Retrofits: What am I doing wrong?

I recently embarked on the hellish nightmare of attempting to retrofit my headlights after many months of light output that was simply lacking in comparison to any other vehicle I have ever been in. I got some new housings to put all the parts in, and upon the first test fire they shot straight down. So I went to adjust the reflector bowl by the two screws on the back and after 30 minutes the light hadn't moved at all, so I took it apart again and found that the plastic clips that hold the reflector bowl had just stripped out and I would push the bowl in and out of the housing without any resistance except for the plastic pivot point, which later just fell out
Easy enough, I'll just use the stock clips and that'll work...
Then those strip out too.
So I have no adjustment to my projectors that fire straight down

After all of this I tried to make my own clips for the adjusters, except out of metal so they wouldn't strip out as easily and hopefully would hold up better due to the extra weight of the projector hanging off the bowl. After many failed attempts I can't make anything that will stick well enough and hold up the bowl. I have also noticed that the projectors wiggle pretty easily, which isn't something I'd exactly want on my truck that takes large amounts of vibration daily.
Am I doing something wrong or did I just waste my money?

For any reference, I am using the Acme Super H1 kit from TRS.
When they were in they looked pretty cool but I couldn't care less about how they look, I was just looking for a brighter and wider beam pattern. I went back to my old halogen and reflectors for now until I can figure out what is going on. Thanks for taking the time to read this, I would appreciate all advice you can give! Have a great day y'all.

 

are you worried about the wiggling around or being able to adjust. I have mini h1's and they vibrate a bunch but from what I get the lower end ones tend to do that. for the most part its fine. Adjustment wise nothing to help you. May have to find another headlight set to modify if you cant figure it out.

 

Mainly worried about the adjustment, I can't seem to get them to shine anywhere close to the OEM markings. From what I can gather it seems like the plastic clips that are used for the screws to adjust are just crap, and strip out very easily.

 

ah yah that could the case. its a clunky adjustment system anyway. I need to adjust mine again.

 

Is the light output worth the trouble? Or should I just get some new OEM bulbs, because mine have seen 210k miles, and I have a feeling that they're just not what they used to be.
Thanks!

 

overall mine have been fine. They jitter a bit but really not noticeable in regular driving. Its worth it if you can get it working.

 

i mean you probably should have just bought new headlights rather than spending $50 on something that should probably cost a lot more than $50 to be done right. Can you return them or has that ship sailed?

 

If you keep an eye out sets come up for sale all the time that may just need a bit of TLC. I got my set for $300 and needed minor adjustments and work great. If I did it again I would upgrade to better HID kit. The mini h1 are okay but def leaves some to be desired compared to factory HID kits. I would say its right below but right above the stock setup.

 

Yeah I could return them, but the kit was actually about $180, and from the output that actually was visible they’re pretty solid. Then again I haven’t drove with them, so at the moment I’m just using the brand new housing with regular halogens. From the output shots between the morimoto higher models and the Acme I couldn’t tell too much of a difference, and I couldn’t justify spending that much more. That being said I guess you get what you pay for, however my problems are mainly the plastic adjustment clips, and the projector aiming low.

 

I’ll keep an eye out for some.
Thanks again!

 

The housings only have so much adjustment in them. You have to ensure the projector is seated correctly before tightening it down on the existing bowl. After aligning the projector, you need to test the output to ensure it is straight and also attempt to straighten the beam out.

Only then you should reassemble the entire assembly. After you utilize copious amounts of sealant and have everything together should you reinstall and align the headlight beam on the vehicle. I've only had to do minor adjustments after I verified that everything was installed correctly.

As for your clip issue, morimoto sells a very secure assembly that rotates behind the bulb and doesn't use clips. It allows for even pressure behind the bulbs and you won't have to fumble with them again. https://www.theretrofitsource.com/morimoto-mini-h1-moto-hol1der.html

 

Nice, I had no idea they had these.

 

Are factory headlight lenses nice and clear. If so I installed a set sylvania silver star ultras. Personally I think they’re plenty bright and the light pattern and throw down the road is excellent. $45 bucks and so stripped nothing.

 

Here is a great write up / good read
Stock headlights
Way better lighting
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/

 

Nothing like 2000 grit sandpaper and a rotary buffer with compound or spraymax 2k. My headlights are 12 years old and I restore then ever so often. Typical halogen bulbs are not even close in output compared to a well done retrofit. My headlights outshine and newoutrange new vehicles equipped with hid (BMW/Mercedes).

 

That is just for holding the bulbs right? The issue I am having is with the adjustment screws stripping out the plastic clips on the reflector bowl

 

Thanks! I'll have to check them out

 

You can find those relatively easily on eBay. One oem set (1 clip and 1 screw) is 13.99. or you can buy 25 for 4.99. Shipping may be funky since they're Chinese but just search "headlight adjustment screw/clip Tacoma" on eBay and a few will show up.

https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/333216190472

 

Just what I was looking for! Appreciate the help