Installed HID kit

[weems84]

JUst installed a new HID kit purchased from Xenon king. Wanted to have something different so actually went with a dual beam(low hid/high halogen) 3000k(yellow) kit. This kit is made by Visionpro and is fairly decent quality. This is the 3rd set of HID lights I have bought since messing with my first car so install took about 30 mins. This was not a plug and play kit. Anyways here are some pics, sorry 1.3meg camera phone.

STOCK LOW

HID LOW

HID HALOGEN HIGH

[Clipsed]

dont know about TX, but yellow is illegal in California. Dont like how you just threw those in the stock lamps with no cut offs, and not in projectors as they should be. I hate people like that. If you wanted to put HIDs you should have done it properly and retrofitted your headlamps. Now you will be driving around blinding everyone. I plan on doing my $750+ retro hopefully before summer ends. Anywho your car, do as you want, but I sure wouldnt want to be you in a court room where you ended up getting someone injured for an improper install!

[versabundus]

ALL retrofit installs are ILLEGAL. Why chide someone for doing it wrong, when there's No right way of doing it.

[proxim2020]

dont know about TX, but yellow is illegal in California. Dont like how you just threw those in the stock lamps with no cut offs, and not in projectors as they should be. I hate people like that. If you wanted to put HIDs you should have done it properly and retrofitted your headlamps. Now you will be driving around blinding everyone. I plan on doing my $750+ retro hopefully before summer ends. Anywho your car, do as you want, but I sure wouldnt want to be you in a court room where you ended up getting someone injured for an improper install!

Geez Dude, watch the tone. There's no need to beat the guy up in a post because he did something you didn't like. Help the guy, don't bash him. Try not to do this again.

Anyway, yellow heads are illegal in all states on the mainland. I'm not sure about the other 2 states.

[Clipsed]

ALL retrofit installs are ILLEGAL. Why chide someone for doing it wrong, when there's No right way of doing it.

lol do you know what a true retrofit is? PLEASE point me to the CA vehicle code, or even a federal law that outlaws them, because that I know of they are not illegal. Just as people in CA think neon under the car is illegal to have on while driving, big news for you buddy, it is not, and that case if ever taken to court on it I can fight. As long as it was not a distraction and got someone killed, it is PERFECTLY legal. You should do some reading, and read up on your laws.

Sorrry Proxim, no need to bash, just pisses me off when I have people driving behind me here in Cali with their HIDs without being installed properly, blinds the s**t outta me and other drivers. It is a real annoyance.

[Robi]

Good way to kill yourself and or someone elase ... stock lights are fine get add fogs

[weems84]

didn't know people will get so worked up about this, sorry. Well this is temp anyways once the factory fog light kit comes out these will move down and new 12000k will go up in the stock, still illegal i know but like i said before this is not my first hid kit. Had a 8000k on my first car for bout 2 years(never pulled over), have a 12000k kit in my kawi bike(never pulled over for it either). the web page i purchased from states, all non factory hid kits installed are illegal. Our kit are intended for off-road and show purposes only.

[Jemdawg]

If you want more light, or brighter light, save some money and time by replacing the bulbs and getting fogs. HID's are very expensive, especially if you want to retrofit them. I like the look a projector provides, but I'd rather spend $100 on new bulbs than almost $1000 on a job that will take more time and only look a little better.

[reyes1212]

man i wanted yellow lights in mine...how come when i check on ebay, the lights state that they are at a legal level of color or something like that.what gives?i wanna JDM!

[Ever Victorious]

man i wanted yellow lights in mine...how come when i check on ebay, the lights state that they are at a legal level of color or something like that.what gives?i wanna JDM!

Flea bay sellers are scary, they'll tell you just about anything you want to hear except the truth. The only light refit kit I've ever seen from there that was legal was an H6054 to H4 crystal reflector bulb kit. And the last time a car used an H6054 was what, 91?

That's not to say that light refits are illegal, just MOST of them. The kit must be DOT legal (which has different definitions in different states) and be of a legal color (again, different definitions in different states, but every state allows white).

I found the Versa to have more than adequate light for a stock lighting system, and I agree with Jem... if I wanted more light I would have grabbed a pair of Silverstars or something like that.

Remember, the brighter your lights and the better you can see, the worse everyone else coming towards you can see as a result. There are legal limits in every state as to how much light a low-beam can emit... and for very good reason.

That reminds me, I need to go pick up a toothbrush and a bottle of toothpaste. My Legacy's headlight fixtures have yellowed quite a bit, it's time to spiff them up... (and no, I'm not kidding about this as a fix, it works wonders)

[weems84]

we owna mechanic shop and do tx state inspections. if I remember right any lights in the front can be from amber to white. now copsdo have more laws than the vehicle inspection do. either hids can get you a ticket.

[Clipsed]

Well I do agree with light output upgrade to Silverstars or some other equivalent bulb, but I love the look that HIDs have. Anything to do with car parts on e-bay I would not believe myself. Anything more than 6000K is just plain dumb to have in your headlights unless you are going to be using it OFF ROAD ONLY FOR SHOW.

we owna mechanic shop and do tx state inspections. if I remember right any lights in the front can be from amber to white. now copsdo have more laws than the vehicle inspection do. either hids can get you a ticket.

Don't know how your state is, but here in California they are very strict, bulbs can not be higher wattage than what came from the factory, only forward facing bulb colors are white and amber, that means for all the people with LED washer nozzels, it is legal if you have white or amber on them, but illegal to have any other color. HIDs are very dangerous if not used properly since they give off 3 or more times the light output that standard bulbs do.

[audtatious]

3000k is about as yellow as half the older-style halogen lights I see on the road. For the most part, as long as the lights are re-aimed after installation it should not be a problem with blinding oncomming traffic. Upgrading is at your own risk and as long as you do re-aim and accept any consequences via the PoPo's, then it should not be a problem with members here.

[proxim2020]

Let me correct my last posting. After doing some research, there are states that allow it by default (they just don't specify). After searching the Texas vehicle code, there's no section that describes what color is acceptable for forward facing lights. There are sections that do describe what colors are acceptable for rear facing and flashing lights. So as far as the state is concerned, yellow would be acceptable. But you're still restricted by local ordinances. Your lights may fall under some local Anti-Nuisance ordinance. So DPS and the Sheriff's Office may not bother you, but the smaller ones (like Meadow Glen, Stafford, and Surgarland) may be more picky. The eastern states normally just state that the light need to comply with DOT standards. Which is white to blue and anywhere in between.

[cireecnop1]

I thought all HID lights 'auto' leveled themselves? My Audi did that and so does my new Prius. I thought that was the point of the auto level as to not blind oncoming traffic?as far as I know in Colorado ANY modification to your car that takes it from a non factory condition, or at least able to be ordered that way from the maufacturer, is illegal. including ANY neon lights,lowering of the suspension,headlight and taillight replacements<------illegal. but whether or not you piss of an officer enough for him to write you a ticket is another story.

[Clipsed]

lol yes very true on pissing off the cop cireecnop1 lol that will get you a ticket for anything he can find! lol.

Proxim on your mention about colors in front, I think there are very few to no states that allow actual BLUE color bulbs facing forward. Real HIDs are not colored, they are bright white, but when looking at them at certain angles look as if they are green, blue, purple, etc etc. this is why they ARE legal as they are not colored, as most manufactures use 4300K-~6000K which are pretty much all white based. I will have to do some research on the subject matter, and give some hardkore evidence as to what is allowed and what is not, as this is a delicate matter with some as it could be a cause of injury or, knock-on-wood, death. To me if you put HIDs, at least aim them a lil lower than what your stock halogens were, and everything should be ok. I will get back to you all tonight after work.

[MIdnkight-lude]

i been running a PNP system from my former car in my V. and i lowered the headlights. so that i dont blind as many people.

Btw, it is illegal to modify the headlight, so they no longer become DOT appove. so retrofit arent any more legal. they just happen to provided a better lighting quality as to not blind people.

[audtatious]

I thought all HID lights 'auto' leveled themselves?

Only on certain vehicles. I know the Maxima and I30/35 are not auto-level.

[proxim2020]

Proxim on your mention about colors in front, I think there are very few to no states that allow actual BLUE color bulbs facing forward.

Well when I'm talking about blue, I'm not really talking about blue (if that makes sense). Blue as in the light blue hue that you get from the Hyper White bulbs. OEM halogens are considered white even though they have that yellowish hue to them. The blue coated ebay bulbs that give you an actual blue light would be outside that range. Same if you were to have a.....I guess you would call it a gold bulb that would give you a gold light.

[Clipsed]

i been running a PNP system from my former car in my V. and i lowered the headlights. so that i dont blind as many people.

Btw, it is illegal to modify the headlight, so they no longer become DOT appove. so retrofit arent any more legal. they just happen to provided a better lighting quality as to not blind people.

lol I like your choice of words, "you don't blind AS MANY people. Guess what, you blind enough, and all it takes is ONE, one time of anything will ruin a whole lot! And from what I know so far but could be wrong, it is not illegal to take an OEM DOT/SAE approved headlamp and install it on another car, please if I am wrong show me the code that states I am. Why would it be illegal to take things that are illegal and mod them into a suitable application?? Like I said please correct me if I am wrong.

Well when I'm talking about blue, I'm not really talking about blue (if that makes sense). Blue as in the light blue hue that you get from the Hyper White bulbs. OEM halogens are considered white even though they have that yellowish hue to them. The blue coated ebay bulbs that give you an actual blue light would be outside that range. Same if you were to have a.....I guess you would call it a gold bulb that would give you a gold light.

Proxim, I see what you are saying now, but yea a light blue, and when I say light, I mean VERY LIGHT blue is not illegal, because as we know there are bulbs that are street legal and approved that have that hue. Now as for these blue coated bulbs that give off a bluish light, those are illegal X2 because most of the time, they are high wattage bulbs, which are not only illegal, but are very dangerous and could cause a fire, but would also make you have a forward facing blue light, and if the cop wants to be an @$$ he will pull you over and site you.

Here is some info you guys can read off of another forum with guys who do this and know about it. Take the time to read this, and you will realize what the proper way to put REAL HIDs in a car is.

Mav19"HID kit or not?????......

Most of us know that it is just a BIIIIIG headache to install a HID kit in a Standard Halogen reflector.

AND, if you didn't know before, now you do.

99.99999999% of the time, it will not work properly.The combo is nothing more than a BIIIIG Glare Producing mechanism, blinding oncoming traffic.

Trying to install a HID kit in a Standard Halogen reflector is like trying to run a Petrol engine on Diesel.

I have seen too many brave soles trying to prove everyone else wrong by attempting to “fix the problem” and show that everyone else was wrong. That they could do it.Myself being one of them.

You see, someone said that it couldn’t be done, so I took it as a challenge.

I said to myself : I know what to do.I made an adjustable shield.I could turn the shield from side to side, could make the opening wider or narrower, longer or shorter. Hah problem solved…..I remove the headlight lens and reinstalled the headlight without the lens back in the car.I could now play with the shield. See where it should block the light and where it should be emitting some.Hah, I am going to fix this and show them how it’s done….

After several days of farting around with the damn shield I realised that the focal centre of my Halogen reflector could not be matched with that of the Xenon bulbs arc centre. What the……..

I had almost made it but could never get a perfect beam pattern from it. BUT as we all know ALMOST is not good enough.

I posted my results on several forums worldwide and everyone told me the same thing: You are wasting your time….. Retrofit a Xenon or Bi-Xenon Projector…..

So, I finally decided to do a retro and see what all this hype was about.

The initial result blow me off. I, immediately had a perfect beam pattern.

End of fighting the realities of life for me (Well I mean on this front at least).AND, end of glare problems for me.

But, hey, if you got your heart set on trying to fit a kit go for your life.Just remember what all the above mentioned.

So as you may have noticed The answer to the question at the start of this post is: NOT."

BroncoFanCam"Good call...

There are lots of shams out there about popping HID bulbs in your old housing... Wah-Lah!

If you truly care about doing things properly and legally, and if you give a half-a-crap about other drivers on the road, there isn't much alternative to simply doing the retrofit.

I have not done one as of yet, but will be before long, and I cannot wait!"

Retrofit-Source"this is all true info, not only will an HID kit completely ruin your beam pattern, you will probably lose light output with it. yes, it might be a little brighter lumen wise, but the light will be scattered everywhere (especcially in places it shouldnt be). Light will be projected above the cutoff line and into onlookers eyes, versus being put uniformly down the road.

also, HID kits have a bad rep of burning out fast, or the bulbs colorshifting at a different rate.

Lastly, I wanted to mention that installing d2r bulbs (which are meant for reflector type housings) still isnt a good idea."

Spoon"this is all true info, not only will an HID kit completely ruin your beam pattern, you will probably lose light output with it. yes, it might be a little brighter lumen wise, but the light will be scattered everywhere (especcially in places it shouldnt be). Light will be projected above the cutoff line and into onlookers eyes, versus being put uniformly down the road.

also, HID kits have a bad rep of burning out fast, or the bulbs colorshifting at a different rate.

Lastly, I wanted to mention that installing d2r bulbs (which are meant for reflector type housings) still isnt a good idea."

The Bus Driver"I bought one of kits you speak of off of ebay. Then I did extensive research into HID and sold it before I even installed it. I don't like doing things half assed. The truly sad part is you can do it the right way for not much more than THE KIT costs. Rolling Eyes"

Mavs19"You are not wrong there, mate.

If only few more people who buy these so called HID Kits (also known as Crapito), could read these or any of the other hundreds of similar articles posted by people who have gone down the road they are about to go and found nothing but waste of time, money and effort.

But, then again not everyone thinks like you and me.Most people are fully content with half hearted projects in life.

The difference between winners and losers is the way they think and do things. "

So as you can see, by doing as the gentleman did and threw these HIDs in the car was the wrong way about going to doing this.

Proxim, is it ok if I post an offsite link to a website on a automotive lighting faq? This would be very helpful for the not so educated people in this subject matter, and would help them to make better decisions.

[Robi]

I cannot believe what I am reading. Are you all nuts ... too much money and no brains. God help the oncoming poor soul with his wife and kids when you come on him with your classie brights ablazing in this face. In turn puts on his high beams and good bye Charlie. Lives or serous injury gone because someone has to make his car look cool.

[Clipsed]

lol Robi, learn about the subject and you will realize this can be done safely.

[Jemdawg]

Come on guys, we need not dispute in this manner. Be mindful that other people are entitled to different opinions. The fact that, for the most part, HID kits of any kind, that means a PNP kit or a retrofitted projector kit, are illegal has been established already. The fact is that you just have to be aware that you are breaking the law and must pay the consequences for doing so, if necessary, as audtatious already said. A retrofitted kit is, in fact, the smarter way to go if you choose to put HIDs in your car. If they are properly installed, you will have less of a chance getting pulled over and blinding oncoming traffic. Despite the fact that it is illegal, you can't deny that it isn't the better choice of the two (that is a simple PNP swap or a retrofit.)

[versabundus]

lol do you know what a true retrofit is? PLEASE point me to the CA vehicle code, or even a federal law that outlaws them, because that I know of they are not illegal. Just as people in CA think neon under the car is illegal to have on while driving, big news for you buddy, it is not, and that case if ever taken to court on it I can fight. As long as it was not a distraction and got someone killed, it is PERFECTLY legal. You should do some reading, and read up on your laws.

Sorrry Proxim, no need to bash, just pisses me off when I have people driving behind me here in Cali with their HIDs without being installed properly, blinds the s**t outta me and other drivers. It is a real annoyance.

Yes, I do, and I doubt you do it right. Read:

Retrofitting of an ENTIRE sealed OEM HID headlamp from a different vehicle keeping all original functions*) intact is legal in North America. Obviously, it must be mounted in the approximate same height and as solid as on the original vehicle. In a court case worst scenario, it will most likely will be used against you, but the right lawyer will be able to defend you.*)Note that functions consists of low beam, high beam, markers, turn signals, amber side reflector, leveling system (if equipped), cleaning system (if equipped) and AFS system (if equipped).All other kinds of retrofits are illegal, unless results from a testing lab can show otherwise. The cost of such test is around $10,000 and consists of various environmental, durability, material, aimiability, and so on. Even if you are willing to pay this amount, it is not granted that you will pass. Based on the report you will have to make design adjustments where it failed and go for another test. All in all, designing legal headlamps is not for the DYI mechanic.Is it illegal to sell HID kits?

All HID kits containing an HID bulb intending to replace a halogen bulb is illegal to sell in North America. This is not a new regulation, its been there since way before HID kits came on the marked. It basically goes under regulations regarding non-compliant lighting. Equipment commercially made/sold in the US currently carries a fine of up to $10,000 per occurrence.Is it illegal to import HID kits to the US?

Yes it is illegal. Unless equipment complies with current standard and is covered by a certification. This makes import a criminal act, you cannot blame the shipper or brokerage company. They can only advise you not doing it.

So, when you do your little retro, do you use the markers, turn signals, and reflectors from the original system?

[Clipsed]

yea I like where you stated the vehicle code on that post, BLAH!

[MIdnkight-lude]

i never said it was perfect.

let me ask you this. When you modified something onto your car, from another car is it LEGAL? Not really dude, especially if it is a safety FEATURE.

[proxim2020]

Proxim, is it ok if I post an offsite link to a website on a automotive lighting faq? This would be very helpful for the not so educated people in this subject matter, and would help them to make better decisions.

Clipsed - Go ahead and post the link. I don't see any harm in infoming people.

Everyone - This is a warning to keep the conversation/discussion civil. This isn't a message singling out one or two people. I know people have their opinions and sometimes we can get passionate about there, but they are just that, opinions. You have to think about how others will read your comments. Especially those across the world who read these topics and are not members. Someone may consider your posting a personal attack because the way you worded it. Think before you post.

[cireecnop1]

i never said it was perfect.

let me ask you this. When you modified something onto your car, from another car is it LEGAL? Not really dude, especially if it is a safety FEATURE.

sorry i read your post wrong..... you're right it is illegal. next time I'll read a little closer

[Robi]

I apologize for my rant ... just that someone in a new benz came on me with his brights on and I was totally blinded for a number of seconds and I had my grandchildren with me. Sorry if I ticked any of you off with my comments.

[marleyfan]

Just curious. If you were totally blinded, how did you know it was a Benz?