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Retrofit and BHLM Headlights

Discussion in '3rd Gen Tacoma Parts Marketplace (2016-2023)' started by no vtec 4me, Aug 27, 2018.

  1. Jan 2, 2021 at 11:28 AM
    #2201
    n2xlr8n

    n2xlr8n Well-Known Member

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    Sorry..took me awhile to get the paint corrected and cleaned up- it's dusty from driving, but not too bad.PXL_20210102_192016399.jpg PXL_20210102_191823723.jpg PXL_20210102_192005886.jpg

    The lights are fantastic and the cutoff is exactly as you described! Thank you so much.
     
  2. Jan 2, 2021 at 11:38 AM
    #2202
    no vtec 4me

    no vtec 4me [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ^^They look great, that's a clean truck!
     
    n2xlr8n likes this.
  3. Jan 2, 2021 at 4:48 PM
    #2203
    CAG Gonzo

    CAG Gonzo Ascendant Spaghetti

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    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.
     
  4. Jan 2, 2021 at 5:05 PM
    #2204
    304_Taco

    304_Taco Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    n2xlr8n and CAG Gonzo[QUOTED] like this.
  5. Jan 2, 2021 at 5:06 PM
    #2205
    no vtec 4me

    no vtec 4me [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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" :D

    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!
     
    CAG Gonzo[QUOTED] and 304_Taco like this.
  6. Jan 2, 2021 at 5:19 PM
    #2206
    CAG Gonzo

    CAG Gonzo Ascendant Spaghetti

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    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. :anonymous:

    I'll for sure hand it off to you and your skills, OP. Very excited about that!
     
    no vtec 4me[OP] and Iwilltaco like this.
  7. Jan 2, 2021 at 5:28 PM
    #2207
    no vtec 4me

    no vtec 4me [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    304_Taco and CAG Gonzo[QUOTED] like this.
  8. Jan 2, 2021 at 5:47 PM
    #2208
    CAG Gonzo

    CAG Gonzo Ascendant Spaghetti

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    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!
     
    99ranged and no vtec 4me[OP] like this.
  9. Jan 2, 2021 at 6:42 PM
    #2209
    n2xlr8n

    n2xlr8n Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    CAG Gonzo[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Jan 2, 2021 at 11:26 PM
    #2210
    The_Evil_Droid

    The_Evil_Droid Well-Known Member

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    MBRP Cat back Dual Exhaust, Ceramic Pro Gold, PPF, Meso Total Tail S1, customcargrills mesh grill, BHLM Retrofit with MESO Stage 2 Sidemarkers
    I concur that the RX350s are a massive upgrade. The low beam function is bright enough to virtually washout my Morimoto fog lights
     
  11. Jan 3, 2021 at 7:21 PM
    #2211
    SpensirG

    SpensirG Well-Known Member

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    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. 19789A01-A5D1-46FB-B333-E79470044CA4.jpg
     
    304_Taco likes this.
  12. Jan 5, 2021 at 1:18 PM
    #2212
    Gamma11

    Gamma11 ((‘)) yea, i like the taste

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    upload_2021-1-5_16-18-15.jpg
    Looks color matched? Quicksand an option? Cost? Thanks!
     
  13. Jan 7, 2021 at 4:10 PM
    #2213
    JuanVenado

    JuanVenado Well-Known Member

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    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!!!20210107_175912.jpg 20210107_175922.jpg
     
    hoverlover, BOMBS, TSAVO and 2 others like this.
  14. Jan 7, 2021 at 4:21 PM
    #2214
    no vtec 4me

    no vtec 4me [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks!^

    They really brought the front end together!
     
    JuanVenado likes this.
  15. Jan 7, 2021 at 4:42 PM
    #2215
    Gamma11

    Gamma11 ((‘)) yea, i like the taste

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    What ones did you get? I'm debating what to do right now!
     
    JuanVenado[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Jan 7, 2021 at 4:45 PM
    #2216
    crazyjeys

    crazyjeys Well-Known Member

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    where can one get one of those clear side markers?
     
  17. Jan 7, 2021 at 4:51 PM
    #2217
    no vtec 4me

    no vtec 4me [OP] Well-Known Member

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    These are a bhlm with meso side markers.
     
    JuanVenado likes this.
  18. Jan 7, 2021 at 5:02 PM
    #2218
    JuanVenado

    JuanVenado Well-Known Member

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    I just did the BHLM and added the @MESO side marker switchbacks. Pretty basic.
     
    onesixonetwo and Gamma11[QUOTED] like this.
  19. Jan 7, 2021 at 5:06 PM
    #2219
    JuanVenado

    JuanVenado Well-Known Member

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    20201212_143756.jpgBefore and After. Will post better pics later.

    20210107_175912.jpg
     
  20. Jan 8, 2021 at 10:01 AM
    #2220
    JuanVenado

    JuanVenado Well-Known Member

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    Got a better pic in the daylight.
    Love 'em!
    Thanks Kevin! Great Job!!20210108_115841.jpg 20210108_115852.jpg
     

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