|
Author
|
Topic: Xenon HID lamps
|
Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 753
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
|
posted 07-09-2001 01:44 AM
   
Wow, I've been doing some studying, and these xenon HID (high intensity discharge) lamps are not an option, they are a MUST for people like me. I'm very uncomfortable driving at night away from street lights.
Has anyone fitted them? I've never bought headlamps before and would like to know if Mustang headlamps fall under some kind of standard in terms of size and shape. I can't just take a sample to my local auto store because I'm told these aren't available in the Philippines yet.
Thanks!
IP: Logged |
mvierow
Gearhead Posts: 148
From: Bay Area, Ca
Registered: Apr 2001
|
posted 07-09-2001 07:08 PM
A friend of mine wanted to do this upgrade in his BMW 325. It was a simple swap from the M3 lamps into the 325 and it still cost him $3000 just for the parts. The reason is each bulb requires a special converter to drive the lamps, plus the lamps themselves are no off the shelf item. I think it was something like $500 per lamp, $1000 per converter or some where similar. Since all of the cars that have these lights in them are new luxury cars that use 'Projection' style lamps, I doubt finding a working conversion will be an easy task. But if you have money, then I am sure any type of conversion is possible. If all you are interested in is extra light why don't you look into a set of quality fog lamps? Atleast those you could go to an actual store to buy, install in an hour or two, and save, oh... 2800 dollars plus fabrication cost. 
IP: Logged |
65coupei6
Gearhead Posts: 361
From: S.F., CA
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-09-2001 08:18 PM
You better look out when buying "HID". Most of the true systems cost $$. There really isn't any affordable way to convert to HID. You can only get the bulbs that "SIMLUATE" HID.
IP: Logged |
Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 753
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
|
posted 07-09-2001 08:29 PM
Aaah -- yes, my research has been continuing and you guys are right. Doing it for real costs huge bucks. I think fog lights must be the way to go.
If I buy a repro pair of GT foglights will they be halogen? I'll start looking ...
Simon
IP: Logged |
SundanceKid
Gearhead Posts: 696
From: UT
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 07-10-2001 05:31 AM
Mustang headlamps are 7" round and are the most common size standard lamp if you want the absolute best lighting for your stang switch to a halogen light setup that uses a H4 bulb (rplaceable) get a Cib'e (best) or Hella E-code (good) H4 convertion lamp kit forget about DOT approved filtering and get E-Code lenses. Once you have the replaceable bulbs you will have a huge selection of bulb whattages up to 130 whatts (Must use relays and large wire for 130W bulbs)
Go here for more info on E-code and H-4 lights; http://lighting.mbz.org/ It is a business site that I have never bought from but has excellent info.
I have H-4 lights and they work WAY better then standard sealed halogens.
IP: Logged |
SundanceKid
Gearhead Posts: 696
From: UT
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 07-10-2001 05:34 AM
Oh, and for those into color bulbs with H-4 bulbs you can get ion yellow, hyper white, crystal blue filtering. On a Mustang you will have to cut a hole behind the light houseing, but after that if a light goes out it's a simple bulb change from the rear. No tearing the whole headlamp out and re-alighning them again ect. [This message has been edited by SundanceKid (edited 07-10-2001).]
IP: Logged |
Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 753
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
|
posted 07-10-2001 06:43 PM
Thanks Sundance, great link! I'm gonna learn everything there is to know about lights and converting old cars.
IP: Logged |
65coupei6
Gearhead Posts: 361
From: S.F., CA
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-10-2001 07:59 PM
I put in Tri-bars in my Stang with halogens. Big difference. You do have to cut the rear of the cup to get them in right. Then all you do is add a relay at your dimmer switch. I have a diagram I made up somewhere if anyone wants it I will post it.
IP: Logged |
65coupei6
Gearhead Posts: 361
From: S.F., CA
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-10-2001 08:00 PM
I forgot here is another good link...
http://autobulbdepot.com/
IP: Logged |
bluetech
Gearhead Posts: 196
From: Far and Away
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 07-11-2001 10:34 AM
Simon, if you stumble upon an extra pair of those GT lights please let me know. I also need them for my 67 GT Fastback. What ever happened to the overhead console? Has it been installed yet? Regards.
IP: Logged |
Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 753
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
|
posted 08-15-2001 08:07 AM
Wow, I missed this one! No, the overhead console never got installed 'cos I never confirmed that it's the right console. It LOOKS right, but there is not a part number on the whole thing! Also, I'm missing the brackets.
NEW QUESTION: I've got my Hella E-codes with 100W bulbs now. 65coupei6, you talk about adding a relay at the dimmer switch. Is this all that is needed? I'm sure I read in a thread somewhere else that the actual headlight switch needs to be beefed up, and I was wondering how to do that. Now I can't find the thread 
Can anyone help? Is the relay all I need?
Thanks,
Simon
IP: Logged |
65coupei6
Gearhead Posts: 361
From: S.F., CA
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 08-15-2001 12:28 PM
I don't think you will need to change the switch. Just make sure all your wiring is good and not old. Halogen lamps can put more stress on them since they pull alittle more power. I have the diagram where to put the relay in. I just have to post it for you.
So far I have not had any problems with my halogens installed and the relay.
IP: Logged |
Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 753
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
|
posted 08-15-2001 05:34 PM
Yes please! Could you post that diagram here?
Thanks a lot!
IP: Logged |
John Z
Gearhead Posts: 237
From: Morgantown, WV
Registered: Jul 99
|
posted 08-15-2001 05:49 PM
Here is a diagram
http://www.texasinternet.com/~dsigns/james/headlights.htm
IP: Logged |
Billgear
Gearhead Posts: 173
From: Concord,CA
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 08-15-2001 07:17 PM
I also did the Tr-bar headlights, the are awesome. I used a relay setup from painless wiring. It plugs into you existing light wiring, has relays and new sockets for your
new lights. The power comes directly of my battery for a full 13.5 volts.Regards,
Billgear
www.289mustang.com
IP: Logged |
SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 23085
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99
|
posted 08-15-2001 07:37 PM
I saw a news report a few weeks ago that said some states are working on laws to ban the HID headlights.They are great for the driver, but blind oncoming traffic. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L DOHC
Ford. The closer you look, the better WE look!
IP: Logged |
Doc
Gearhead Posts: 466
From: Redwood City, Ca. USA
Registered: Jan 2001
|
posted 08-15-2001 08:24 PM
Here (San Fran Ca bay area) there's probably one in ten cars that have the headlights adjusted correctly, and then there are the people that just drive with their brights on. At my age, bright lights are blinding (as if I'm not blind enough anyway ) and the HIDs are fine except for the misadjusted ones. It'd just be cool to enforce the existing law of adjustment.------------------
If you had a rubber cam would it get wilder as the RPMs go up?
IP: Logged |
Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 753
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
|
posted 08-15-2001 08:40 PM
One of the links I followed from this thread explains how in Europe, technology is being enforced that makes HID headlights somehow follow the suspension, not the car body. This means that when you go over a bump, the lights stay down while the body goes up. I believe a real problem is the height of some cars in the first place. All these SUVs are too high off the ground to avoid blinding others.
IP: Logged |
Doc
Gearhead Posts: 466
From: Redwood City, Ca. USA
Registered: Jan 2001
|
posted 08-15-2001 08:47 PM
Good point!------------------
If you had a rubber cam would it get wilder as the RPMs go up?
IP: Logged |
SundanceKid
Gearhead Posts: 696
From: UT
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 08-18-2001 08:50 PM
If the US would just use E-code (Europe) lenses instead of crap DOT (in US only) lenses all would be much better for both sides the driver would be able to see better and on-coming trafic would have less glare!Dot lenses "filter" and spreads the light, were E-code lenses deflect the light for a more distinct horizon effect.
IP: Logged |
Mustangsandmore Forums
UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! 
