So, after having a HID retro on my old Mazda I vowed to never go back to halogen again. Thus, I decided to do another retro to my new baby, a 2010 Kia Forte Koup. Yes, I've only had the car for a little over a month but I wanted to start to make it "my own" as soon as possible. I started today so I'm not complete yet. I've only finished the passenger side up to this point. I used the Mini H1's, gatling shrouds (both from the retrofitsource.com) and some white LED's from ebay.
What do you guys think so far?
There is a little gap between the inner and outer lens that fit these side emitting LEDs perfectly. I was pretty pleased.
More pics of the drivers side + installed on the car soon to come. Also, I'll be posting some output shots to see what you guys are missing
Thanks for the input so far guys! I decided to not paint the insides because I want them to look as stock as possible...just with the projectors in there. Fox, I might be able to do a set for you sometime down the road. It really isn't too difficult to get done, just time consuming.
Only two things you really have to watch for while doing this. #1, you've gotta be VERY gentle and go slowly while separating the lens from the housing...if you go to fast you run the risk of cracking the lens or the housing. If this happens you're SOL and you're looking at a new set of headlights. #2, trim ONLY what you need to trim. In my case, I had to increase the size of the bulb hole slighty for the projector base to slide through, and I dremeled the little ridges around the bulb hole as well so the base of the projector fit flush up against the inside of the reflector.
I've managed to do this in a way that I can always revert back to the original set up if needed...not that I ever will, but I did it like this JUST in case.
projectors were $125 from theretrofitsource.com. They include the shrouds. LEDs where another $25 or so from ebay, and then the ballasts and bulbs were another $60 or so from DDM.
if you didnt seal that headlight up i'd use some electrical tape around the piece of red wire thats slightly sticking out .. also i'd paint the housings. otherwise you're probably going to get a little glare from the reflection of the light off the chrome.. other wise.. fantastic work
Want to see it when its on the car ....Right now its looks fine but ..hmmm looks strange to me..but hey thats my opinion..
Good job ..but post photos when its on the car..
Thanks for the comments everyone! They are aimed correctly now so once I'm out at night with my camera again I'll take some good pitch black output shots.
your right one is too high .. it should be a straight line (your passenger side Z shouldn't be higher then your driver side) i know you said the parking garage was slanted but that shouldn't effect that
look great, would love to have projections but i am new to the whole baking thing and since i need headlights not willing to try. I will have to stick to my HID for now. Again, awesome job.
The last little bit will go on til like 8 or 9 or 10pm LOL... Dave & Busters for dinner and games. Hope you can make it. I have to see my next mod in person.
- I'm not sure what you mean by "plate"? I just went with the general install procedure for the Mini H1's
- Yes, only dremeling needed was for the bulb hole
- I can take a pic in the next few days. I'll try and see what I can get for you tomorrow.
My only other piece of advice would be to take your time while baking the lights. Pry them apart as carefully as possible so the damage done to the light housing is as minimal as possible
any other questions just ask away!
-Daryl
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