Can someone tell me what the quality of these lights are like? I really don't care what the output is like, as I'm just going to be taking them apart and throwing some Acura TL projectors into them. I would like to make sure that the paint and lens, on them, is of good quality and isn't going to scratch/chip/yellow like the after market ones do. I think Hella is a decent brand, but I'd like to hear your experiences with them.

Thanks!

 

A few guys on here had a problem with them leaking, but no problems with yellowing or paint flaking. The leaking issue won't be a problem as long as you reseal them well enough after you install the projectors. Sounds like a very cool project! Make sure to keep us updated

 

Yeah, I'm working on the advice of the guys over at HID Planet. I'm sure they'll be all sealed up and working great, just need to finish buying the supplies. I will post a project update once things start moving along, though.

 

I find the quality of the Hella's top notch - but I've only had them on for around 6 months.
The lens is super clear, and all the black inside looks to be perfect.

I'm very happy with mine -

 

why don't you just tear the stockers down?

 

I have a set and mine haved leaked to where it looks like layers of the actual lens is peeling. I contacted the retailer that i purchased from and they told me that Hella would warranty them, but that Hella is in the process of redesigning the product due to all the complaints. I've been waiting on a replacement set for about 5 months.

 

Because the stockers on my truck are chrome, and I wanted to go black anyway. So I'll keep my chrome ones as backups in case something goes bad in the future. That and this way I can keep driving around while I finish up the project and don't need to rush them.

What type of bulbs are you using?

 

if i was you i would just do a custom set, painting them is a piece of cake, you will save yourself a bunch of cash, but you can do what you want. no point in buying new black hella and breaking them apart IMO

 

i was using sliverstars then i switched to HID's

 

Yeah, but like I said, I want to keep a pair of OEM's in case something bad happens to the retrofit and I need to quickly replace them. I might as well keep the ones that came with the truck, and since I'm buying new ones anyway, might as well save myself painting them and just get ones that are the colour I want.

Was it burnt with the Silverstars? I'd blame the aftermarket HID's. They tend to run a lot hotter than OEM HID's and hotter than the standard H13's. Aside from the heat issue, performance (and not looking ricey) is the reason I'm doing a retrofit and not just a kit. Besides the kit that I had in there at one point, just looked cheap. I'll put it up for sale, here if someone wants it. I just want to throw it back in after I finish the retrofit to do some comparison shots.

 

I had this same plan until the recent layoff....

I was going TL's in the heads, and S2000's in the fogs

I already have all 4 projectors but lack of current funds wont allow me to finish right now. Just a simple FYI. Check the placment of the projector depth within the headlamp and get it in as far as you can otherwise you will have to cut a hole in the steel behind the headlamp under the hood.

The TL is a big projector, so it makes the fitment kinda wack depending on the look your going for inside the lens.

As for your question...i would go Hella lamps. I bought a set of OEM FX2 lamps for my retro and they were a bitch to open. The newer OEM lamps wont open in the oven you need a dremel as im sure you have heard on hidplanet. Good luck with your project, if you have any questions feel free to ask, i have been researching this for the last 8 months lol

 

Lol, thanks achap, for chiming in! I know what you mean about the TL's being large projectors. I have 2 of the 06's here on my desk. I'm glad you told me about them being a pain to open, too.

I've only been researching this since December, give or take, but I've got a decent idea of where I'm going with this. I'm still a little stumped on the type of shroud, that I want to use, but I'll figure it out in time. I'm going to be leaving the fogs alone, for the most part. I've got a couple of Lexus capsules to mount in there, for the selective yellow colour, and I think I'll see about throwing some 9005's in there. I also plan on throwing a couple 6" driving lights behind a honeycomb grill, for the high beam application.

So much information, so many decisions, so little time/money (or so it feels sometimes).