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Retrofit headlights on 96

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by ahum12, Aug 2, 2014.

  1. Aug 2, 2014 at 10:58 PM
    #1
    ahum12

    ahum12 [OP] Member

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  2. Aug 3, 2014 at 9:28 PM
    #2
    gray223

    gray223 Well-Known Member

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    First go to the lighting section, lots of threads on retrofits.

    That kit should work but the halo size is determined on the shroud you get. It will tell you on there the recommended halo size for a certain shroud. Go to PCbuilder's build page and he used the gattling gun shroud with the halo on the outside. Think its like 90 or 100mm not sure. Many of the shrouds have an option of mounting on the inside or outside.
     
  3. Aug 3, 2014 at 10:44 PM
    #3
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    Well, first what kind of headlights do u have? Are those the square sealed beams with fluted lenses? If so you'll need to buy some aftermarket with clear lenses. And the square headlights like 7x6 aren't exactly easy to retro. I've done a pair for my brothers older dodge. You have to cut out the back and either jb weld it in place, or make an extension to get the projector to fit. It's not deep enough. But the harness u need is whatever bulb type your truck has like 9003/H4, etc.. Bulbs, I would get the 35W xb 35's. Shrouds are your preference on what u like and what fits the mini H1. I would get the mini gatling just to be safe, not sure much else will fit in those square housings. And yeah the halos have to match the shroud for size.
    And make sure you do more research and check out hidplanet.com too.

    OR.... I do believe that theretrofitsource are currently designing some square headlight sealed retros that they'll be selling complete. But who knows when they'll release them. They already are selling the round sealed beam kits. But they do have an extension built in so they will protrude through the back of grille. Therefore you'll need to check your clearances on each side. Even so with your other headlights if you choose to build them yourself.
     
  4. Aug 4, 2014 at 9:47 AM
    #4
    stikle

    stikle Well-Known Member

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    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Your '96 will be identical to my '97 retrofit.

    Take a look here. :)
     
  5. Aug 4, 2014 at 8:09 PM
    #5
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    Logan did his twice.
     
  6. Aug 4, 2014 at 9:54 PM
    #6
    paranoid56

    paranoid56 Well-Known Member

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    i wouldnt even bother, go pick up some of the nice trucklite or jcspeaker LED lights. bolt on install :D
     
  7. Aug 5, 2014 at 10:08 AM
    #7
    ahum12

    ahum12 [OP] Member

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    These are the headlights that I have. Not sure what they are exactly or what bulbs I have
    How hard would it be for someone with no mechanical experience? [​IMG]
     
  8. Aug 5, 2014 at 11:27 AM
    #8
    ahum12

    ahum12 [OP] Member

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    a little too expensive for me, but awesome headlights
     
  9. Aug 5, 2014 at 11:27 AM
    #9
    paranoid56

    paranoid56 Well-Known Member

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  10. Aug 5, 2014 at 12:26 PM
    #10
    ahum12

    ahum12 [OP] Member

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  11. Aug 5, 2014 at 3:07 PM
    #11
    stikle

    stikle Well-Known Member

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    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Save your money and do it right. Don't waste your money like I did my first two sets off eBay. Plus you'll potentially be blinding drivers if they aren't mounted and aimed correctly.

    Either stick with OEM 5x7 sealed beams or do a proper full retrofit. In my opinion.
     
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  12. Aug 5, 2014 at 7:21 PM
    #12
    bellassaiw10

    bellassaiw10 Formally afroman5015

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    Ive done 3 sets... little bit of fab work but its doable, check out LSC15s I did both of his
     
  13. Aug 6, 2014 at 1:05 AM
    #13
    ahum12

    ahum12 [OP] Member

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    How do I know if I need new housing to do a retrofit and what size halo to get if I get the mini gating gun shrouds? Also, is there anyone who can put it all together for me for not too much extra than just buying the parts?
     
  14. Aug 6, 2014 at 1:18 AM
    #14
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    You can't do a retro with that fluted lens. Has to be clear. So yes u need new housings. They are cheap anyways. The shroud description will tell u what size halo is needed.
     
  15. Aug 6, 2014 at 12:45 PM
    #15
    stikle

    stikle Well-Known Member

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    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    You have to. Your original sealed beams are glass and permanently glued together. You have to get plastic housings that you can get apart and cut on.

    See my link above...
     
  16. Aug 8, 2014 at 12:40 PM
    #16
    ahum12

    ahum12 [OP] Member

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    Can you do it with a black housing? and does it look better or worse?
     
  17. Aug 8, 2014 at 3:04 PM
    #17
    stikle

    stikle Well-Known Member

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    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    If you're doing a true retrofit (installing a projector), then it doesn't matter as the housing isn't being used a reflector at that point. So yes it will work...assuming you can get the two halves apart.

    Some people intentionally make theirs black. I believe it's called BLHM or BHLM or something like that. It'd look good if you have an all black front end. I have lots of chrome still, so I went the other route.
     
  18. Aug 8, 2014 at 5:17 PM
    #18
    bellassaiw10

    bellassaiw10 Formally afroman5015

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    Doubt any one would do it for cheap lol it's a little bit of work required
     
  19. Aug 22, 2014 at 10:33 AM
    #19
    LSC15

    LSC15 Southern Retrofits

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    Yes I've done 3 sets of these. If you would like I can make you a set of them and ship it to you for the right cost
     
  20. Aug 24, 2014 at 2:13 AM
    #20
    wkndboost

    wkndboost Active Member

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    You can always find cheap headlights online to retrofit.
     

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