3rd Gen BHLM + Retrofit Projector

The first post in the this thread is a comparison that compare BOTH stock low beams to a SINGLE RX350 projector. It’s quite obvious from that picture that the light output is brighter than the factory stock halogen bulbs, but I just think it’s a weird comparison to compare one HID low beam vs two halogen low beams. It’s not really an apples to apples comparison.

I’m not sure where the myth came about that putting HID’s in projector style headlamps causes blinded drivers. The whole purpose of projector headlamps vs reflector headlamps is that the projectors maintain a distinct cutoff line so you can have intense bright light below that line while not blinding oncoming traffic. The beam pattern does not change, it still maintains a great cutoff line and if properly adjusted, will definitely not blind oncoming drivers. I will fully agree that it’s not as good of a solution as a total retrofit with RX350 projectors, but it still works very well. As long as the measured distance from the base of the bulb to the filament (or in an HID case, gas chamber) is the same, the beam pattern will not change, it will only intensify. Attached you’ll see some pictures of the HID kit I installed in my truck for the time being until I can have the truck not usable for a few days, and as you can see, it still maintains a great cutoff line (albeit not as crisp as the RX350 projectors) and definitely doesn’t blind oncoming drivers.

 

Technically any modification of a headlight from OEM is illegal as it will not be DOT approved, whether a full retrofit or just a HID add on kit. That is why even tiny little 194/168 Sylvania LED replacement bulbs say “Off-road Use Only” on the package, because they’re not DOT approved.

 

The reason for that comparison might be because the factory projector is designed for a halogen bulb, and he used that since there is nothing but re-based "H" hid bulbs. Obviously the RX projector uses a d2s bulb which only comes as xenon.

 

I’ve had both an HID kit and now a proper retrofit. There is no comparison between the two. My current setup is far superior in output than the Morimoto HID I had before.

You have to “see” to believe.

 

Haha awesome, glad to hear it was worth it even with an HID add on kit. I’ll probably go ahead with the full retrofit, I’m just always hesitant to add third party electronics especially when it comes to the primary lighting for a vehicle. More parts means more points of failure. I always use dielectric grease on all the connections because I’ve found a lot of aftermarket manufacturers use inferior seals in their connectors leading to corrosion over time so I’ll just make sure to do that to all the connections.

I think one of the biggest benefits to this retrofit would be the quad high beams but I hear little people raving about them? I can’t imagine how good the high beams must be!

 

It's not going to blind oncoming drivers but it isn't proper either. To me the best part of doing the RX350 is getting what basically is a second set of high beams. If you are opening a set of lights to do the BHLM then may as well upgrade the projectors. If you aren't planning on doing the BHLM then to me it's not that yuuuge of an improvement compared to the effort to do it and it'll still be illegal even though it's the correct way to do it

 

Oh I’m definitely doing the BHLM and the biggest draw for me wasn’t even the low beams but the quad high beams. I’ll go ahead with it eventually, just need to find a cheap second hand oven on Craigslist to not stink up the house.

 

It doesn't stink. The wife wouldnt have even known if she didn't see me "cooking"

 

Really?! Everyone was talking about the burnt plastic/glue smell.

 

Yeah I guess while you are working on them. I really just meant after the job is done.

 

Or just go with 4 low and 4 high beams with dual projectors.

 

I just bought this truck and owe too much money on it to go to that extent with my headlights! Maybe I’ll buy a used pair on eBay for experimentation.

 

See how your beam pattern curls up on the sides like a smile? That's a problem for oncoming traffic. Keep in mind, just because you're not being flashed doesn't mean you're not blinding people.

I waited until my wife was out of town so I didn't hear complaints about the smell. She was gone one night and when she got back....not a word.

 

I here ya there. My first set is just RX350's so I could blackout the high beam bucket. Awesome lighting with just the 350's but don't like the empty space so now going to fill it with a smaller projector. It's all spendy stuff.

 

This is exactly what I did. I didn't want to screw up my stock headlights and have to explain why I needed to buy brand new ones. So I bought a cheap pair to practice with. I installed that pair and did a full retrofit of my original lights after learning all the little tips, trick and mistakes I made the first time. Second set turned out much better. Now I've got a spare set that I'll probably end up selling since they are just sitting in boxes in a warehouse.

 

Slowly building up my retrofit kit, Meso LED side markers got delivered tonight. Ordered the paint for my passive demon eye. Just waiting for the holidays to pass before I order the rest

 

That’s literally exactly how the halogens were too. I personally think the upside down triangle beam pattern is a little weird which was another reason for wanting to change it.

That’s what I was thinking. The second time around ALWAYS comes out better. Every pistol I’ve ever built multiple times has been ok the first time around and nearly perfect the second time around. Did you retrofit the first set too or just black them out? What are you looking to get for them? We’re they sealed back up with Butyl (or whatever it’s called) or were they sealed with the permaseal. I’d actually prefer the permseal to prepare me the stock headlights.

 

I just blacked them out. I wanted to learn how to open and close them without melting them or setting fire to my house. They were sealed up with Butyl. They weren't perfect when I cracked them open since I bought them used on eBay. They have some scratches on the lenses from probably rock chips or something but they look good from 5-10 feet away. PM me if you're interested but it sounds like it's not what you're looking for.

 

I appreciate the offer but yeah I’m looking for ones sealed with the Permaseal. Thanks though!

 

Good luck. You’ll be hard pressed to find someone resealing with perma. It requires a high temp machine as it’s applied in a liquid, then dries hard.
Butyl is much easier to work with, can reopen the lights if needed, and seals just as well as perma. There’s a reason 99% of retrofitters(pros and novices) use it.