| LightWerkz | 11-05-2006 02:58 PM |
04/05 STi Retrofit Overview (Step By Step)
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I took these pics over the course of the week I was working on Snorky's headlamps. I hope he doesnt mind, just wanted to show the community whats exactly involved in my retrofit's.
The STi comes with an HID kit, all I did was cut a notch in the base of the D2R bulb so it wont sit properly in the TSX projector. The rest of the parts such as the ballast/ignitor are perfectly fine and do not need to be modded.
Here we start out with the normal stock STi headlamp. Its got 3 main amber reflectors that will immediatley make a nice difference if taken out. Thats the first step, removing the UGLY amber!
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111001.jpg[/IMG]
The lamps have a leveling motor and harness attatched to them, so the first step was to comepletely strip the headlamp by removing all the screws, leveling motor, and removing the front lens. By the time you have both headlamps stripped completely, including heating time, youve already spent about 2.5 hours on the project. Its important not to break anything when you work on someone elses headlamps! (I do have plenty of spare parts anyways ;) )
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111005.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111018.jpg[/IMG]
These are the new optics ;) They are projectors from a Acura TSX, very good bang for the buck in my opinion. These run about 175-200, depending who you know ;) They are made by Stanley, same company that makes s2000 projectors which probably the best single xenon projectors out there.
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111010.jpg[/IMG]
I've worked with the BMW e46 bezel and I know its the best choice for these lamps, here are a few of the bezels ready for more headlamps coming in next week.
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111017.jpg[/IMG]
After taking measurements, adding in washers for more color, and then adding screws used to mount the projector, I cut a hole in the reflector and drilled holes to finally mount the projector in the reflector housing. The tape protects the chrome in the front while I was working. Its important for the projector to be aligned perfectly, otherwise your beam will not be level and out of whack. Also needed to cut of the excess screws so they dont interfere with the back of the headlamps once placed back inside....Lots of behind the scenes work in this step, this is just an overview of whats done. By the time I have both projector mounted and aligned perfectly, I expect to spend about a total of 3-5 hours on this portion alone.
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3427.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3422.jpg[/IMG]
The STi comes with an HID kit, all I did was cut a notch in the base of the D2R bulb so it wont sit properly in the TSX projector. The rest of the parts such as the ballast/ignitor are perfectly fine and do not need to be modded.
Here we start out with the normal stock STi headlamp. Its got 3 main amber reflectors that will immediatley make a nice difference if taken out. Thats the first step, removing the UGLY amber!
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111001.jpg[/IMG]
The lamps have a leveling motor and harness attatched to them, so the first step was to comepletely strip the headlamp by removing all the screws, leveling motor, and removing the front lens. By the time you have both headlamps stripped completely, including heating time, youve already spent about 2.5 hours on the project. Its important not to break anything when you work on someone elses headlamps! (I do have plenty of spare parts anyways ;) )
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111005.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111018.jpg[/IMG]
These are the new optics ;) They are projectors from a Acura TSX, very good bang for the buck in my opinion. These run about 175-200, depending who you know ;) They are made by Stanley, same company that makes s2000 projectors which probably the best single xenon projectors out there.
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111010.jpg[/IMG]
I've worked with the BMW e46 bezel and I know its the best choice for these lamps, here are a few of the bezels ready for more headlamps coming in next week.
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111017.jpg[/IMG]
After taking measurements, adding in washers for more color, and then adding screws used to mount the projector, I cut a hole in the reflector and drilled holes to finally mount the projector in the reflector housing. The tape protects the chrome in the front while I was working. Its important for the projector to be aligned perfectly, otherwise your beam will not be level and out of whack. Also needed to cut of the excess screws so they dont interfere with the back of the headlamps once placed back inside....Lots of behind the scenes work in this step, this is just an overview of whats done. By the time I have both projector mounted and aligned perfectly, I expect to spend about a total of 3-5 hours on this portion alone.
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3427.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3422.jpg[/IMG]
| LightWerkz | 11-05-2006 02:58 PM |
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3421.jpg[/img]
Before the shrouds can be painted (they do because the chrome scratches off too easy) they need to be trimmed down on the bottom, and then also on the sides, otherwise it wouldn't fit correctly. After they are trimmed to fit, I prep the shrouds by sanding off all the chrome with 1000grit sandpaper and starting off by throwing a coat or two of primer to make sure the paint sticks well, and doesnt have issues with the heat. I spend about 2 hours on trimming/sanding/painting these expensive little pieces of plastic!
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3437.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3439.jpg[/img]
Tim wanted a silver shroud, so thats what I gave him. The exact color is Silver Metallic, it's a great color... adds for nice contrast as well!
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3452.jpg[/img]
I mixed up some JW Weld and attatched the shroud onto the projector letting it sit for atleast an hour before I play with it. Its important the shroud is placed level... This only part portion of the project takes me about half hour or so.
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3458.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3466.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3488.jpg[/img]
Before the shrouds can be painted (they do because the chrome scratches off too easy) they need to be trimmed down on the bottom, and then also on the sides, otherwise it wouldn't fit correctly. After they are trimmed to fit, I prep the shrouds by sanding off all the chrome with 1000grit sandpaper and starting off by throwing a coat or two of primer to make sure the paint sticks well, and doesnt have issues with the heat. I spend about 2 hours on trimming/sanding/painting these expensive little pieces of plastic!
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3437.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3439.jpg[/img]
Tim wanted a silver shroud, so thats what I gave him. The exact color is Silver Metallic, it's a great color... adds for nice contrast as well!
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3452.jpg[/img]
I mixed up some JW Weld and attatched the shroud onto the projector letting it sit for atleast an hour before I play with it. Its important the shroud is placed level... This only part portion of the project takes me about half hour or so.
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3458.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3466.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3488.jpg[/img]
| LightWerkz | 11-05-2006 02:59 PM |
After the shrouds are permanently attatched to the projector, I started to reassemble the headlamps by attching the whole modified reflector housing. Reassembly takes me about an hour, everything is always faster on the way back in!
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111032.jpg[/img]
Having done this before, I know I need to trim the inside of the inner housing (grey part) giving the projector full movement from left to right. Things are so tight in there I know without this trimming mod the shroud hits the inner housing, causing issues! Im very careful with this portion, because a slip in the dremel and I would have made cuts on the outside portion of the lens, ruining the project. Cutting and then sanding this portion takes me close to an hour.
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111024.jpg[/img]
See, its tight, but an excellent fit...
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111042.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111047.jpg[/img]
I used a PVC pipe to extend the rear to accomodate the extra length of the projector... Using a 3" PVC pipe, I trimmed it down to about 1.5-2.0 inches, giving me just enough room to cover the ignitor with a cap. The PVC pipe needs to be JB Welded onto the headlamp to seal the headlamp. The cap is a 3" Fernco cap, they are expensive too! This part takes an hour or so including time for drying.
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/retrofitcap1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/retrofitcap.jpg[/img]
All done... :)
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111053.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111062.jpg[/img]
Now all thats left is to put the retrofit on my car and aim the lights, which is part of my service...
As you can see, this isnt a DIY, more of an overview of how I get the job done, and basically how complicated things can get.
If you have any questions please contact me or you can post in this thread.
-Caesar
[url]www.LightWerkz.net[/url]
Custom Headlamp Solutions
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111032.jpg[/img]
Having done this before, I know I need to trim the inside of the inner housing (grey part) giving the projector full movement from left to right. Things are so tight in there I know without this trimming mod the shroud hits the inner housing, causing issues! Im very careful with this portion, because a slip in the dremel and I would have made cuts on the outside portion of the lens, ruining the project. Cutting and then sanding this portion takes me close to an hour.
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111024.jpg[/img]
See, its tight, but an excellent fit...
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111042.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111047.jpg[/img]
I used a PVC pipe to extend the rear to accomodate the extra length of the projector... Using a 3" PVC pipe, I trimmed it down to about 1.5-2.0 inches, giving me just enough room to cover the ignitor with a cap. The PVC pipe needs to be JB Welded onto the headlamp to seal the headlamp. The cap is a 3" Fernco cap, they are expensive too! This part takes an hour or so including time for drying.
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/retrofitcap1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/retrofitcap.jpg[/img]
All done... :)
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111053.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111062.jpg[/img]
Now all thats left is to put the retrofit on my car and aim the lights, which is part of my service...
As you can see, this isnt a DIY, more of an overview of how I get the job done, and basically how complicated things can get.
If you have any questions please contact me or you can post in this thread.
-Caesar
[url]www.LightWerkz.net[/url]
Custom Headlamp Solutions
| mgsm666 | 11-05-2006 03:09 PM |
:drool: ... how much for a setup like that?? Levelers still work?
Simply awesome.
~Jesse
Simply awesome.
~Jesse
| LightWerkz | 11-05-2006 03:17 PM |
On a car that has an OEM HID kit (Such as 05 STi) this setup runs $600 with todays market prices. This does not include shipping/paypal fees.
Yes the levelers are fully functional.
Caesar
[url]www.LightWerkz.net[/url]
Custom Headlamp Solutions
Yes the levelers are fully functional.
Caesar
[url]www.LightWerkz.net[/url]
Custom Headlamp Solutions
| EdsWRX | 11-05-2006 03:22 PM |
pics aren't working...
| Psybin | 11-05-2006 03:26 PM |
Wow, nice write-up, nice work.
If I had that model year I would have gone through you for this.
pics work for me...
If I had that model year I would have gone through you for this.
pics work for me...
| Subi114 | 11-05-2006 04:55 PM |
this is what it looks like on the car....
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before
[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2/cnoelle114/_MG_2495.jpg[/IMG]
after
[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2/cnoelle114/_MG_2667.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2/cnoelle114/_MG_2659.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2/cnoelle114/_MG_2655.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2/cnoelle114/_MG_2654.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2/cnoelle114/_MG_2653.jpg[/IMG]
i will have more pics up when i get the car cleaned up... I just got back from SEMA... all i can say is wow... from the time that I left to go to SEMA which was in the dark the moment i turned these bad boys on i lit up the whole freeway... these lights are just amazing.. this is how the car should have came from the factory...
Lightwerks is an awesome vendor to deal with. very customer service oriented. Caesar is the best. I highly recommend that you guys upgrade to this. As you can see from his write up he is maticulous with his work.
as soon as i get her clean up and some other stuff added i'll post more pics..
thanks again to lightwerks....
[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2/cnoelle114/_MG_2495.jpg[/IMG]
after
[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2/cnoelle114/_MG_2667.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2/cnoelle114/_MG_2659.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2/cnoelle114/_MG_2655.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2/cnoelle114/_MG_2654.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2/cnoelle114/_MG_2653.jpg[/IMG]
i will have more pics up when i get the car cleaned up... I just got back from SEMA... all i can say is wow... from the time that I left to go to SEMA which was in the dark the moment i turned these bad boys on i lit up the whole freeway... these lights are just amazing.. this is how the car should have came from the factory...
Lightwerks is an awesome vendor to deal with. very customer service oriented. Caesar is the best. I highly recommend that you guys upgrade to this. As you can see from his write up he is maticulous with his work.
as soon as i get her clean up and some other stuff added i'll post more pics..
thanks again to lightwerks....
| Ghosthound | 11-06-2006 01:31 AM |
hmm, looks like after you got the projectors, you lost the gals... i think id rather have teh gals...
| vwown3d | 11-06-2006 07:30 AM |
awsome write up. I always wondered what to do in the back of the headlamp housing!
| WRB_in_my_veins | 11-06-2006 08:36 AM |
I have to commend Lightwerks, not just for the quality of his work but mostly for making this post. Most people would never reveal all of the work that he puts into such a project. Yeah, like Caesar said, this isn't enough infor for a DIY, but it's damn close. I wondered how much work went into all that, and now I see. Looks to me like the money charged is very appropriate for the level of care and customization that goes in to a set of his modded headlights.
| jezzy | 11-06-2006 12:04 PM |
Awesome work. Thank you for sharing some of those details..!
I can see the amount of time that goes into a project like that..! Takes careful and steady hands!
I can see the amount of time that goes into a project like that..! Takes careful and steady hands!
| LightWerkz | 11-06-2006 12:19 PM |
[quote=WRB_in_my_veins;15882294]I have to commend Lightwerks, not just for the quality of his work but mostly for making this post. Most people would never reveal all of the work that he puts into such a project. Yeah, like Caesar said, this isn't enough infor for a DIY, but it's damn close. I wondered how much work went into all that, and now I see. Looks to me like the money charged is very appropriate for the level of care and customization that goes in to a set of his modded headlights.[/quote]
Thank you very much. It is alot of hard work, and very time comsuming as well. I do feel the amount I charge for labor is VERY appropiate, being that I specialize in Subarus.
Thank you very much. It is alot of hard work, and very time comsuming as well. I do feel the amount I charge for labor is VERY appropiate, being that I specialize in Subarus.
| AWDrifter21 | 11-06-2006 12:43 PM |
impressed!
good job..... are you able to get 2005 S2K projectors?
good job..... are you able to get 2005 S2K projectors?
| LightWerkz | 11-06-2006 12:53 PM |
Yes, however hard to find. The run about 340-360 JUST for projectors, so they carry a hefty pricetag with them..
| scooby9 | 11-09-2006 12:08 AM |
Great job! I've seen many posts of your work and you really are an artist!
| InfamousDX | 11-09-2006 12:36 AM |
Beautiful... seriously beautiful. That's the biggest part of retrofit that scares me (which is why I'd leave it to a pro like you)... making sure the projector is installed level inside the headlamp.
If possible, could you PM me a price for TSX's in my EDM sti bugeyes??
If possible, could you PM me a price for TSX's in my EDM sti bugeyes??
| stierzy34 | 11-09-2006 12:43 AM |
wow, beautifully done. I love how they look
| vtecTHIS | 11-09-2006 12:19 PM |
how much if i already have the tsx projectors? great work man. the black one looks good, but i'd like the whole thing to be black, except for maybe the ring
| LightWerkz | 11-09-2006 12:52 PM |
[quote=InfamousDX;15923776]Beautiful... seriously beautiful. That's the biggest part of retrofit that scares me (which is why I'd leave it to a pro like you)... making sure the projector is installed level inside the headlamp.
If possible, could you PM me a price for TSX's in my EDM sti bugeyes??[/quote]
I PMed you about the pricing on EDM/JDM setup.
But yes, like you said, the leveling of the projector needs to be perfect, otherwise the beam is all whacky.
If possible, could you PM me a price for TSX's in my EDM sti bugeyes??[/quote]
I PMed you about the pricing on EDM/JDM setup.
But yes, like you said, the leveling of the projector needs to be perfect, otherwise the beam is all whacky.
| LightWerkz | 11-09-2006 12:54 PM |
[quote=vtecTHIS;15928412]how much if i already have the tsx projectors? great work man. the black one looks good, but i'd like the whole thing to be black, except for maybe the ring[/quote]
If you have your own TSX projectors thats great. Im selling them for between 175-200 ish (depending on todays market prices) so just deduct that amount from the prices seen on the site.
If you have your own TSX projectors thats great. Im selling them for between 175-200 ish (depending on todays market prices) so just deduct that amount from the prices seen on the site.
| Dr. WOT | 11-09-2006 01:23 PM |
Caesar, I was wondering if you have ever tried mounting the projectors into the inner, round portion of the blobeye light? Seems like it is a better shape to accomidate a projector. Is this possible? Could then the outer reflector in some way be set up to be the high beam, or better yet something even brighter? Just curious, I haven't seen it done and think it would be really cool, especially with the lights on.
| LightWerkz | 11-09-2006 01:30 PM |
Ive seen it done somewhere on the forums. Its tough though, def need to use a smaller projector....the highbeam area is so small, a tsx for example would never fit because of how wide it is. It would be cool idea....seen it done, just havent done it myself, YET!
Sometime in the future for sure..
Sometime in the future for sure..
| Lambu | 11-09-2006 03:30 PM |
are there any special tricks or something on the reflector to line up on to make sure the alignment of the projecter is perfect?
| kyleblix | 11-09-2006 04:43 PM |
Wow, that looks great. Don't know if i could spend $600 on a headlight mod though
| LightWerkz | 11-09-2006 06:56 PM |
[quote=kyleblix;15932597]Wow, that looks great. Don't know if i could spend $600 on a headlight mod though[/quote]
Not many people can. Most of the people that do this mod are somewhat headlight crazy ;)
Like myself :)
Not many people can. Most of the people that do this mod are somewhat headlight crazy ;)
Like myself :)
| its reneeee | 11-10-2006 01:23 AM |
[QUOTE=kyleblix;15932597]Wow, that looks great. Don't know if i could spend $600 on a headlight mod though[/QUOTE]
you say that now, but if you saw the stock lights next to the retrofit, you'll understand why it costs so much. I've been in the Lightwerkz HQ many times and i've seen how stressful the procedure is. its amazing.
you say that now, but if you saw the stock lights next to the retrofit, you'll understand why it costs so much. I've been in the Lightwerkz HQ many times and i've seen how stressful the procedure is. its amazing.
| ctrent86 | 11-10-2006 05:47 PM |
[quote=LightWerkz;15875697]I took these pics over the course of the week I was working on Snorky's headlamps. I hope he doesnt mind, just wanted to show the community whats exactly involved in my retrofit's.
The STi comes with an HID kit, all I did was cut a notch in the base of the D2R bulb so it wont sit properly in the TSX projector. The rest of the parts such as the ballast/ignitor are perfectly fine and do not need to be modded.
Here we start out with the normal stock STi headlamp. Its got 3 main amber reflectors that will immediatley make a nice difference if taken out. Thats the first step, removing the UGLY amber!
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111001.jpg[/IMG]
The lamps have a leveling motor and harness attatched to them, so the first step was to comepletely strip the headlamp by removing all the screws, leveling motor, and removing the front lens. By the time you have both headlamps stripped completely, including heating time, youve already spent about 2.5 hours on the project. Its important not to break anything when you work on someone elses headlamps! (I do have plenty of spare parts anyways ;) )
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111005.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111018.jpg[/IMG]
These are the new optics ;) They are projectors from a Acura TSX, very good bang for the buck in my opinion. These run about 175-200, depending who you know ;) They are made by Stanley, same company that makes s2000 projectors which probably the best single xenon projectors out there.
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111010.jpg[/IMG]
I've worked with the BMW e46 bezel and I know its the best choice for these lamps, here are a few of the bezels ready for more headlamps coming in next week.
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111017.jpg[/IMG]
After taking measurements, adding in washers for more color, and then adding screws used to mount the projector, I cut a hole in the reflector and drilled holes to finally mount the projector in the reflector housing. The tape protects the chrome in the front while I was working. Its important for the projector to be aligned perfectly, otherwise your beam will not be level and out of whack. Also needed to cut of the excess screws so they dont interfere with the back of the headlamps once placed back inside....Lots of behind the scenes work in this step, this is just an overview of whats done. By the time I have both projector mounted and aligned perfectly, I expect to spend about a total of 3-5 hours on this portion alone.
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3427.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3422.jpg[/IMG][/quote]
I have a question I thought for projectors you were supposed to use d2s bulbs? When you retro and put in d2r bulbs is there any performance lost (for example sharpness etc) Other than that great work. I think one person asked about a retro into a bugeye. I think you could use te ebay housings (i know they are gross quality) but I think if you were to use either the higher or lower portions for the tsx/s2000/bosch projector retrofit and convert the other reflective housing to say an h3 high beam I think you would have some customers on here as a good alternative to jdm lights. Just my .02
Here is [B][URL="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-03-IMPREZA-WRX-RS-TS-BLACK-JDM-BLACK-HEAD-LIGHTS_W0QQitemZ180046896494QQihZ008QQcategoryZ33710QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem"]a link[/URL][/B] to the light I was talking about.
The STi comes with an HID kit, all I did was cut a notch in the base of the D2R bulb so it wont sit properly in the TSX projector. The rest of the parts such as the ballast/ignitor are perfectly fine and do not need to be modded.
Here we start out with the normal stock STi headlamp. Its got 3 main amber reflectors that will immediatley make a nice difference if taken out. Thats the first step, removing the UGLY amber!
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111001.jpg[/IMG]
The lamps have a leveling motor and harness attatched to them, so the first step was to comepletely strip the headlamp by removing all the screws, leveling motor, and removing the front lens. By the time you have both headlamps stripped completely, including heating time, youve already spent about 2.5 hours on the project. Its important not to break anything when you work on someone elses headlamps! (I do have plenty of spare parts anyways ;) )
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111005.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111018.jpg[/IMG]
These are the new optics ;) They are projectors from a Acura TSX, very good bang for the buck in my opinion. These run about 175-200, depending who you know ;) They are made by Stanley, same company that makes s2000 projectors which probably the best single xenon projectors out there.
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111010.jpg[/IMG]
I've worked with the BMW e46 bezel and I know its the best choice for these lamps, here are a few of the bezels ready for more headlamps coming in next week.
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111017.jpg[/IMG]
After taking measurements, adding in washers for more color, and then adding screws used to mount the projector, I cut a hole in the reflector and drilled holes to finally mount the projector in the reflector housing. The tape protects the chrome in the front while I was working. Its important for the projector to be aligned perfectly, otherwise your beam will not be level and out of whack. Also needed to cut of the excess screws so they dont interfere with the back of the headlamps once placed back inside....Lots of behind the scenes work in this step, this is just an overview of whats done. By the time I have both projector mounted and aligned perfectly, I expect to spend about a total of 3-5 hours on this portion alone.
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3427.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/IMG_3422.jpg[/IMG][/quote]
I have a question I thought for projectors you were supposed to use d2s bulbs? When you retro and put in d2r bulbs is there any performance lost (for example sharpness etc) Other than that great work. I think one person asked about a retro into a bugeye. I think you could use te ebay housings (i know they are gross quality) but I think if you were to use either the higher or lower portions for the tsx/s2000/bosch projector retrofit and convert the other reflective housing to say an h3 high beam I think you would have some customers on here as a good alternative to jdm lights. Just my .02
Here is [B][URL="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-03-IMPREZA-WRX-RS-TS-BLACK-JDM-BLACK-HEAD-LIGHTS_W0QQitemZ180046896494QQihZ008QQcategoryZ33710QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem"]a link[/URL][/B] to the light I was talking about.
| LightWerkz | 11-10-2006 06:23 PM |
Yes projectors use d2s bulbs. Only difference on a d2s bulb is the location of the notch and a clear bulb, vs the d2r bulb has a black stripe down the middle.
I shave down the stripe and create a new notch location and everything is exactly the same.
Performance is great either way, I do this to keep costs down for you guys.
I shave down the stripe and create a new notch location and everything is exactly the same.
Performance is great either way, I do this to keep costs down for you guys.
| xjetx | 11-10-2006 06:31 PM |
Beautiful job!
| vwown3d | 11-13-2006 12:27 PM |
any chance someone can photoshop the silver shrouds in one of these pics with carbon fiber. Just trying out idear before my retrofit?
If Caesar dosen't mind me using his pics?
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111042.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111062.jpg[/IMG]
If Caesar dosen't mind me using his pics?
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111042.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Czar654321/retrofit/111062.jpg[/IMG]
| LightWerkz | 11-13-2006 01:16 PM |
Go right ahead....no worries.
| sheepdog | 11-13-2006 03:10 PM |
Thats a cool idea.... get speed architect to wrap those shrouds in CF, then send them to caesar for the retrofit ;)
| LightWerkz | 11-13-2006 04:08 PM |
I was actually thinking myself to have everything wrapped in CF....def would be the most original lamps in the WORLD! But the costs would sky rocket....plus down time!
| trueno16v | 05-21-2010 08:56 AM |
[COLOR="Red"]"adding in washers for more color"- [/COLOR]
What did you mean by this? What washers are you referring to? Also can you show pics of how you bolted the 4 screws down to the back of the reflector?
What did you mean by this? What washers are you referring to? Also can you show pics of how you bolted the 4 screws down to the back of the reflector?
| mikey432 | 03-18-2014 02:40 PM |
I bought some tails off a member here and I was hoping I could send them to you in order to be repaired as some of the leds have gone out and how much it would be or if not I was hoping you could point me to the parts I need? I really want them to look as perfect as the day you shipped them back :) it's for my 2004 wrx Sti thank you soo much for your help.
| Boxer4turbo2004 | 06-17-2015 10:06 PM |
a few questions...I have a set of 04 STi headlights and a set of 04 wrx headlights...what would be the price to do this retro for each set..I plan to sell the set I do not use..being able to sell the sti headlight for more ..just curios if the wrx ones would be much more expensive to do..next...the ring around the projector...I have hyper blue volks and would like the ring to match..thanks
| Boxer4turbo2004 | 08-24-2016 11:22 AM |
04 sti or 04 wrx
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I have a set of both 04 sti and 04 wrx ..could I retro either ..as I can get more cash for the sti set should I do the retro in the wrx lights
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