Headlights for retro (with poll)

So Ive had my FX-R projectors sitting in a box for a few weeks now because I have been debating if I really want to do the retro or not. I decided what the hell I'll just do em and if I dont like em I can always sell them and probably lose no money at all. Now I cant decide which headlights to purchase to do the retro on. I went on eBay and was going to get some BHLM "JDM" style lights but while I was looking I ran into a style I havent seen before. The BHLM lights are black shrouds with clear lenses and reflectors, I also found chrome shroud with "smoked" lens and clear reflectors... They look pretty sweet if you ask me! Almost gives the "black chrome" smoked look like the shrouds that come on the 09+ Sport models, except even the bowl looks matched to the shroud which is what I wanted to do pretty much. Below are pics of the:
1- Black Shroud/Clear Lens/Clear Reflectors (very common, typical, boring BHLM)
2- Chrome(smoked) shroud and bowl/Lightly smoked lenses/clear reflectors
3- Item #2 on a Red Taco for overall looks (we all know what BHLM looks like already)

**Before you respond, YES, I am 100% aware that Depo Lights are available for slightly more $ that are pre-BHLM and are as close to OEM as possible. However, I have heard instances of Depo lights getting moisture inside, as well as actual OEM lights getting moisture inside. When an eBay light gets moisture, people blame it on the cheap eBay quality, but in reality, any light, even my OEMs which have never been opened, can get moisture inside. As long as they are sealed well, there shouldnt be anything to worry about. And as far as the plastic being cheaper, that only really matters if you do a sucky job installing and break a tab off. Other than that, the plastic isnt going to crack once they are installed, even off-roading. if you must, but lets please be civil about it at least. I am open to all comments/suggestions/concerns/opinions/etc.

ALSO, keep in mind these will be going on my 2009 MGM colored truck, so the all black is a little too dark imo and the smoked looks pretty good. I know I just answered my own question, but I want others opinions on the matter as well. They will be retrofitted with FX-R projectors and Morimoto 50w 5000k HID's and 5five ballasts








EDIT: Here is another picture I found of the "smoked" lenses... these look WAY too dark. That just screwed me up. Which one do I believe now since they are the same light?

 

seems like youve done your research and asked the right questions beforehand. you have my same set up with the projectors and you wont be dissapointed with the light output!! be prepared for a long project but theres plenty of write ups and people that can help along the way. for your truck id say those black crome looking ones on the red taco look pretty cool and would be different from the rest! go for it man!

 

Thanks man! I know Ill love the projectors, but my only debate is I have a wig-wag control on my halogen highs (yes I know its not legal... ) and I really dont want to give that up 'cause I use em alot. But Ill just do the retro and If I just dont think its worth it Ill sell em.

As for the install, I can work magic when it comes to 12v electrical work, but crafty stuff like this... not so good. Ill probably just get help from a number of local members and itll turn out great.

I am leaning towards the smoked chrome look too becase it seems new and I havent seen anyone with t before. Really curious to see how it looks. just hope its not too chrome looking in the daylight and also that the lens isnt too dark to diminish light output.

 

here's mines when I installed it on my silver Tacoma. bought it off of eBay, it looks like it might be the same as the ones on that red x-runner pic you've put up. it's not on my Tacoma anymore cause I just didn't like the look of it. it does look a lot darker in person. just didn't go well with silver I guess. might look good on your MGM though

 

Those dont even hardly look tinted at all... Are they tinted on the INSIDE on the shroud or is the actual outer lens itself tinted?

 

Found a pic here of a retro on an MGM with the entire thing just Blacked including the bowl and it makes it look like the lens is tinted even though its not. I dont like the projector shroud though but that can be changed. Add clear corner lenses and reflectors and I think now just the regular BHLM would look sweet. Then I wouldnt have to worry about diminished light output either.





(pictures courtesy of "Winker2112")

Now take those ^^^ headlights, add clear corner lens/reflector, change the projector shroud color to black, and put them on this truck:

 

just the outer lens.

 

interesting...

 

Good morning

 

TTT... wanna order my headlights today. Which ones to get? Ahh

 

I voted the smoked set with clear turn signal lens...I got the same projectors you did and was pretty much leaning towards the smoked look...just got to find clear turn signal and corner lenses