HID driving light conversion w/ 9" cheapo lights

[Deltaphi216]

This is NOT a how to, since there are a couple of pretty good ones around already.

here is one on here but the pics no longer worky...
DIY: Converting Hella 500's to HID!!!

and a couple from thenewx that I used.
How-to: Install HID Bulbs in KC Daylighter Lights - Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums (2005+)
and
just did the KC HID retrofit and painted my Roof Basket Red! - Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums (2005+)
and
How-to: Hella FF75 with 50 watt HID Conversion - Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums (2005+)


I bought some cheapo "NANE" driving lights from http://autolumination.com . They are about half way down the page. lots of good stuff on that site by the way. They were $24.99 each, but went up to $32.99 each after I ordered. I did some research tonight and found out that NANE is a pretty well respected brand in Australia. I don't have any before pics of the light output, but it was pretty good for just a 55w H3 bulb. You can order a bunch of different temps and wattages, but I just wanted the cheapest since I gutted them anyway.

They have a metal housing with a chrome ring around the glass. They are made with pretty thick metal and are really heavy (at least compared to the hella 500's I took off). The conversion was stupid easy. You don't have to alter the metal housing at all. The HID bulbs fit in there with plenty of room to spare.

I bought a 50w 6000k kit. got it off ebay for 39.99 shipped. the install was easy peasy.

and for the pics!
the first is from about 20-25' away with just the leds on in my aftermarket ebay projector headlights


the second is the same position with leds, regular factory fog lights (in a shrock bumper), and the ebay projectors with HID's in them.


the third is again the same position with leds, regular factory fog lights, ebay HID projectors, and the new HID's in the 9" lights. pretty small beam but crazy bright. Not sure why the right one is a little larger.....


this is behind the rink that I play hockey in. Not sure how far away the trailers are on the far side, but the building has 3 full size hockey rinks in this. This with just the leds on in my aftermarket ebay projector headlights.


Same place again with leds, regular factory fog lights, and the ebay projectors with HID's in them.


Same place a third time but with everything on again.


I have to say that I am VERY pleased with how this turned out. There is a section of road in my neighborhood that goes straight for over a 1/4 mile and these lights lit up the house at the end of the street like it was freakin daylight. I need to find somewhere dark where I can get better pics. I will get a better front facing installed pic for you guys tomorrow.

For ~$100, this an excellent mod.

[frontyfan]

Wow, those are bright.

[ToddG]

Geez, looks like you could melt something on the other end of those beams.
NOT street legal of course but out on the trails they'll sure light it up.
Impressive.

[Deltaphi216]

yeah, your eyes would probably melt if you look right into them. they are WAY too bright to be used on the street. can't wait to go night wheeling an put them to good use.

[ROADtoRUBBER]

They look like lazers... I want them!

I heard about issues with putting hids in normal halogen bulb housings, it screws with the focus is this true?

[Deltaphi216]

if anything, this focused the beam in more. i don't have any pics of them before the conversion, but they were still pretty bright w/ the 55w H3 bulbs in there. the HID beam is a bit tighter than before. but, it is probably different for every light. I am REALLY happy with the build quality of these lights.

[domoMKIV]

Those are awesome.

[Spiffy1]

I'd also like to post that it is cheaper and easier to rewire Hella 500 and 500FF's with 100watt or 130watt halogens and have a proper beam pattern considering that is what they were initially designed for. No drilling, No crappy or shotty HID kits, just wiring and a set of Sylvania 100 watt bulbs for 2 dollars a piece. Of course the amperage will be larger but it looks better if you are using halogens already and will give you an incredible range of view. I can see roughly 1 mile down a straight away with 100watt 500FF's.

[knightarmor]

AWesome, i'll be converting two of my 6" pro comps to HID soon!

[Deltaphi216]

Originally Posted by Spiffy1

I'd also like to post that it is cheaper and easier to rewire Hella 500 and 500FF's with 100watt or 130watt halogens and have a proper beam pattern considering that is what they were initially designed for. No drilling, No crappy or shotty HID kits, just wiring and a set of Sylvania 100 watt bulbs for 2 dollars a piece. Of course the amperage will be larger but it looks better if you are using halogens already and will give you an incredible range of view. I can see roughly 1 mile down a straight away with 100watt 500FF's.

somewhat true. I already had hella 500's and wanted a larger light. I also didn't want the extra draw and heat of the higher watt bulbs. That was the main goal of the conversion, to not have so much draw.

For this exact setup, there was no drilling at all. Just cutting the old wires out, swapping the new wires in. The HID bulbs fit perfectly and I even reused the rubber grommit that came with the lights. The HID kit that I bought has a 1 year warranty and they guy has had excellent feedback so far. plus, it's a fun, unique mod.