Retrofit and BHLM Headlights

^^They look great, that's a clean truck!

 

Alright I think it's high time to get me a set of these. A few questions for the masses:

• Are HIDs or LEDs worth the price of the retrofit? I used to keep up to date with the 3rd Gen headlight thread by crashnburn80 but it's been a few months. I have the recommended H9s and they seem fine, though I guess I wish the throw was more...solid? Brighter?
• Amber switchbacks or just DRLs? Switchbacks are white normally, amber for signaling? Leaning towards the DRLs because I like the color, especially with a red truck.
• The clear coat service adds additional lense protection, or does it sort of renew what protection there is stock?

Aside from that, I'd just go with amber turn buckets. RGB looks awesome but I can't justify the cost. Red LEDs up front on a red truck? Hawt. Maybe one day.

 

Yes they are definitely worth it.
I can't speak to the LED retros, but the HIDs I have are a ridiculous improvement.

I have switchback drl and halos, they are nice, but the amber is definitely appealing if I had to build a set again.

 

Lets do it! Im sure other might chime in, but ill answer your questions here as well.

1. The retrofit is so worth it and worlds beyond just an h9 swap. You will have better distance, width, and "solidness"

2. The two DRL options are switchback (function exactly like stock, but also blink amber with your turn signals) or Amber (amber at all times, and also blink with your turn signals).

3. The clear coat refinish's main function is refinish to lenses to like new condition. They are painted with automotive clear coat so it also adds a layer of UV protection beyond what is on the stock lights. The original "clear coat" on the headlights is sanded through and completely removed before spraying the new clear on.

Any other questions feel free to shoot me a message!

 

Do the HIDs take time to warm up in cold environments? Do the ballasts generate EMI detrimental to, say, a fuse solution (spod, bussman, etc) in the engine bay? I guess what I'm after is trying to identify disadvantages, partially because I'm curious and always like to know these things before going in, but also because I knew they had to be good because they seem quite popular and I was trying to protect my wallet.

I'll for sure hand it off to you and your skills, OP. Very excited about that!

 

HID's do take a few seconds to fully warm up in any temperature. A big advantage of the LED's are instant ON, zero warm up time.

As far as EMI, the only thing I've ever heard of is possible radio interference with hid ballasts. I haven't had any customers complain about it on these trucks though.

 

Thanks for the answers and feedback. I'd love to hear from others who have done retrofits, HID or LED. Or if anyone has some sexy Barcelona red images to share. For now, I'll hit you up with a PM, OP!

 

I had bone stock SR projectors HLs. The brights were okay, but the low beams sucked.

The RX350 projector with Morimoto HID difference is phenomenal.

I drive 86.3 miles to work, in the dark 5 days/week. I believe Kevin's truck was bit taller than mine (I've got stock TRDOR suspension with 265/70/17s), so I had to raise the pattern a bit, but the cutoff is still below windshield level on the average car, so I'm not blinding people. Worth every penny.

 

I concur that the RX350s are a massive upgrade. The low beam function is bright enough to virtually washout my Morimoto fog lights

 

Those look great. Can't beat that OEM+ look! The MLEDs are what I'd like to swap into mine once I get some time to get them apart. My dad and I did a set of 2020 tail lights, removed the chrome, painted everything satin black and smoked the reflectors. seeing as we wont need to cut into the lights to get the headlight apart, it should be a much easier task.

We'll be redoing this drivers side light since the sealant decided it was going to seep into the housing but the right came out fine.

 

Looks color matched? Quicksand an option? Cost? Thanks!

 

Just finished putting these in 5 minutes ago. Already dark out so these are the best pictures I could get but these things look awesome and now my headlights match my fog lights!!!!
Thanks @no vtec 4me !!!!
Kevin is a PRO! The packaging my lights came back to me in were WAY better than how I sent them! Lights look amazing. Can't even tell they were opened up. 5 stars!!!

 

Thanks!^

They really brought the front end together!

 

What ones did you get? I'm debating what to do right now!

 

where can one get one of those clear side markers?

 

These are a bhlm with meso side markers.

 

I just did the BHLM and added the @MESO side marker switchbacks. Pretty basic.

 

Before and After. Will post better pics later.

 

Got a better pic in the daylight.
Love 'em!
Thanks Kevin! Great Job!!

 

Whats your lift and wheel setup