Hella 500 Lights....housing fit.

[nathannookie]

Just installed a set of Hella 500 Lights.

The glass lens/reflector assembly, doesn't exactly fit snuggly into the "hi impact" housing.

If I push on the right or left side of the lens, the assembly rocks back and forth a bit, and I'd imagine that water would get inside, as it's not exactly a snug fit.

I've routed the wiring inside as carefully as possible, to prevent any pressure inside.

Maybe mine are defective, or maybe they are just normally like that, and I shouldn't worry about water getting inside?

Maybe for $80 I'm getting what I paid for?

I'll post pics soon. I've mounted them up on the bumper. They look great, and the light pattern (driving), looks good.... but just hope they'll stand up to the weather.

 

[momo.75]

I can't wait to see the pics....

 

[JGRIMBALL]

:worthless

 

[Biff]

Just installed a set of Hella 500 Lights.

I'll post pics soon. I've mounted them up on the bumper. They look great, and the light pattern (driving), looks good.... but just hope they'll stand up to the weather.

Where are the pics? :cursin:

 

[nathannookie]

Well, I'm at work, but I'll try to post some pics tommorow.

Actually a good idea. I'll shoot CU's of the amount it rocks back and forth....probably 3/16 of an inch or so.

I e-mailed Hella Tech support late last night. This morning I had a reply....something about 'it's normal' but to silicone them if water DOES get inside. Hmmmmmmmm....doesn't give me a real warm feeling...

I'll post the Hella reply too.

 

[Biff]

Well, I'm at work, but I'll try to post some pics tommorow.

Actually a good idea. I'll shoot CU's of the amount it rocks back and forth....probably 3/16 of an inch or so.

I e-mailed Hella Tech support late last night. This morning I had a reply....something about 'it's normal' but to silicone them if water DOES get inside. Hmmmmmmmm....doesn't give me a real warm feeling...

I'll post the Hella reply too.

What switch did you use to set up the lights? If you can post a pic of the switch as well that would be great.

 

[nathannookie]

What switch did you use to set up the lights? If you can post a pic of the switch as well that would be great.

It's a Pep Boys OEM illuminated switch. Not perfect, but ok.

Can't repost the picture on this thread, but here's the link. Shows the switch without a spacer first, which didn't look good, then I added some space, and it looks ok.

http://toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1835&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

 

[nathannookie]

Re: Re: Hella 500 Lights....housing fit.

Where are the pics? :cursin:

I'll shoot some better pics, with better backgrounds, but have to get to work soon, so these will have to do for now.

 

[nathannookie]

Angle shot

Angle Shot

 

[nathannookie]

Hella Gap Problem

Here's the question I submitted to Hella Tech Support, and then the reply I got back....so maybe no big deal;


--------------------------------|
Hello,

I just bought your 500 series lights.

I'm noticing that when I hold the plastic housing, and press on the sides
of the lens, the Lens / Lamp assembly rocks back and forth a bit. In
other words, it's not a real tight fit, and I'm worried about rainwater
getting inside.

Is this normal, or are my lights defective?

Thanks very much,
-------------------------------

This is a normal occurrence. Do not let it bother you. If water or moisture
should get into the lamps, let me know. If you want, you can try and seal
it up with some glue or apoxy.

Thank you!

Scott Kornhaus
Consumer Support Rep.

Hella, Inc.
201 Kelly Drive
P.O. Box 2665
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Hella, Inc.

 

[nathannookie]

Gap closed now... looking down, but pressed on right side this time.

 

[toybox]

"seal it up with some glue or epoxy"

I don't like that response. If this is a normal situation it should need no additional sealing.

 

[Biff]

It's a Pep Boys OEM illuminated switch. Not perfect, but ok.

Can't repost the picture on this thread, but here's the link. Shows the switch without a spacer first, which didn't look good, then I added some space, and it looks ok.

http://toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1835&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

Nice setup, except for the switch. How come you didn't use the Toyota OEM, would have looked better. This is the one I used. Got it on ebay for $12.

 

[nathannookie]

"seal it up with some glue or epoxy"

I don't like that response. If this is a normal situation it should need no additional sealing.

Yeah, I was surprised at Hella's reply myself. The customer shouldn't have to glue anything. BESIDES, if I glue it, how would I replace the bulb if it burns out?

And what is this "Apoxy" that he talks about....gee I've only seen Epoxy

Well, I'll wait and see if they keep the water out. If they 'do' have a problem, at least I have it all documented.

 

[nathannookie]

Nice setup, except for the switch. How come you didn't use the Toyota OEM, would have looked better. This is the one I used. Got it on ebay for $12.

Yeah, the Toyota switch looks good. Maybe I'll grab it on ebay. Thanks.

 

[Biff]

Yeah, the Toyota switch looks good. Maybe I'll grab it on ebay. Thanks.

Nathan

I left you a PM

 

[nathannookie]

Mounting...

I drilled pilot holes, then bigger ones, right through the soft plastic, and harder plastic below, of the bumper. Be careful that you don't hit the many plastic re-enforcement pieces though, as there are many underneath. I used a large rubber washer against the plastic, to avoid scratching, and a larger one above it, to spread the support, otherwise it would rock back and forth a bit. Another washer below, although a bit smaller.

Also, be very careful to allow enough room for the hood to open. The grill opens out just a bit, so you need some clearance.

I can take some more pics, including the cabling, if you want.

Also used some grey rubber nipples over the Hella adjusting nuts, to hide the nut.

 

[Biff]

Re: Mounting...

I drilled pilot holes, then bigger ones, right through the soft plastic, and harder plastic below, of the bumper. Be careful that you don't hit the many plastic re-enforcement pieces though, as there are many underneath. I used a large rubber washer against the plastic, to avoid scratching, and a larger one above it, to spread the support, otherwise it would rock back and forth a bit. Another washer below, although a bit smaller.

Also, be very careful to allow enough room for the hood to open. The grill opens out just a bit, so you need some clearance.

I can take some more pics, including the cabling, if you want.

Also used some grey rubber nipples over the Hella adjusting nuts, to hide the nut.

Pics, would be great especially close ups from the sides.

 

[nathannookie]

I'll take some picss in the next few days.

 

[nathannookie]

Pictures.

Sorry it's still dirty from Pismo