Installed HIDs on the 90

[spudboy]

I've just finished installing some HIDs on the 90 to replace the cloudy/milky OEM headlights. Waiting for it to get dark, so I can go out and try them.....

Took about 3 hours, by the time I figured out how to get the old ones out, fit the HID electronics, and get a 12V feed sorted out.

Together, they only draw 35W, so this should help with the life of the switch on the steering wheel.

[n plus one]

I've just finished installing some HIDs on the 90 to replace the cloudy/milky OEM headlights. Waiting for it to get dark, so I can go out and try them.....

Took about 3 hours, by the time I figured out how to get the old ones out, fit the HID electronics, and get a 12V feed sorted out.

Together, they only draw 35W, so this should help with the life of the switch on the steering wheel.

More details please - brands, where from, etc, etc

Inquiring minds need to know...

[spudboy]

Got them from Hobzee 4X4 in Melbourne. The bloke I spoke to was very helpful. He suggested the 4200 degree bulbs (not the 6000 degree ones) so that it looks more standard and doesn't have the blueness of some HID kits. Stops attention from the police on older vehicles apparently.

He also "upsold" me higher spec lenses for an extra $40. I probably should have stuck with the standard lenses, as the up-spec ones have an additional lens in them which is held in place with 2 screws on the back of the shell, which means the rubber boot does not seal properly. OK for on road use, but I can see water/dust perhaps getting past the seal. I'm going to call them Monday and see about swapping them back the the standard ones.

The kit was $345 + about $20 postage/handling (was delivered registered mail). Delivered very promptly.

[spudboy]

Here are some details from their advert (on EBay):

About "Hobzees4wdshop" ..... .... also known as 4H
We have now moved into our new warehouse at 18 Latham St Mornington Vic 3931. You may pick up your ebay items directly from our warehouse if we know beforehand that you are coming. Please call our friendly staff on 03 59755533 to make arrangements.

1 Pair of our 4H 7" Round Focal Lights (Value $90)
HID upgrade kit for both lights. (Value $295)
Total Value if purchased separately ... $385

These Focal lenses are heaps better than the standard factory sealed beams or run of the mill aftermarket semi sealed lights. We sell many of these by them selves every day of the week and every customer is very happy with the improvement, just up upgrading the lenses. These are semi sealed lights and bolt straight into your vehicle. You can upgrade to our 4H magnified / projectional Focal lights for an additional $40 at payment (you can email or call us if you like). * ( These are the ones I upgraded to - stick with the std ones I reckon)

HID kit - 35 watt 6000K H4 HID Hi and HID Low beam. This is the ultimate in lighting technology brought to you at the very best price. The kit comes complete with ballasts - nothing else needed. Amazingly these only pull 35 watts and so you dont need to upgrade the wiring loom with this kit.
For an additional $50 we can supply Halogen low beam and HID hi beam globes so low beam is not too bright for on coming cars. Just pay the extra at payment, shoot us an email or give us a call to arrange.
This is as good as it gets. The best lights with the brightest possible globes.

[n plus one]

Cheers mate, interested in your experience with them - how much extra light, etc.

Also, when flicking to hi beam do the take long to fire up? Or do you get an instant response?

[spudboy]

Buckets of extra light. More than I imagined. However, the old headlights had gone milky (no idea why) so not quite a fair comparison.

I am a little worried I may dazzle oncoming drivers, but in a quick 10 minute test drive no-one flashed me. High beam is phenominal. Better than my twin IPF 130W spotlights.

They are HID on both high and low beams. The globe does not go off between high and low. I believe it is the same globe, it just shifts position (with a solenoid?) so no drop-outs as it is always on.

[n plus one]

Excellent news.

I know what you mean about bright - I run HID lights for riding mountain bikes offroad - have been using them for years now.

I see that they also offer that setup with a halogen low beam - I might investigate that however it probably reintroduces the fire-up time issue.

I thinking you could use the dash-mounted headlight level adjuster to 'dip' the low beams for day to day town driving?

[BigJon]

It would be good to see before and after pics. Better yet, it would be good to see them in real life. Maybe I can drop over for a looksee next time I am in Adelaide (sometime in the next few weeks).

[spudboy]

Sure - call past when you are over. Give us a hoy a few days before. They'd fit straight into your Rangie.

My camera is a point and shoot cheapie, so not sure how it would go photographing the lights. I can give it a try with the flash turned off.

[scott oz]

I got mine from the same place, I went for the Hi/Low combination

I'll be interested in your view and if you are able to properly "am" the lights.

Yes the screws locate right on the edge of the rubber seal

Good luck

[mark2]

I've been looking at their 7" 'focal' lights for a while and been wondering if they're a gimmick or if they really work with HID's.

Whats the low beam cut-off like?

I suppose the sealing issues could be resolved with a bit of silicone?

[scott oz]

I've been looking at their 7" 'focal' lights for a while and been wondering if they're a gimmick or if they really work with HID's.

Whats the low beam cut-off like?

I suppose the sealing issues could be resolved with a bit of silicone?


The sealing would only need as you say a bit of silicone.

The change from low to high when first done leaves you driving with almost no light until the HID gets going. Once the HID has been fully heated up the change is fine.

I haven't tried focusing the lenses yet and I'm thinking that the magnifier "may" be a bit of gimmick or at worst hinder the actual over all performance.

Until I get time to try and focus them I will not know for sure.

[spudboy]

There is no drop out when changing from high to low. The globe does not go off, it shifts position somehow.

Definitely an instant change over (mine are Xenon on both high and low beam).

[spudboy]

I haven't tried focusing the lenses yet and I'm thinking that the magnifier "may" be a bit of gimmick or at worst hinder the actual over all performance.

Until I get time to try and focus them I will not know for sure.

How do you do the focusing?

I read the manual, but it written in Chinese English and I can't decipher what they are talking about. Something to do with the three very small screws included. Any ideas?

[dobbo]

Usually you stick the three very small screws into the three very small holes and screw them until you get the desired result.


This method also works for on rich old women;)


How do you do the focusing?

I read the manual, but it written in Chinese English and I can't decipher what they are talking about. Something to do with the three very small screws included. Any ideas?

[scott oz]

How do you do the focusing?

I read the manual, but it written in Chinese English and I can't decipher what they are talking about. Something to do with the three very small screws included. Any ideas?

Spudboy

My HID kit is a high / low. The low is a separate bulb, the high beam is a separate HID bulb. When on high the low beam is “off”. Hence when the HID is first used or cools down between uses I drive in darkness.

The only focus on my set up is by the use of the two screws for adjusting the whole lens. My memory is there is one on the top and one side adjusting screw of each light.

The bottom screw seems to just be there to retain the lens in position and should be lessened while adjusting and tightened when happy.

If I read your HID system correctly you have a single HID bulb which moves in and out to imitate the high/low light out put.

[VladTepes]

spudboy - sounds as if your system is a better one that scotts is.

The darknes in between switching from low to high can;t be a good thing scott !

It's a timely thread as I was thinking of getting a set myself.

I presume the wiring loom for it uses the column switch to operate a relay which powers the lights themselves ?

[spudboy]

The HID globes only pull 35W, so no need for a relay. That's about 1/2 what the normal lights pull, so the switch should last a lot longer.

[scott oz]

spudboy - sounds as if your system is a better one that scotts is.

The darknes in between switching from low to high can;t be a good thing scott !

It's a timely thread as I was thinking of getting a set myself.

I presume the wiring loom for it uses the column switch to operate a relay which powers the lights themselves ?

The set that you get is a plug and play. I’ve actually sourced the “male plug” in Australia (Australian wiring looms) as I intend to introduce relay’s into the system despite the noticeable current drop using HID’s.

This way I can simply unplug the entire system and return it to standard if I have to