CLOSED - The Retrofit Source GB

He replied to me! I guess I'm special

 

You probably tricked him in the title; click bait. Something he couldn't resist like

"Click here to claim free retrofit"

 

how tight did you guys make the nut on the back. Just hand tight or use some channel locks to really seat the rubber suction washer into the bowl. @deeezy @gym_jamz

 

I made it as tight as I could by hand and tightened it ever so slightly with channel locks after I set the horizontal cutoff.

 

Hand tighten it as much as you can. Remember, you still have to rotate it to set your horizontal alignment. The nut/shaft is made to deform once it's tight

Once you're satisfied, a dab of jb weld between the nut and bowl will hold it in place.

 

I can't even remember if I glued the nut to the bowl. I know for sure I glued the nut to the shaft.

 

You'll be alright! I'm sure you'll know when your rotation is off a bit later down the road. Easy fix though!

 

My driver side cutoff is crooked and I tightened the snot out of the ring on the back. The igniters just fit on so freaking tight that it tilts it. I need to open it up and fix it again

 

I guess it's still accessible if you take off the boot off. I'll still be able to reach in with a stick or something and dab some epoxy on it. At least I hope so.

 

thanks guys

 

Thanks for the group buy! This thread has convinced me to finally get some real lights, after trying several lousy setups. Thanks for all the information and tips!

 

Okay so I tried a week or two ago, but here is where I am at still. Perhaps if someone has a link to an all inclusive DIY thread, it'd be very helpful. First let me explain what I am thinking of getting:

• Mini D2S Stage III with O lens LHD
• MotoControl Bixenon: H4/9003
• Apollo 2.0 Full OR 3.0 shrouds (haven't picked a style yet, but it also depends on the ease of install of each)
• 100mm XSB 2.0 Switchback halo to mount inside of either shroud option I pick
• D2S XB 4500K bulbs
• Morimoto XB 35W ballast
• Morimoto XB igniter
• Black RetroRubber

Now I have a series of questions to make sure I know what I am doing prior to buying it all, seeing as this is my first ever attempt at a retrofit including painting essentially all pieces of the headlights black. The questions:

• Between the two shroud options I have listed, is one easier to install into the Tacoma headlights/onto the projectors than the other? (Someone previously mentioned Apollo 3.0 fits with no trimming which is awesome)
• How are people attaching the shrouds to the projector?
• Will the kit include the ballast housing seals?
• Is there a guide that shows how to install the halos inside of the shroud?
• For wiring the led halo, is there a guide somewhere that will show how to wire these into Tacomas? I have decided to wire these to a OTRATTW rocker switch inside of the cab but am still unsure of where the constant 12V power source to the switch originates, and about wiring for the switchback to the amber color as a blinker function.
• Again with wiring, how do the halos need to be wired in order for the switchback function to work (switching to amber color when the blinker is on)?
• Seeing as I plan to paint the bowls and the new shrouds, what is the recommended procedure for this? Strip the chrome, sand, and repaint? Or I saw people using oven cleaned on the chrome?
• Finally, will the kit come with instructions for how to properly adjust the cutoff level for the lights?

I know there are a shit load of questions and they're all probably simple and basic....but I'm a bit of a perfectionist and want everything to be done correctly the first time. I appreciate all your guys' help!

 

Between the two shroud options I have listed, is one easier to install into the Tacoma headlights/onto the projectors than the other? (Someone previously mentioned Apollo 3.0 fits with no trimming which is awesome)
I was able to install the Apollo 2.0 shrouds with no trimming and plenty room to spare.
How are people attaching the shrouds to the projector?
The shrouds clip on to the projector housing with plastic tabs
Will the kit include the ballast housing seals?
There is a thick rubber grommet on the ballast that gets clamped onto the reflector bowl. I drove through the rain and mine is still dry inside
Is there a guide that shows how to install the halos inside of the shroud?
Can't help you on that I didn't do halos. Maybe someone else can chime in and help you
For wiring the led halo, is there a guide somewhere that will show how to wire these into Tacomas? I have decided to wire these to a OTRATTW rocker switch inside of the cab but am still unsure of where the constant 12V power source to the switch originates, and about wiring for the switchback to the amber color as a blinker function.
Again with wiring, how do the halos need to be wired in order for the switchback function to work (switching to amber color when the blinker is on)?
Seeing as I plan to paint the bowls and the new shrouds, what is the recommended procedure for this? Strip the chrome, sand, and repaint? Or I saw people using oven cleaned on the chrome?
For my retrofit, I just painted right over the chrome without any prep whatsoever. More info here(The Retrofit Source Ongoing GB via Andrew @ TRS)
Finally, will the kit come with instructions for how to properly adjust the cutoff level for the lights?
The kit doesn't come with instructions

 

Long post you got there lol but I will respond to each questions after work. Unless someone beats me to it!

 

Thank you so much for your help and the advice. Your paint job turned out excellent. It looks to me in those photos that you kept both the reflectors on the outside and the parking light lenses towards the inside (center of truck) stock? Those look killer.

Haha, yes I know it is a long. Thanks in advance!

 

1) Instead of black RetroRubber, I would go with grey to match your housing.
2) Both shrouds work without trimming. I personally have apollo 3.0 and didn't have to trim at all. It's nice and big, covers your bowls perfectly. Apollo 2.0 Full is about the same size. So no problems there.
3) Yes, the shrouds have clips on them, but I would not rely on them. They can pop off anytime. Instead, you use jb weld, or jb quik weld, and smear some on the projectors around the metal clip. Then push the shrouds in. Careful not to put too much, causing jb to drip all over. Jb weld is strong enough to hold it in place. Make sure you have them aligned perfectly also. You don't want one side to be cockeyed
4)I'm not sure what you mean by ballast housing seal? The ballast is potted(I think; waterproof/resistant) but mounting it a certain way will absolutely prevent water from coming in, connectors pointing down, etc.
5)there is a guide, lemme show you.
you pretty much put jb weld or jb stick between the halos and shrouds. You don't have to go crazy, just three evenly spaced out areas. Just like the picture.
6) wiring halos is easy. I can help you in details better later when I'm on the computer. (Currently replying through phone)
7) In order for your led switchback function to work how you qant, you'll need to run a wire from the rear turn signals to the front. Our front dtrl and front turn signals are constant, meaning if you tap into that, it will remain and blink amber. I have yet to find an area to splice up front for the blinkers. Works great, here's my second retro I'm doing.
7)I would strip the chrome before painting it. I use oven cleaner. It strips it clean. Clean it really good afterwards, spray some adhesive promoter, and paint. Works great. And of course, let it dry good! Here is what the shrouds look without chrome. 8) There is a generic thread on hidplanet(TRS' headlight forum) on aiming your headlights. The best and truest way is to mark your original headlight position on a wall 25' away and matching it afterwards.

I think I got everything. If not, let me know!

 

Thanks, Jimmy. I really appreciate the help! I just went ahead and bought an IggyCorp switch panel, and some OTRATTW rocker switches (one for bed lights that I'll get to eventually). So I guess my retrofit build is nearly official! I just have to buy the retrofit kit itself haha. That'll be tomorrow when I determine which shroud I want so I feel better about my spending.

As far as wiring the halos goes, I'd really appreciate the help when you get a chance and it can be in here or PM. I am not afraid to show off my ignorance haha

 

Be ready to wait...I trying to create an order yesterday, but nearly everything (projectors, shrouds, and rubber) are currently on backorder.

 

You are correct. I called this morning and they stated a bunch of stuff is out but should be back in stock by the end of the month. I went ahead and placed the order anyway.

 

Yeah, there was a huge ($6 million in cocaine) drug bust down in savannah port. And their containers are being held there!