Why I should or should not do retrofit

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kolelt

New member
Been thinking for a while to do a retrofit. Aka projectors in the headlight. Seen many topics and many pics. For budget build to EXPENSIVE build.

This is more towards the people who have done this and currently have them. To the people who have the expensive and to those who have the budget one.

Any reason why I shouldn't do it ? What would you have done differently if you were to go back ? What do you recommend if I do them ? Pros and cons. Any issues after you installed them and had them for a while. How does the plastic ousting hold up compared to the glass one.

I would like to have a green halo around the projector. Personally I want to spend the lowest amount possible.
 
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I did mine on a budget, not rock bottom budget, but might as well have been - the addage "you get what you pay for" is true af

PROs
-it's cool!
-projectors cast farther light than halogens with reflectors
-you can get any color/temp bulbs
-you can add halos!
-you can customize your rig

CONs
-you're spending money on something that already "works"
-halogens work just fine
-the cut off is abrupt and affects hill driving in the dark (uphill)
-non factory parts means no parts store has your stuff
-failed components mean ordering more stuff or carrying spares
-in many cases you are modifying parts of your vehicle beyond the point of reasonable return
-you have to install extra stuff on your vehicle
-mis-wiring can cause shorts, blown fuses or damage (fire)
-knowledge or experience to install is required

All that being said, as objectively as possible, I love my retrofit and get questions and compliments from other enthusiasts. The general public is typically blind to it (pun intended)

Do your research and have fun!
 
kolelt said:
Been thinking for a while to do a retrofit. Aka projectors in the headlight. Seen many topics and many pics. For budget build to EXPENSIVE build.

This is more towards the people who have done this and currently have them. To the people who have the expensive and to those who have the budget one.

Any reason why I shouldn't do it ? What would you have done differently if you were to go back ? What do you recommend if I do them ? Pros and cons. Any issues after you installed them and had them for a while. How does the plastic ousting hold up compared to the glass one.

I would like to have a green halo around the projector. Personally I want to spend the lowest amount possible.
Click to expand...
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I am looking at this as well. But I don't care about the halo so much. Also wondering if the new LED that Burtman sells would be a good option considering costs and stock appearance. For me, either way I need the newer housings. Thanks in advance.
 
octanejunkie said:
I did mine on a budget, not rock bottom budget, but might as well have been - the addage "you get what you pay for" is true af

PROs
-it's cool!
-projectors cast farther light than halogens with reflectors
-you can get any color/temp bulbs
-you can add halos!
-you can customize your rig

CONs
-you're spending money on something that already "works"
-halogens work just fine
-the cut off is abrupt and affects hill driving in the dark (uphill)
-non factory parts means no parts store has your stuff
-failed components mean ordering more stuff or carrying spares
-in many cases you are modifying parts of your vehicle beyond the point of reasonable return
-you have to install extra stuff on your vehicle
-mis-wiring can cause shorts, blown fuses or damage (fire)
-knowledge or experience to install is required

All that being said, as objectively as possible, I love my retrofit and get questions and compliments from other enthusiasts. The general public is typically blind to it (pun intended)

Do your research and have fun!
Click to expand...

I am doing my research. But quick question about the halo. Does the halo simply get wired in when you turn on your lights ? And can you install the halo on anyone projector ? Is the halo something separate?
 
kolelt said:
I am doing my research. But quick question about the halo. Does the halo simply get wired in when you turn on your lights ? And can you install the halo on anyone projector ? Is the halo something separate?
Click to expand...

Some guys wire the halos to a switch on the dash, some wire them inline with other stuff

The halos I got were integral with the shrouds, making them cleaner and easier looking, and to work with. There are some "universal" halos out there but after my research I steered clear of going that route and opted to get a proven, kitted product at a higher price.

I wired my halos to turn on with the marker lamps but off with headlamps using a relay, so no wiring to the dash.

I outlined my efforts here https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/224604-my-3rd-gen-retrofit-projector-project.html

Halos specifically here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/227598-my-drl-halo-install.html#post2511068
 
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One thing you should be aware of is that projectors in 3rd gens is illegal in the states and you can get cited for it.

That being said I know of only one person who has ever had a problem with that on the forum.

You can see betterwith projectors. They're awesome.
 
JBurt said:
One thing you should be aware of is that projectors in 3rd gens is illegal in the states and you can get cited for it.

That being said I know of only one person who has ever had a problem with that on the forum.

You can see betterwith projectors. They're awesome.
Click to expand...

Explain please? I though HID are illegal "without" a projector.
 
kolelt said:
Explain please? I though HID are illegal "without" a projector.
Click to expand...

I think we're safe. NJ doesn't do safety checks any more, just emissions, and I can't imagine a street cop citing for that. But yeah, technically any HID retrofit is illegal under federal law.
 
You can't modify a DOT approved headlight. So if there ed a factory option then you could use that but there isn't.

I'm not aware of any process for getting a headlight DOT approved, so do it at your item risk.

The one guy I know of that posted about getting busted just got a fix it ticket. Not a big deal.

However if you got into an accident and the other party claimed it was because of your illegally modified headlights then you might have problems.
 
JBurt said:
You can't modify a DOT approved headlight. So if there ed a factory option then you could use that but there isn't.

I'm not aware of any process for getting a headlight DOT approved, so do it at your item risk.

The one guy I know of that posted about getting busted just got a fix it ticket. Not a big deal.

However if you got into an accident and the other party claimed it was because of your illegally modified headlights then you might have problems.
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I understand. But I doubt it.

And if 99% any of us got into a accident. We could be I trouble. Because our trucks are modified from bumpers, to suspension to everything.
 
I'm not arguing with you. I like the idea and will probably wind up doing it someday. I'm not sure that armor and suspension are illegal modifications though.

I just wanted to make sure you were aware. Knowledge is always a good thing.
 
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JBurt said:
I'm not arguing with you. I like the idea and will probably wind up doing it someday. I'm not sure that armor and suspension are illegal modifications though.

I just wanted to make sure you were aware. Knowledge is always a good thing.
Click to expand...

I understand bud. I appreciate it :). It's hard to express your opinion over the Internet because you cannot see facial expression so I can see how some people might take things the wrong way. Again none take , and I appreciate your help. If I do go this route. I will definitely take my sweet time to make them safe and correct.
 
Just because something isn't DOT approved doesn't automatically make it illegal.

A jurisdiction would have to have a specific statute banning non-DOT equipment or retrofits for it to technically be illegal.

Many states do not have such statutes.
 
JBurt said:
You can't modify a DOT approved headlight. So if there ed a factory option then you could use that but there isn't.

I'm not aware of any process for getting a headlight DOT approved, so do it at your item risk.

The one guy I know of that posted about getting busted just got a fix it ticket. Not a big deal.

However if you got into an accident and the other party claimed it was because of your illegally modified headlights then you might have problems.
Click to expand...

Same can happen with tinting or smoking the lenses, especially of brake/tail lights. I get it, it can look great, but doing so is 1) an illegal modification, and 2) diminishes the output and intensity levels of the tail lights.

OP, even putting a great, fully compliant projector, such as a hella 90mm bi-xenon (arguably the best HID projector on the market, in terms of measurable performance) is illegal to sub into another headlight. Now, i you make a weather sealed housing for said projector, you're in the clear, but modification of a compliant headlamp is the issue.

OP, if you have money to soend, I would look at how to mount one of the many fantastic LED headlights offered by JW Speaker. You'd have to build your own mount, but their headlights would be wirth the hassle for the significant upgrade from stock.
 
I am highly considering installing a set on my truck after driving my dads BMW with projectors. Light output is crisp and defined, just hope they are not fragile and can take off-road vibrations in the desert...
 
Are they legal? I dont know about where your from...but 99% of them are illegal in Wa. They have to have the DOT/SAE stamped on them with some additional coded numbers and letters. You also can not legally run any light that is not actually white. They put a piece of paper in front of your light and it better show white not some hazy blue or other color. You can talk to one cop and he will say yep their illegal....next one says I have no clue....next one says yep they are legal. The state patrols web site says pretty much if it didnt come on the vehicle when it was made they are probably illegal.

My stock suck (compared to all thew newer vehicles)....but I just live with them. Not worth the risk or headache for me.
 
FROGrunner said:
I am highly considering installing a set on my truck after driving my dads BMW with projectors. Light output is crisp and defined, just hope they are not fragile and can take off-road vibrations in the desert...
Click to expand...

Your dads factory BMW lights are 10 times the light people are buying off Ebay and Pep Boys. There is a huge difference in the Chinese specials and the true quality lights not only in price but performance. Tread carefully.
 
I find the HID retrofits upgrade in the same class as TBU an SC as far as function and enjoyment. No brainer.
 
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