HID convertion

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Skratch

Obviously you didn't read or can't read my previous posts . . .

I suggest you take a moment to check your attitude before you make your next post. You may not agree with 1badgmc, but you will respond in a polite manner.

[BLE 'BURBAN]

Originally Posted by 1badgmc

You can get the new housings to accept the capsule-type bulbs from LMC and the like, but you won't find them selling the HID kits.

For the HIDs, I have bought from DDM Tuning, VVME and HIDgate on eBay. They're all good kits at good prices.

You can also get them from www.v-leds.com that's where I got mine from.

[MWood]

To the post about HID retrofit's being illegal, do you have a reference for that? I have looked at Illinois Statue, and I do not see any reference to this. Is it a federal law? I have seen other references to a "DOT regulation" but have not seen it in writing. If it is in writing, they are probably talking about HID retrofits into Halogen headlights.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs...=49&ActID=1815

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs...qEnd=129300000

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regul...108&Cat_type=V

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_20...cfr571.108.pdf

And to the OP (and anyone else that wants to do HID's this way), it may look great to you but what about oncoming drivers? Only way to properly do a HID conversion is to get HID projectors, bulb, balast, and harness and not JUST a bulb, balast and harness.

For a HID to properly perform they need to be aimed and have the correct cutoff. That is what keeps from blinding oncoming drivers.

[MWood]

Also, it seems as though the term "DOT Approved" is a bit misleading. The DOT does not "approve" items that go on your vehicle. Instead they set standard (FMVSS 108 for lights). If your vehicle meets the standard then you are good to go, if not then the particular equipment is illegal.

[MWood]

Alright, last post I promise. lol

It looks as though the reason why HID retrofits (properly done) are illegal is because....
1. There is no filament
2. There is no ballast on file with the DOT to be used with an H1 bulb.

The reason why I am doing so much research is because I am currently having a set built for my dually. I have no question that from the outside they will look great and not cause any glare. But it looks as though they will not be legal.

[1badgmc]

I have not been able to find anything that specifically condemns HID conversions as being illegal in so many words, but in my searches around FMVSS 108 and HID legality, I have seen this pop up several times...

NHTSA Cracks Down on Aftermarket HID Conversion Kits

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is targeting high-intensity discharge (HID) conversion kits for enforcement actions. NHTSA has concluded that it is impossible to produce HID conversion kits (converting a halogen system to HID) that would be compliant with the federal lighting standard, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. The noncompliant kits frequently include a HID bulb, a ballast, an igniter, a relay and wiring harness adapters. The NHTSA believes this equipment presents a safety risk to the public since the kits can be expected to produce excessive glare to oncoming motorists. In one investigation, the NHTSA found that an HID conversion headlamp exceeded the maximum allowable candlepower by over 800%.

Under FMVSS No. 108 Section S7.7 (replaceable light sources), each replaceable light source for headlamps must be designed to conform to the dimensions and electrical specifications for the headlamp source it is intended to replace. For example, if an HID kit is marketed as replacing an H1 light source, then it must match the H1's wire coil filament size and location, the electrical connector size and location and the ballast design for use with an H1 light source (which is impossible since there is no ballast). Consequently, companies that are manufacturing HID light sources (e.g., D1S, D1R, D2S, D2R, 9500, etc.) with incandescent light source bases (e.g., H1, H3, H7, H8, H9, H11, H13, HB1, HB2, HB3, HB4, HB5, etc.) should be aware that this light source design would not be one that conforms to FMVSS No. 108, and could not be imported and sold in the United States without violating Federal law. (The importer is treated as the manufacturer and subject to the same fines and penalties that apply to a domestic manufacturer.)

NHTSA has also determined that a commonly used disclaimer "for off-road use only" has no legal meaning and is not recognized by the agency as the manufacturer, importer and retailer are not in a position to control use once a product has been sold. Any equipment offered for sale which is covered by FMVSS No. 108 (headlamps, taillamps, side markers, etc.) must comply with the standard.

[68Timber]

I'm not speaking about anyone in this thread or any kits mentioned here. But I've passed many an older car at night that's had some sort of headlight upgrade that blinds me with the glare. Usually they have some sort of halo glare around the headlights and maybe even blue tint. It is annoying and dangerous. To me, a headlight upgrade should put more white light on the ground. The Sylvania Silverstars seem to be well reviewed and are even available in sealed beam halogen versions for our older trucks.

[1badgmc]

Most who do HID conversions don't take any care in their installations and do have bad glare. Most of them also buy retarded blue color temperatures as well.

[scotts62]

I saw some pink looking ones the other night on a really nice truck, kinda killed the coolness

[1badgmc]

I've seen pink and I've also seen green. Talk about retarded.

[mullit]

ive got a truck thats pink and green must make me twice retarded

[ARAMP1]

Originally Posted by 1badgmc

If the vehicle didn't roll off the assembly line with HIDs, then it's just as illegal as any other HID conversion.

Never heard of that one. Is that a state law or federal? Can you point me to where it says that?

[MalibuSSwagon]

Just sticking HID bulbs in older halogen reflector housing is NOT the way to do it, you will create a lot of glare. I retrofited projectors in my Honda for this reason. It looks cool and the beam pattern is amazing.

[dropd80s]

[MalibuSSwagon]

Originally Posted by dropd80s

Sorry missed all the the drama, just trying to add an informative post here

[1badgmc]

But it IS possible to put HIDs in a halogen reflector housing without causing glare. It takes the right type of housing and a bit of care in aiming. Is it perfect? No. Is it optimal? Not at all.

My eyes are very sensitive to lights and if I can look at my HID conversions coming at me without any discomfort, they're not bothering very many other drivers either. I have never been flashed with them.

[87chevy.com]

Sure it can be done, just get a projector housing and graft it into the headlight. These are 3" projectors, light output is like that of a facotry BMW.. no glare, awesome cut off... yeah putting hid bulbs in a non hid housing is ricer... its bright lights that sprays the light..
clint

[1976K5CHALET]

Interesting subject matter. I am sure there will always be some gray area when it comes to the subject. All i can say is i do alot of night driving in the oilfield to and from jobs...and out here its close to offroad only conditions. But its the best money i have ever spent on my dodge...its been the difference between me running over bambi or not on several occasions.