work.

 

[NotaHybrid]

I'll take one as well!

 

[luckychance]

subd!

 

[KevDon92]

Did you have to cut the reflector or did the projector drop right in?

 

[Mike K]

I have extra headlights if you want to make a set for me.

 

[Doug M]

Looks sweet! Keep us updated.

 

[ChiDiddy]

i havent cut the shroud, but i may need to. ill take a pic when i get home. the projector doesnt reach deep enough for me to add the h1 bulb clip as of now. So im brainstorming what the best option to do it.

im getting a little frustrated, so i might start braking things lol. This small project isnt hard at all, once you know exactly how to do one, it prolly takes about 2 hours to complete a retrofit.

Ive tried to find threads on 05=09 retros but no one has a detailed write up so im doing this on the fly.

 

[ummduh]

These are the morimoto style h1 drop in projectors?

I did these on a 97 third a while back and will be going probably with fx-r's on the Mustang later this year.


I'm assuming g you've been to theretrofitsource.com before. There are a few s197 retrofits on their forum.

 

[ChiDiddy]

yes they are the mini h1s. Ive looked on there but no one really writes what happens or shows pics behind the reflector.

I only spent 100 on the projector and shroud, and 75 for pair of brand new aftermarket healdights. Just thought this would be a nice project that i always wanted to do with minimal costs

 

[ummduh]

I remember having to open up the bulb hole in my headlight to get the stem far enough through for everything to seat well and work. Different brand and different car though, lol

And if this is your first set, mount them on the car and check the rotation of them before you seal it back up.

And btw, thanks for not being the usual douche running hid bulbs in a stock halogen reflector!

 

[Doug M]

Take a deep breath, we are counting on you

 

[NotaHybrid]

And btw, thanks for not being the usual douche running hid bulbs in a stock halogen reflector!

Oops

 

[Taxman]

subbing to see the final product and hopefully a write-up.

 

[ChiDiddy]

I believe I figured it out. It's not sealed up yet, I have to mount and check aim tomorrow. Weather is ugly outside.



So far making these is a cake walk, as long as you know what needs tk be modified(which ill mention later once complete).... But something tells me I'm gonna take up more time trying to get the aim on these suckers right. They are absolutely just as I imagined them to look like. I was hoping for an oem look, and I feel I got what I wanted. Pics don't come out nice but they are very pretty headlights IMO

 

[P-51 Performance]

Diy guild!!?!? Great job btw,they look sick!

 

[ChiDiddy]

Well I completed the job tonight. Lined up the headlights and sealed them up. I could not be any happier with the outcome. The cutoff line is awesome. The headlights have a very slick look to them, but I kind of get the feeling I should have left the reflector chrome.

Oh well, light output is amazing. I would say its 2x brighter than my brothers BMW 335d headlights. Cut off line is much finer than his.


How it looks while driving, I even hopped in the other car to be positive I am not blinding other drivers. Looks just like a luxury car is behind you .


Cut off line from inside


Cut off line from outside


More of just how it looks inside.


From the front, the picture comes out as if my lights are blue, but they are not. 5000k pure white hid bulbs. Obviously when other drivers fall into the cutoff line, they will see it flicker slight blue.


Some random pics



Overall this small project has made me very happy. I have always wanted to do this but was always afraid to attempt it on my own, and was not willing to pay someone 600-800 bucks do it.

I took my time, and honestly this was very easy. I found it to be easier than the DIY charge motion delete plates!

Cost below

75 shipped for brand new oem style headlights

100 shipped for mini h1 projector and e46 style shrouds

38 shipped eBay 55w hid kit( yeh I cheapes out because in my mind, if I screwed this project up, I wanted to minimize loss) but man these cheap eBay hid lights make an amazing combo with the projectors.

IMO anyone who has hid bulbs should put this mod on their to do list. Magnifies the lighting ability and reduces the annoying glare other drivers have to deal with.