New HID or just New Headlights?

C

Chad

Registered
For some reason I thought I could go HID for about $700 but I was remembering that wrong.. it's $700 each side. Hmm.. that's pricey.

Has anyone just gotten new OEM headlights (non HID)? Are they OK for a few years or are they still basically crap? What about HID headlights for now with those xenon bulbs until I get over the price and get the ballasts and bulbs later?

Chad

Also, I have a parts car I need to get out of the driveway.
http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=94&topic_id=266&mesg_id=266&page=
 
RE: New HID or just New Headlights?

Um, if you can go the full out HID route, go for it... I'm not sure you can have the HID clear housings with regular bulbs. The HID bulbs are much larger. Also, IMO it's not worth just replacing the OEM housings as even though new ones may provide you better light, the real problem is all the little bevels in the lens itself. The HIDs are completely clear with zero little facets or bevels in the lens. That on top of the 2.5 X greater light output makes a HUGE difference...

HIDs rule... the first time you drive at night in the rain you'll know it's the best money you could have spent on that car.


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LOD - New England Member

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RE: New HID or just New Headlights?

Getting new oem normal lenses will be fine for about 5 years, they seemed to just last long enough to get past the original factory warranty on these cars, before the reflective material starts to burn off. Going this route will be much cheaper, and will work even better with the new brighter bulbs out now. But once you try the HIDs, you'll be glad you got them.

It's not easy to find them cheap now, but I lucked up on a set of used 96 LSC HIDs with bulbs, from a salvage yard in Florida, for $650. That was about two years ago. Search used car part sites, and hope for some luck.

By the way, I've done the Able-Mod, where both the high beams and the HIDs are on at the same time, when high beams are on. Works great.

Jeff

'94 Mark VIII
 
RE: New HID or just New Headlights?

Ok, I found some HID kits but of course they don't contain the lense assembly. Anyone have a price or source for the housings? Here's the kit I was thinking about (one for high and one for low beam) http://gohid.com/product_3994_474.html

Or should I just drop the $1600 on Dennis Reinhart's kit?

Chad
 
RE: New HID or just New Headlights?

I bought new OEM housings for my red Mark about 5 years ago. They still work great, although I noticed some moisture in one of them recently. I'll have to check that out.

I bought my green Mark about a year ago and sanded and polished the lenses. They look great, but the reflectors are shot.

There is a big difference between the two cars, but I'm sure HID's would be much better.
 
RE: New HID or just New Headlights?

A couple of days ago, I removed the metal deflector(disperser) in my right side low beam or as much of it as I could remove. There may be a little more light, but it isn't enough. I had already installed silverstars which helped a little.

I suspect the metal deflectors or dispersers are the reason the reflectors get burned. The deflector is metal and it probably gets very hot.

It's a crappy design, for sure.

Now, I am thinking I may knuckle under and buy HIDs.
 
RE: New HID or just New Headlights?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
A couple of days ago, I removed the metal deflector(disperser) in my right side low beam or as much of it as I could remove. There may be a little more light, but it isn't enough. I had already installed silverstars which helped a little.I suspect the metal deflectors or dispersers are the reason the reflectors get burned. The deflector is metal and it probably gets very hot.It's a crappy design, for sure. Now, I am thinking I may knuckle under and buy HIDs.
[/div]

If you buy the HIR bulbs, heat is no longer a problem...and they are twice as bright as Silverstars.
 
RE: New HID or just New Headlights?

Silverstars are not as bright as normal lights. They have a coating on them to make them look brighter, but the coating actually absorbs some of the energy.
 
RE: New HID or just New Headlights?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
Silverstars are not as bright as normal lights. They have a coating on them to make them look brighter, but the coating actually absorbs some of the energy.
[/div]

What's the word...touche? :)

Anyway, the point was that HIR bulbs are twice as bright as any other halogen bulb out there...wattages being equal.
 
RE: New HID or just New Headlights?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
Ok, I found some HID kits but of course they don't contain the lense assembly. Anyone have a price or source for the housings? Here's the kit I was thinking about (one for high and one for low beam) http://gohid.com/product_3994_474.htmlOr should I just drop the $1600 on Dennis Reinhart's kit?Chad
[/div]


You can not buy just the lenses, unfortunately. Unless you can find an individual who is willing to do this. Only place to get them is from Ford and they come as an assembly. Lens, bulb and ballast.

00 Mustang GT Vert
00 Silverado
94 Mark
 
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