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Gen 1 Headlight Project w/ HID install

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Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Below is an outline of my headlight refurb, from the initial rechroming, to aftermarket HID fitment and associated modifications: (multi function switch mod for lows and highs and check exterior lamp message removal)

Attachment 32830

Posted by: lscmkviii

Damn that is nice! Almost makes me wish I had a Gen1, almost.

Posted by: 21stcenturygadgetguy

Wow!! Thanks for the clear, instructive pictures! I think even if i clean my lenses that will help, and wow, this is layed out very simple! Thanks Blue!

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Thanks guys, figured it was time i did something useful... Lol. O yeah, as my wife just pointed out, i used DUCT tape, not duck tape! LMAO.

Posted by: Markviiiedrea

Is that high temp adhesive on those reflector templates? Where did you get them? Nice job on those lenses, they came out real clean!

Can you put up a before and after of the lenses?

Since you cut them open and resealed them have you had any problems with moisture?

Again awesome job looks real good.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Hi markviiiedrea! I didn't take any before pics of the lenses, cos they were in a pretty reasonable condition from jamie97lsc, as i had ruined the original housings with the oven lens removal method! Lol. However, when i did clean up the originals a few months back, they went from yellow to gleaming! Templates? I made the templates myself out of old xmas cards and used them to cut the Trimbrite chrome tape to size, which has its own, very strong adhesive backing. I thoroughly resealed the housings with the Goop automotive sealant and haven't experienced any moisture issues yet. However, im living in Florida so maybe not such an issue here? I have, however, power washed the car twice and driven in a storm, without issue.

Posted by: Roadboss

93 Blue - nice write up with pics, they're worth a thousand words.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Thanks roadboss - i figured you would want to see a write up, as you had been asking about these aftermarket kits. As you can see from the layout pic, very clean and easy installation.

Posted by: Markviiiedrea

Thanks Blue for the info I will have to keep that in mind for when I run out of HID houseings and have to go back to base ones.

Also good job on the write up!

You should save the templates and sell them to people like me who dont want spend time cutting new one's out.

Posted by: Roadboss

Definitely got to put in on the things to do this summer. What's your assesment of the durability of the Trimbrite Chrome tape with these new lights. Do you feel it will out last a stock chrome unit?

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Markviiiedrea: Yeah, i have saved most of the templates, but lost a couple! Lol. Not too hard to do if you have some thin card and a little patience. I could always make up some nice ones, for those in need...

Roadboss: The Trimbrite appears to be durable - its actually metal so it can't burn up. My only concern is the adhesive backing - but that seems strong too. I got the Trimbrite idea from jamie97lsc and he used it for a long while without issue. However, if there are any problems down the road, i will write them up here. You can buy rolls of the trimbrite tape from Advance Auto for around 7 bux a roll. (you will need 2-3 rolls)

Posted by: mark0101

Really great write up!!!
good job

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Thanks Mark0101! Now that i have a decent digital camera, i will do some more stuff in the future!

Posted by: kustomizingkid

That was an awesome write up Blue!

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Thanks Kustom! Now i just gotta get some headlight clips from Jamie and finish the alignment. It will be nice to see again at night! Lol.

Posted by: slowmkviii

awesome write up even if I dont have a gen 1

Posted by: BAD97LSC

damn martin killer write up. i would have done something like this a long time ago, but you know me personally, and i work too quickly to keep taking pictures, if things werent so hectic around me, i would have hundreds of write ups for everything i have done. you did exactly what i have done with many headlights, only i didnt take such detailed pictures. this will make a lot of people happy who want to attempt it, it really is not hard you just need a few good quiet hours to pull it off. i want to do the same thing to my new 93, the headlights arent bad at all and i still cant see at night. what did you pay for that hid kit, cuz im gonna go the same route, im not searching for another set of hid housings like my green 93, not when everyone wants 58 million a pair for them!!

now you need to get the hell over to my shop so we can slap some clips on and i can check them out in person, maybe i'll lock you in the shop and not let you out until you redo my headlights, i cant stand doing them lol.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Thanks for the compliment slowmarkviii!

Thanks Jamie! This is why i took so long! Lol. Yeah, im coming down this week, now the car is good again, and the storms are over! You are right though, its not too hard, a few hours work and a few bux and the lights can be alot better! (rechroming is darn tedious though - i DON'T fancy doing that again! Lol)

Posted by: turborich

You did an AWESOME job on the write up! What a great re-chroming job, I can tell that you take your time & do things the right way by seeing how much trouble you went to with the chrome tape. Those lights look new.

I watched this on the History channel a while back, Origionaly Duct tape was called 'Duck' tape. The military used it for sealing leaks in inflatable rafts. It was later changed or became known as duct tape. So you were kinda right the first time (lol)

Posted by: marked8

This needs to be put in the tech article section. Great write up.

Posted by: Roadboss

I agree we need a moderator to make this a sticky or put it up in the tech section.

Posted by: Calabrio

In case you wanted an alternative "Duck Tape" photo:

Posted by: 94m5

Im about to buy a "new" 95 VIII, and need to see some pictures of the light pattern out on the road, & your opinion of on comming glare. I don't want to be blinding everyone else.

I'm tempted to do this instead of dumping another 800 on OEM HIDs

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Thanks guys! Yeah, if a mod wants to make it a sticky or a tech, thats cool, maybe Calabrio can do some mod trickery and substitute the duck for duct for me? Lol. (Turborich might be onto something there - im sure i have heard it being called duck tape, sometime, somewhere lol) One other thing: remember these kits are not DOT approved! (for what its worth - those DOT rules seem sucky to me, but still something to bear in mind)

94m5: Did you see the vids and pics Turborich put up of his and his friend's kit? Should give you an idea of the glare and pattern - our kits are very similar, only exceptions being i went a slightly lower color temp (4300K vs 6000K) and i kept the anti glare shields in place. I will take a look into the glare issue though.

Posted by: sulup

Thanks blue,what a great description on this procedure.AWESOME!Will this system work on gen II mark lenses? Lou

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Hi Lou! Not sure about the gen 2s - i will ask jamie97lsc when i see him this week, as he is something of an expert when it comes to Mark VIIIs. I will let you know what i find out...

Posted by: GMAN

Super write up, that would be a great for the Tech Article section.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Thanks GMAN! My only concern is that these aftermarket kits are not DOT approved, therefore not legal, so if it became an article, then it should really include a disclaimer to be clear that its just what one member did and is not 'set in stone'

Posted by: ford nut

Great write up Martin

Taking Jamies hard work and doing a great write up I think STICKY !

Posted by: NYC LS8

Nice job, man!

Note that I will NOT be mentioning this to my father (who has my old 95) because I'll get stuck doing this.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Thanks Fordnut and NYC LS8!

Thats what i like about these car forums, meet some great people, steal a few ideas and save some $$$. (apart from searching the forums, i used advice from jamie, unity, turborich and JMiles_T)

Posted by: sulup

Thanks blue for your reply.I have a stupid question,Is that chrome tape safe enough to bare the heat of the orig ansi 9500 hid bulbs?And where can I buy it?I thinking of trying this project out on my 98 lenses.Waiting to here from you after you find out more info on the gen II marks.By the way I live in Pembroke Pines Fl. on the east coast. Take care. Lou

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Hi Lou! Yeah, im pretty sure the tape will be ok with the heat, as it is metal. Its called Trimbrite, and is available at most of the Advance Auto stores for around 7 bux a roll - look in the stickers section. Jamie97lsc has used this stuff before without a problem. (he recommended it to me) I see no reason why you couldn't open up your gen 2 housings in the same way. I will speak to Jamie this week, and let you know what i find out. I assume you have good HIDs already and you just want to rechrome the housings and polish the lenses right? Should be easy enough...

Posted by: sulup

Well I got a good almost new pair from a miami guy selling them on craigslist at a steal$100.00 for both,so I want to try and redo the ones on the car,and if they turn out ok maybe sell them.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by sulup

Well I got a good almost new pair from a miami guy selling them on craigslist at a steal$100.00 for both,so I want to try and redo the ones on the car,and if they turn out ok maybe sell them.

Cool. gotta be worth a shot! I just googled the tape. Its called Trimbrite Chrome brite and is available from quite a few stores. Its a foil tape designed for use in a high temp evironment. (i just did a flame test on a piece. (burns if you hold a flame directly to it, but not from a distance - much like house hold foil - that burns too, with a direct flame. Anyway, this is what you are looking for:

http://www.amazon.com/Trimbrite-T181.../dp/B00029XBJ6

Posted by: sulup

Great,Thanks again blue.

Posted by: BAD97LSC

just for a piece of info, this stuff is now available in a 7 inch wide roll. previously it only came in 3 inch wide rolls, but now with 7 inch, you could get away with not having to have seams inside the housings, no matter what, with the 3 inch wide, there will be parts of the housings you just cannot get the entire part without putting 2 pieces side by side, but now you could make them seamless. and to answer the question, yes you could do this same method on a 2nd gen housing as well, it will just require alot more trimbrite because the housings are more then twice the size. martin i cant wait to see these in person. i have pics of my 1st gen hid housings that i did this too but i dont want to hyjack your thread!

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Hi Jamie! ah, so theres a bigger roll now? even better... Lol. typical! Yeah, i wasn't sure if you had ever done a gen 2 housing, so i figured id speak to you first and maybe take a look at one - figured it would be bigger. Im coming down tomorrow, definite! BTW, as the article is done, feel free to post whatever relevant pics/info you have here - be good to have everything in one thread, and some proof of it being done from people other than myself.

Posted by: sulup

Thanks jamie for that bit of info on the tape and on the gen II lenses.I will attempt this task soon.Hope to thread the good news. Lou

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

With that fatter tape, Sulup, you should have no problems. I don't know if the chain stores stock the fatter size, so you may have to order some rolls. Have fun with it! post some pics when you are done!

Posted by: BAD97LSC

for anyone who cannot obtain this stuff, because it is not stocked in all stores, i'd be happy to purchase it and ship it to anyone who may need it , all i ask is to be reimbursed plus priority shipping, i have a few of the 3 inch rolls now because last time i went to get some i couldnt find it, so when i did, i bought it all!!

Posted by: The Rev

If anyone has a drivers side (I'll take 2 if they're in great condition) housing thats been rechromed up for sale PM me. Oh and I installed that same hid kit, took 5 minutes, 3 of which included mounting the ballasts.

Posted by: SJSharkVIII

Excellent job Blue you knocked it out the park! Be doing that to my 95 fo sho!
Not to be a hijacker but props to Jamie97lsc for parts HE DA MAN!

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJSharkVIII

Excellent job Blue you knocked it out the park! Be doing that to my 95 fo sho!
Not to be a hijacker but props to Jamie97lsc for parts HE DA MAN!

Thanks, man!

Yeah, jamie is good for parts and info - hooked me up with a whole bunch of stuff, just the other day...

Posted by: BAD97LSC

hey martin, looks like im adding another project to the " sooner then planned " i just bought the same kit you got but i went with 6000k, also picking up a 3 inch cowel tomorrow. so i'll be doing the lights when the kit comes in, can i borrow your dremmel lol???

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Oh ya? Cool. For the price of the kits, you really can't go wrong.

Sure, you can borrow my rotary tool and bits if ya want... just say when. I still think you should make the cowl functional though... And... add some gauges in there too!

Posted by: Dark_Majesty_06

Hey.. just a question.. does it make the lights much brighter.. converting it over to brights.. have both low and high on? On a scale of 1-10.. 10 being hardest.. what would you rate this job? I've done plenty of stereo's and fog lights.. gauges... so this should be easy right? I'm pretty confident in my work.. so yea.. just curious!

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Having the lows and highs on makes the lights abit brighter, but the main reason for doing the mod is to protect the HIDs, as hot re strikes shortens their life. Splicing the wires for 13 + 15 is easy, probably a 3/10 job. You will have no problem. In fact, doing the whole process and fitting HIDs is pretty easy, just time consuming. For the splicing, you will require an 18-14 AWG (blue) splice block.

Posted by: Dark_Majesty_06

Oh okay.. so i'm assuming we can't replace these bulbs.. when they go out.. we repay the 88 dollars and just use the lights out of there and resell the other stuff.. or can you replace the bulbs.. I really.. honestly need a set.. my dims are horrible.. and I don't think i'm brave enough to cut open my stock headlights on my DD... so do you think atleast my dims will atleast be equal to the stock dims? If this does require me to do the restoration.. my chrome looks fine.. but my lens are just so yellow.. I'm gunna try an easy 20 dollar kit this weekend.. that removes all the film and go from there.. either way.. this looks like the best anyways... I want blue HIDs... and i'm getting them.. lol. I wanna look fancy too!

Posted by: The Rev

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93' Blue on blue

Having the lows and highs on makes the lights abit brighter, but the main reason for doing the mod is to protect the HIDs, as hot re strikes shortens their life. Splicing the wires for 13 + 15 is easy, probably a 3/10 job. You will have no problem. In fact, doing the whole process and fitting HIDs is pretty easy, just time consuming. For the splicing, you will require an 18-14 AWG (blue) splice block.

I haven't spliced any of the wires yet for my hids, and because of that I haven't flashed my lights, but I'm going to have 2 pretty much brand new housings in about a week (waiting for one more from ebay) both with minor chrome peeling, and because of this my hids are in the high beam part of the housing. My idea is to get another hid kit and put that one in the low beam part. How would I go about making the highs and lows stay on all the time? I've heard about the brite box but want to know if I could just splice a few wires together instead? Oh and I could care less about other drivers, almost everyone around here has some sort of aftermarket or stock hid kit anyway, and the cops don't care at all about lights.

Posted by: BAD97LSC

to make all 4 light up you need to take the clam shell off from around your steering column, take the multifunction switch off and splice pinds 13 and 15 together, this allows the high beams to come on when you hit the sswitch, but also keeps the low beams on too, see martins pictures in the begining of the post it shows all this being done.

my hid kit is installed, re-aimed and i love it, they are very bright and i can see just fine now.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark_Majesty_06

Oh okay.. so i'm assuming we can't replace these bulbs.. when they go out.. we repay the 88 dollars and just use the lights out of there and resell the other stuff.. or can you replace the bulbs.. I really.. honestly need a set.. my dims are horrible.. and I don't think i'm brave enough to cut open my stock headlights on my DD... so do you think atleast my dims will atleast be equal to the stock dims? If this does require me to do the restoration.. my chrome looks fine.. but my lens are just so yellow.. I'm gunna try an easy 20 dollar kit this weekend.. that removes all the film and go from there.. either way.. this looks like the best anyways... I want blue HIDs... and i'm getting them.. lol. I wanna look fancy too!

The HID bulbs are available separately from various outlets, not sure how expensive they are though. (might work out cheaper to just buy another kit, however, they should last a while and some vendors offer warranties)

Your dims will be better with the HID kit versus halogen, but nowhere near as good as they could be unless you address the chrome and lens issues.

When i got my car, the lenses were very yellow - wet sanding with various grits and then final polishing made them look like new - when you have cleaned them, keep them waxed so they look good for longer.

If you want a blue tint to the lights, then go 6000K or maybe 8000K, higher than that tend to look purplish. Remember that the more blue the light, the less output (lumens) on the road and also the more strain on the eyes.

The Rev: Yeah, you can do the switch mod i detailed on the first page easily enough to keep the lows and highs on. (just means you will have to push the stalk forward when the lights are on) There is probably another way to splice them, so that they operate all the time without using the stalk, but i don't have a circuit diagram, so don't know which wires to splice for that. I hope the police are ok where you live, cos if you dazzle them with the lows and highs you may get in trouble!

Posted by: The Rev

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93' Blue on blue

The Rev: Yeah, you can do the switch mod i detailed on the first page easily enough to keep the lows and highs on. (just means you will have to push the stalk forward when the lights are on) There is probably another way to splice them, so that they operate all the time without using the stalk, but i don't have a circuit diagram, so don't know which wires to splice for that. I hope the police are ok where you live, cos if you dazzle them with the lows and highs you may get in trouble!

I read that but I guess I was misunderstanding it. After I do that, having my MFS pushed foward (as it is now) would allow me to have both lows and highs on at all times? Because if so that'd be so sick, having lows and highs in hids at the same time. Would there be any harm by doing that? If not I'm so doing it. Cops don't make a big deal about hids, they're more concerned with tinted windows loud exhausts and systems, and so far I've only got the exhaust so I'll be fine.

Posted by: Dark_Majesty_06

[QUOTE=93' Blue on blue;368369]The HID bulbs are available separately from various outlets, not sure how expensive they are though. (might work out cheaper to just buy another kit, however, they should last a while and some vendors offer warranties)

Your dims will be better with the HID kit versus halogen, but nowhere near as good as they could be unless you address the chrome and lens issues.

When i got my car, the lenses were very yellow - wet sanding with various grits and then final polishing made them look like new - when you have cleaned them, keep them waxed so they look good for longer.

If you want a blue tint to the lights, then go 6000K or maybe 8000K, higher than that tend to look purplish. Remember that the more blue the light, the less output (lumens) on the road and also the more strain on the eyes.

QUOTE]

Oh okay.. so maybe just going with 8000k looks bright enough.. but i don't want to sacrifice vision.. so maybe i'll stick with 6k... Okay.. I sure will... because from the look of the inside.. thier chrome is fine.. but then agian.. its so yellow... i can't tell.. mine are also getting moister in them... so i guess the seal is already broken... I guess my best bet would be to tear them open... so if nothing else... just to reseal them really well.. how is the goop holding up? Is there anything stronger with a stronger hold I can get... someone told me High temp RTV silicone.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

That Goop is pretty strong - its a strong silicon type sealant. Never used that RTV so couldn't really comment on it. If you are getting condensation inside your lights then it could be a bad bulb O ring seal, or possibly the lens glue, or a crack etc. (if it is the lens glue, no need to take 'em apart - just cover the lens seam with a bead of Goop and let it set, dry out the lights and all should be well) Been a couple of weeks now since i did mine and they are still fine - no condensation at all.

Posted by: The Rev

I used rtv silicone on mine, overall I was satisfied, but I'd rather go with goop next time I hack em open, only reason is that its thinner when wet, easier to apply, I found it a little hard to apply, but both should be fine.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rev

Yup, when you do the mod, your lows and highs will operate together for flashing (not recommended with HIDs) and constant with the MFS pushed forward. Assuming you have good chrome inside your housings, a full set of HIDs would be very bright - even more so if you were remove the metal anti - glare shields in the low beam housings. If you are dead set on doing this, then aim 'em down and right a fair amount, cos bad glare can cause accidents.

Im not sure if the stock wiring would be up to the task of running a full set of HIDs all the time - keep an eye on that issue - you may need thicker harness wiring and possibly relays.

I think what you suggest may be abit 'over the top' A set of nicely chromed housings with clear lenses and a set of cheap HIDs in just the lows would be a BIG improvement over the stock halogens. If aimed right, this set up will be good, without dazzling people and possibly attracting cops.

Posted by: The Rev

If the wiring can't handle it I dont assume I'd do it then. I may have to hack these housings open and rechrome these as well. Did you rechrome the deflector? Reason why I ask is that on my old housings they had no chrome so I don't even know if they had chrome when they were new. I'd want to chrome the inside of the deflector, if I decided to keep em. If I were to take em out, there would be no reason to switch the hids from my high socket to low socket, would there be? Does it light up any differently in the low socket w/ the deflectors removed? Maybe a little wider light on the ground?

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

The anti - glare shields stop the eyes from seeing very bright parts of the bulb and alters the beam pattern - removing them would give you abit more light, but it would be unfocused, wide and could possibly dazzle.

The shields are black and not chromed. I chromed the outsides of mine to make them look nicer, but left the insides alone, as rechroming the insides would defeat their purpose.

Why don't you rechrome your housings, fit the HIDs in the lows, do the MFS mod, put the lenses on loosely and try them with and without the shields? That way, you will see if the beam is any better and if there is any glare to be worried about. Make your choice, then reseal the lenses.

Posted by: BAD97LSC

do no tremove the refractors from inside the lenses your light will be totally unfocused and you will not get a beam in front of the car where you need it, it will only light up the road close to the nose of the car anf light up everything on each side of the road but you will not get light out in front of the car where you need it. i just finished mine today, i took the refractors out and painted them silver inside and out with a rattle can, rechromed the hosuings, put them back in and installed. tonight i re-aimed them and i am not joking when i say these things are 10 times better them my stock 98 lsc housings. they dont even compare, and they make my hid lenses and factory hid's in my other 93 look like flash lights. i went with a 6000k kit, and the bulbs are avail through the same guy who sold the kit, the bulbs are sold in packs of two, for 22.95 buy it now. thats nothing. martin, the next time you come to the shop you'll have to make it after sunset so i can take you for a ride in the dark you are gonna crap yourself, these things are insane i am so blown away. for about 95 bucks total for the kit and trim brite and about 6 hours labor i am so happy how they turned out, after all the resto's i have done this one tops it all, i have never seen light output of this kind in any gen 1 mark VIII. just look at how they light up my garage.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Look good Jamie! Will come down in a few days and check 'em out. I could take a pic of yours and mine parked side by side in the dark and post it here for a direct 4300K and 6000K comparison.

Nice to know spare bulbs are available cheaply too!

Posted by: The Rev

Yeah that looks really good, almost as good as when I redo mine next week haha. Nah but Jamie do you have the headlight tabs for a housing in all of those boxes on your ebay store? I need the 2 longer of the retaining tabs as the housing I got for cheap didn't have any. I also need 4 clips as well. Can you list them on the store for me to buy or maybe PM me with a total and I could get that paypal'd out to you.
-Billy

Posted by: BAD97LSC

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rev

Yeah that looks really good, almost as good as when I redo mine next week haha. Nah but Jamie do you have the headlight tabs for a housing in all of those boxes on your ebay store? I need the 2 longer of the retaining tabs as the housing I got for cheap didn't have any. I also need 4 clips as well. Can you list them on the store for me to buy or maybe PM me with a total and I could get that paypal'd out to you.
-Billy

billy i got your pm i will write back tomorrow its late and im beat lol! i should have what you need. i will sell it outright screw ebay!

Posted by: The Rev

Easy enough.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Figured id throw the damaged chrome pics in this thread too, show you folks how the original chrome looks after a few years use, and why rechroming is necessary to restore decent light - not just a lense buff! Notice the brown? Thats the actual housing plastic starting to burn!

Attachment 33608 Attachment 33609

Posted by: The Rev

Yes it is, the housing I have I just bought from hellvez (which is in GREAT condition) still has this so guys it is imperative to do the rechrome. As far as the brown spot, its bubbling on one of mine so I dremeled it smooth.

Posted by: jeffn

Here's a quandry-how would you remove the ignition barrell WITHOUT the ignition key? That's the only reason I have to change the barrell.

Professional looking post btw. Am about to do full set of HIDs as well once this gets started again.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Thanks, and welcome!

I have no idea on how to safely remove the barrel without the key - may have to be drilled out. I would consult with a mobile lock smith. (a dealer could do it, but would probably be more expensive, plus you would have to get the car there)

Posted by: jeffn

Thanks and yep, time to pay the piper...I have 2 porto blue 94s btw,

Posted by: mackmt1

93' Blue on blue
I saw the outline of your headlight refurb project, and it is fantastic. I am following your lead and attempting to refurb my '94 mark VIII headlights, but not as far as the HIDs.
I saw in the post that you used Trimbrite chrome tape. I purchased some trimbrite chrome tape, but I am concerned that there may be too much heat for the tape and burn it up. Do you know how much heat the tape would have to endure?

Mack

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Hi Mack! That tape is pretty durable - should be ok with the extra heat of halogens although i can't speak from experience as i switched to HIDs in the low beam as soon as i did the refurb.

I say do them and when funds permit, get that cheap 89 dollar HID kit - takes 10 mins to fit and makes a HUGE difference to the light output.

Jamie97lsc is the expert when it comes to chrome tape head light refurbs - he can probably tell you more about the tape's durability with halogen bulbs.

Edit: Wow. Jamie answered with Jedi speed! Looks like you are 'good to go' Mack!

Posted by: BAD97LSC

mack i have done a dozen sets of these headlights both with the use of halogen standard bulbs and hid's and i have yet to see the tape affected by heat. unless the bulb actually touched the tape it will not burn, it is real metal so if cant stand up to some decent heat.

Posted by: mackmt1

OK. good enough. I will try it. I was just cleaning the rust and dirt out of the lens and casing. there are some stuborn rust stains to remove. next I will start the template and chroming.

When i bought this car people were laughing at its condition. Now as they see the car coming to life on a shoestring budget I 'm hearing silence.

I appreciate the help from you guys. I look to help others on this forum and those out on Long Island, NY.

Mack

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Thats cool Mack! It will take you a while but it will be worth it!

You know, my car looked like a turd when i got it - now its starting to look decent - passers by make comments so i must be doing something right! Lol.

Good luck! Any Qs just ask away.

Posted by: Goddard-MarkVIII

Good stuff now we just need the same thing done for Gen2 hahah...

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

No reason why you couldn't open up a gen 2 housing and do the same thing. Actually be easy as they are bigger.

Posted by: BAD97LSC

yeah but for the price of clean used housings on ebay i wouldnt waste my time on a second gen housing, the going price for them has come way down.

Posted by: Goddard-MarkVIII

still about 150 not exactly cheap you must be related to Gates hahah

Posted by: BAD97LSC

i dont know who is paying 150 for them i can barely get that for a pair when i sell them, maybe its time to raise the price!!!!

Posted by: Goddard-MarkVIII

well crap those are for perfect looking ones...if you want to sell me a pair for 150 I'll buy it friday.

Posted by: The Rev

My moms 95 buick century, looks sweet with her color paint.

6000k from Japanimportshop on ebay.

Posted by: The Rev

So I washed/waxed the two of them, and got to taking a few photos

Posted by: greenlinc

Just did this on my 94 and it is wonderful. I didnt open up the housings they were already nice. But I did put those lights in (6k), and they are beautiful.

Posted by: Kevin O'Connell

Great job on both the lights and the article. I could use a set of templates. They came out great without wrinkles and such- how'd you do that?

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Good job on the lights Rev! They look much better.

Kevin: Just get yourself some thin card and cut them to size, then use the card as a template to cut chrome to shape. Its easy, just time consuming. To save time, just do the low beam housings.

The rear of the low beam housing is a little tricky and the chrome has to be applied as several strips. You will get some wrinkles, but nothing too bad. Mine do have some wrinkling but its hard to see in pics. (its impossible to apply the chrome tape to such a curve without some crinkles)

But yeah, save yourself a headache and just do the low beams - polish up the lenses and fit a cheap HID kit.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Just to clarify some things.

Ignition Barrel

If you just want to remove your ignition barrel you do not need to reove any other stuff - just use the access hole to push in the release pin one ignition is set to run - takes 10 seconds.

Splicing the MFS Wires

If you know exactly which MFS wires to splice, you can simply undo the nuts that hold the steering column in place and drop it down into your lap - you will see the wires coming out the back and you can splice there. Remember: red with black stripe and red with yellow stripe need to be spliced for US models.

This method cuts out the need to remove the ignition barrel and column shrouds. Might save you 2 mins!

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93' Blue on blue

Just to clarify some things.

Ignition Barrel

If you just want to remove your ignition barrel you do not need to remove any other stuff - just use the access hole to push in the release pin once the ignition is set to run - takes 10 seconds.

Just correcting my spelling errors.

Stupid keyboard... Was acting up - i accidentally vacuumed up some of the keys earlier!

Posted by: Gilby959798

93 Blue, I cant wait to try this on my 95 Blue one. I just bought the HIDs and silverstars for the high beams. I bought the Lincoln last week for $1900 with 124400 miles and it still has the window sticker and some other stuff that came from the factory. I was pretty happy to get it for such a decent price but when I drove it home I was disappointed with the lights but now I should be able to make it nice and bright. And any for anyone reading this I'm a noob and think its great you guys are willing to help and take the time to take photos of the work you are doing. I will try to get some photos of my Mark VIII this weekend and try to post them. Thanks guys

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Welcome to LvC, Gilby!

Glad we could help! Look forward to the pics!

Posted by: Gilby959798

got the HIDs today im just waiting to put them in i also got some other headlights just in case i mess up my other ones

i will try it this weekend if i get a chance

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Cool! Just take your time - the longer you take, the better they'll turn out! Any problems, post here.

Good luck!

Posted by: Gilby959798

got the hid's in didnt do the reflective part but man did the hid's make a difference i havent spliced the wires yet that is a project of the mornign it was getting late also i think i got my oil leak fixed making progress with the car cant wait to start driving it took it for a test drive after i got it done and it was like a night and day difference cant wait to get my new headlights thanks for taking the pictures it it will make it a whole lot more simple for me to alter the wiring although i woulda figured it out but since you already did ill take your word for it thanks Blue

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Cool - glad it worked out for you. I found the rechroming to be an absolute pita (tedious and time consuming) so, be glad you were able to skip that step! Lol.

Posted by: BAD97LSC

since i sold my real 96 hid housings out of my green 93 and have been driving on halogens i might as well drive off the road into the woods lol man do they blow. soon as the guy picking up a motor from me tomorrow leaves im coming home and ordering another hid kit so i can slap them in my 93 housings i need hid's again bad!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Gilby959798

got the wiring all done but when i tried them the first time i couldnt get any low beams but after unplugging the check lamp module and replugging it back in all was well and the lincoln was done for the weekend... this site is the best when it comes to helping out on these cars i love driving my lincoln mark VIII and i love the passing gear too

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Cool - glad it all worked out! Yup, these cars are ok once you get on top of the silly issues. At least you will be able to see at night again now - pretty sure i'd have 'wiped out' long ago if i had continued to run my burnt up halogens! Lol.

Posted by: Stangman

Exactly what kit are you all buying for the HID's???

Are these direct fits???

I'd love to save $650 on hid lenses/bulbs/wiring!!!

Posted by: Gilby959798

the kit i got was for the 9005 bulb

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stangman

Exactly what kit are you all buying for the HID's???

Are these direct fits???

I'd love to save $650 on hid lenses/bulbs/wiring!!!

Yup, 9005 base. I have 4300K color temp and some others have 6000K.

Available all over Ebay for around 80 bux.

Direct fit. HID bulbs fit in exact same way as your original bulbs - car's lighting harnesses go to ballasts, wires from ballasts go to the HID bulbs. Only time consuming parts are mounting the ballasts, doing the switch mod and cutting exterior lamp message. (assuming you want to go that far)

Posted by: Stangman

Can someone get me a part number to look for on ebay... even a brand maybe... I don't want a kit I have to cut up and make it look like a hack job.

Posted by: Gilby959798

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HID-C...1%7C240%3A1318
these are the ones that i got and it was literally a plug and play deal no splicing

Posted by: Dawkins

Blue you happend to have a part number for that chrome trim...and why do you drop the console under the steering wheel whats that one for i understand the glove box wire but not the steering wheel cover wires?

Posted by: kustomizingkid

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dawkins

Blue you happend to have a part number for that chrome trim...and why do you drop the console under the steering wheel whats that one for i understand the glove box wire but not the steering wheel cover wires?

Are you talking about the wires that are modified at the multifunction switch?

The factory wiring runs the headlights through the multifunction switch so when you turn the high beams on it turns the lows off. When you install HID lows you want them to stay on all the time because on and off hot strikes are what kills HID bulbs and ballasts... so if you flash your high beams you could damage your HID's...

What the wire mod in the multifunction switch does is make the lows stay on all the time even when the highs are on preventing damage to your HID's.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dawkins

Blue you happend to have a part number for that chrome trim...

According to their parts PDF, part number is T1818

http://www.trimbrite.com/PDFs/catalog.pdf (page 6 - full name is Trimbrite Chromebrite)

Napa is listed as one of their retailers, so you should be able to just call them up and order it for trade.

Posted by: Dawkins

what do you do just bypass the 4 prongs on the switch and they don't turn off?...thanks for the part number blue...and thanks for explaining it KK...

Posted by: Stangman

Also guys... Do I need to buy TWO kits to do HID's for the high and low beams???

because my lowbeams are like driving with just the parking lights on!

Posted by: kustomizingkid

I wold go back and re read page one... Martin did a very good job of explaining what you do with the wires in the column, I don't know how to explain it any better....

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stangman

Also guys... Do I need to buy TWO kits to do HID's for the high and low beams???

because my lowbeams are like driving with just the parking lights on!

No. Keep the highs halogen. HID's are useless for highs because of hot re-strikes and the fact that they don't light up instantly - so be useless for flashing.

Dawkins: You use a splice block (blue, 18-14 AWG) to bridge the wires of pins 13 and 15 together. This stops the multi-function switch from disconnecting power to the low beams when highs are engaged.

The whole HID fitting process, while looking long in the pictures, will take you about 40 minutes at the most.

One other thing just occured to me, Dawkins; You are in Canada. If you own a Canadian market Mark VIII, the colors of the 2 wires you need to splice together may be different. (should still be the wires from pins 13 and 15 though) I'd look at a circuit diagram or bust out a multimeter just to be sure that the multi-function switch pins function the same.

Posted by: Stangman

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93' Blue on blue

No. Keep the highs halogen. HID's are useless for highs because of hot re-strikes and the fact that they don't light up instantly - so be useless for flashing.

Cool, thanks!

That clears it up a ton!

Posted by: {L}Dirty{S}Harry{C}

Great Job! Ill keep this in mind for if my plan with some old navigator HID's doesnt work. If It does ill take pics of the whole process and be sure to post.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Thanks, Dirty Harry!

Cool! Hope it works out. Look forward to pics!

Posted by: Stangman

Ordered my HID kit yesterday! Should be here by like Friday I think. Now I just have to get my housings rechromed!

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Cool. The rechroming is the bad part! If you lack patience, just do the parts that are burnt up.

Posted by: Stangman

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93' Blue on blue

Cool. The rechroming is the bad part! If you lack patience, just do the parts that are burnt up.

Yep... I lack patience... and I'm even a body/paint guy... which doesnt make much sense.

I reckon I'll pick up some of that chrome foil stuff and work on that this weekend after I get some mean epoxy to hold the headlights back together.

Posted by: BAD97LSC

just sit at the work bench, tell everyone to leave you alone, leave the cell phone where you cant hear it, and turn on your favorite tunes and work on the lights, thats what i do when i re-finish a pair. take your time, and get up and stretch often, your neck and eyes will bug you after a bit. i just picked up another spare set of housings to re-do for my 93, and gonna order another hid kit. i had real 96 LSC housings and hid's in it but i sold them cuz i needed cash, but i cant stand driving with halogen bulbs in anymore, i have to go back to hid's lol!

Posted by: Stangman

Don't the headlights have to be re-aimed after the HID conversion?

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Yeah, you may have to re-aim them slightly. (partly due to the new bulbs but mainly because you will have hacked off the lens and stuck it back on - may not sit exactly the same)

Cut the lenses as carefully as you can - i cut too shallow on one of mine and messed up the alignment. I will correct that soon though with a 'virgin' lens i got from jamie97lsc.

Posted by: Stangman

Too shallow? I don't think I follow.

Either way, my HID's should be here tomorrow or thursday so I may mess with it this weekend.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Yeah, too shallow as in cut the lens a little too far from housing seam. (so when lens was glued back on, it sat slightly closer in than the other side) Wasn't a big deal. Just go careful and you will be fine.

Posted by: Stangman

oh, got ya. Cool. I should get my HID's today. So i will probably be messing with it this weekend.

Posted by: Stangman

Got my HID's in yesterday... pretty sweet setup! Gotta love the plug and play stuff!

Not real impressed with my housings at all. Definitely hindering the performance of the HID's.

This weekend I will tear them apart and rechrome both the high beam side and low beam side.

I did the pin cross in the switch and the message center error fix as well.

Also found out that my headlight switch is wore out too.

Looks like I may have to re-aim my lowbeams as they sit anyway... they point a little off.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Cool. What was up with your headlight switch? Was it the built in circuit breaker acting up? (i remember a recall about that a few years ago)

Yup, those plug and play HID's are good and simple. Getting cheap now too! Might pick some up for the wife's truck in the new year.

Posted by: BAD97LSC

her new navigator you mean??? lol

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Lol. All in good time, Jamie. You know, i think we may have problems fitting a Navi in the garage. The extended wheelbase one is a definite no-go.

Posted by: BAD97LSC

well time to add on to the new house already.

Posted by: Stangman

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93' Blue on blue

Cool. What was up with your headlight switch? Was it the built in circuit breaker acting up? (i remember a recall about that a few years ago)

Yup, those plug and play HID's are good and simple. Getting cheap now too! Might pick some up for the wife's truck in the new year.

Apparently it is wore out, and if you turn the switch on, the dash lights for the gauges don't come on. Sometimes they do sometimes they dont. but if i force the switch to go a pinch further... they come on and stay on.

I could REALLLY go for a set of new halogen housings right about now... but that is some coin.

Posted by: kustomizingkid

I would replace the headlight switch... you should be able to get one for pretty cheap...

If you can't afford new housings just trim brite them, its cheap....

Posted by: chicken

i would leave the high beam side alone if its not burnt

Posted by: Stangman

The high beam side could be better. the low beam side blows.

I was driving home last night and ALL my lights flashed on then off and then went out!

I turned off the highbeams and turned off the headlight switch and turned it back on and the HID's came back on... PHEW!

I think with both beams on it is overloading my switch? maybe?

any help on this?

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

I guess it's possible that the circuit breaker tripped. Remember the car was originally meant to switch off the lows to run the highs. The MFS mod makes them come on together. (idea being with the decent headlights you won't need lows and highs on together for any length of time, but will instead prolong the HID's life)

Wouldn't worry about it for now, but if it becomes a problem when you are just running the lows (or lows and highs for a short period) then you might want to inspect the wiring connector to the headlight switch and possibly replace the switch itself.

But yeah, I'm thinking it was just a temporary overload of the switch circuit breaker causing it to trip.

Posted by: Stangman

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93' Blue on blue

I guess it's possible that the circuit breaker tripped. Remember the car was originally meant to switch off the lows to run the highs. The MFS mod makes them come on together. (idea being with the decent headlights you won't need lows and highs on together for any length of time, but will instead prolong the HID's life)

Wouldn't worry about it for now, but if it becomes a problem when you are just running the lows (or lows and highs for a short period) then you might want to inspect the wiring connector to the headlight switch and possibly replace the switch itself.

But yeah, I'm thinking it was just a temporary overload of the switch circuit breaker causing it to trip.

The headlight switch panel gets pretty damn hot with just the lows on... I wonder if it's about to pop?

Posted by: The omen

does anyone know where I can get the rechroming inserts for the headlights on a gen 1 mark???

Posted by: mespock

You have to get the chrome tape that Martin explains in the begining of this thread. Ford didn't make an insert.

Posted by: BAD97LSC

go look at your other post, i'll do them for you if you want to ship them to me, i can do them in a few hours and ship them back the day after i recieve them.

Posted by: kustomizingkid

Jamie can fix anything on a Mark VIII... and his prices aren't too bad!

Posted by: Stangman

Well, I feel like a bonehead...

Got my lights all epoxied back together, threw them in the other night and drove around...

Well, all was well until we had a few days of rain here.

Now I have moisture in my drivers headlight

I went over every inch of the headlights and used some clear rtv to cover any pinholes.... Guess I missed some. dang it.

Looks like I'll be taking out my headlight wednesday evening and bringing it inside to sit over the heater til the moisture goes away and hope I can find how it got in....

It's always something.

Posted by: kustomizingkid

Pour some rubbing alcohol inside the housing with the moisture, it is hygroscopic so it pulls out the moisture and it evaporates quickly after you dump the majority of it out.

Posted by: chicken

as long as the alcohol doesnt affect the trim brite stuff

Posted by: kustomizingkid

Never used it on a trim-brited housing.... only factory chrome housings.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by The omen

does anyone know where I can get the rechroming inserts for the headlights on a gen 1 mark???

I responded to your PM about doing them. Alternatively, Jamie can do them too. (in a quicker time) Whatever works best for you.

Posted by: richduty455

did mine yesterday, didn't convert to HIDs, just took them apart and re-chromed them.....as Borat would say "Great Success!!!!!" no more driving at night time with the headlights on!

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by richduty455

no more driving at night time with the highbeams on!

Glad it worked out!

Convert to HID's when you can - they are getting cheap and will make a big difference!

Posted by: Stangman

The only thing I dont like, is that when I turn on the headlights, somtimes one or the other doesnt come on, then I have to cycle the headlight switch and all is good. Hard to tell when they turn on when you arent facing a building or something.

Posted by: Gilby959798

yeah mine do the same thing what i usually do is let my car idle down a bit then turn them on because there is such a high initial voltage drawn by them and then once they are lit they are fine

Posted by: LsUnV2

Quote:

Originally Posted by kustomizingkid

Pour some rubbing alcohol inside the housing with the moisture, it is hygroscopic so it pulls out the moisture and it evaporates quickly after you dump the majority of it out.

hey kid my heaqdlights seem to have moisture in them which has made the look in certain places a lil foggy. its on the inside of the clear lens, should i try the alcohol trick? i have the stock HID headlights on an ls and the halo inverters are inside the headlight.

Posted by: eglade

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stangman

Ordered my HID kit yesterday! Should be here by like Friday I think. Now I just have to get my housings rechromed!

I'm having the blown out HID issues in my 97 mark and would like info on this kit. Who did you order from? Sorry I have not had time to go back and read entire thread, but caught about 95% of the bickering before getting back to the topic. Thanks for the help.

Posted by: BAD97LSC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stangman

The only thing I dont like, is that when I turn on the headlights, somtimes one or the other doesnt come on, then I have to cycle the headlight switch and all is good. Hard to tell when they turn on when you arent facing a building or something.

unplug the hid bulb from the ballast and pull the rubber ring out of the plug and then plug them back together. the flickering or one lamp off is due to a crappy connection, i have had this happen with a few of the ones i installed and my own on my 93, i pulled the rubber rings out of the bulb's plug and perfect everytime now!

Posted by: luxuryrules

Jamie or Blue on Blue, what do you guys typically charge for a set of headlights?

I got a 95 I'm wrenching on for a guy (tuneup, detail, etc) and I don't have the time/patience/confidence to do that trimbrite job again. Did it once and I hate to say I don't think I did all that great on it... lol.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Hi Luxuryrules! Jamie is doing them for 80 per pair.

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=49183

Yeah, re-chroming is a tedious job...

Posted by: Gilby959798

any of you guys have to deal with the salt or snow i wouldnt mind having this done i have one headlight messed up another one not taking my time and using a big bulky air cutter to open them up so i might just try to get another one and send it out but i want to see if they will make it through an ohio winter and all the crap weather i get to deal with already did the hid conversion and it made a heck of a diference now i wouldnt mind seeing what its like with some chrome to reflect off of. thanks guys

Posted by: BAD97LSC

i already have a set in my garage that was shipped to me to do, another pair on the way, and a pair in the shop already in the jig ready to cut open this weekend, i'll be doing two pairs this weekend or 3 if the others show up that soon!!!

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilby959798

any of you guys have to deal with the salt or snow i wouldnt mind having this done i have one headlight messed up another one not taking my time and using a big bulky air cutter to open them up so i might just try to get another one and send it out but i want to see if they will make it through an ohio winter and all the crap weather i get to deal with already did the hid conversion and it made a heck of a diference now i wouldnt mind seeing what its like with some chrome to reflect off of. thanks guys

I'm sure some re-chromed headlights will hold up to winter just fine! Send Jamie the pair to be done - gonna look odd otherwise with one good and one not so. Alternatively, get a cheap rotary tool (I used the Black and Decker RTX - was only 30 bux) and do them yourself. You could have them done in a day. To save time just do the bad parts.

Wow, this thread got long!

Posted by: Gilby959798

that s because it is helpful and well worth it we thank you martin for starting such a good thread

Posted by: solja.b

Hey, i did the install of the HID kit from the auction site and the ballasts stopped working immediatley. Callled their techs to troubleshoot and they said people with mark viiis' are continually calling about problems. Just to inform you guys about to do this install, you need a relay kit with the HID conversion kit. before you buy, make sure you have this in the kit or buy it seperatly. basically, instead if getting the voltage from the 9005 light circuit plug, it gets the voltage direct from the battery with more amperage to drive the ballasts properly. Appearantly when they say Plug and Play, it doesnt apply to most domestic cars. The stock wiring for the 9005 circuit is too high of gauge. the relay kit has a lower gauge to provide more current. the relay kit also has an input that you plug your 9005 plug into. it uses your stock switching system to turn the lights off/on. the relay senses the switching and switches itself to pass voltage. Anyway, it all makes sense but what doesnt make sense is that they said my kit was plug and play when i bought it. They offered the relay kit to me discounted. They also said their HID Conversion kits for 2009 will include the relay kit. Just verify before buying. Good Luck.

Posted by: halo001

Thanks for the guide blue on blue, really helpful. Cut mine open and redid them, and I got blinded compared to before. Took the better part of a day, but it is worth doing or taking jamie up on his deal. Looking to get HID's here in a few weeks. Thanks again.

Posted by: mafioso

Quote:

Originally Posted by solja.b

Hey, i did the install of the HID kit from the auction site and the ballasts stopped working immediatley. Callled their techs to troubleshoot and they said people with mark viiis' are continually calling about problems. Just to inform you guys about to do this install, you need a relay kit with the HID conversion kit. before you buy, make sure you have this in the kit or buy it seperatly. basically, instead if getting the voltage from the 9005 light circuit plug, it gets the voltage direct from the battery with more amperage to drive the ballasts properly. Appearantly when they say Plug and Play, it doesnt apply to most domestic cars. The stock wiring for the 9005 circuit is too high of gauge. the relay kit has a lower gauge to provide more current. the relay kit also has an input that you plug your 9005 plug into. it uses your stock switching system to turn the lights off/on. the relay senses the switching and switches itself to pass voltage. Anyway, it all makes sense but what doesnt make sense is that they said my kit was plug and play when i bought it. They offered the relay kit to me discounted. They also said their HID Conversion kits for 2009 will include the relay kit. Just verify before buying. Good Luck.

I can help you and steer you in the right direction

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by halo001

Thanks for the guide blue on blue, really helpful. Cut mine open and redid them, and I got blinded compared to before. Took the better part of a day, but it is worth doing or taking jamie up on his deal. Looking to get HID's here in a few weeks. Thanks again.

Cool, glad it worked out for you!

Posted by: BAD97LSC

anyone who doesnt want to attempt to restore your own headlights or dont have the time, i'll do them, i have a post in the for sale section $80 to redo them inside and out, or $160 for a pair of mine plus a $30 dollar refund when you send me back your crappy old headlights for a core. they can be rusty, yellow, nasty looking even paint over spray, but they cant be broken otherwise i dont refund you a core, i have to be able to restore them too.

Posted by: solja.b

MAFIOSO:
Hey man, yeah...installed this stupid relay kit and the ballasts don't seem to work. So, I will try and send those back and get replacemetn ones. This project has taken forever. Would love any suggestions you have.

Posted by: thaywood

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93' Blue on blue

Below is an outline of my headlight refurb, from the initial rechroming, to aftermarket HID fitment and associated modifications: (multi function switch mod for lows and highs and check exterior lamp message removal)

Attachment 32830

Where did you get the templates for the re-chroming? Did you make them yourself? How can I get a set of those? Thanks!

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Hi Mr Haywood!

I've been planning to buy some more chrome and cut them to size for those in need. Give me a few days, and I'll get back to you.

Alternatively, Jamie97lsc can restore your headlights for you for 80 per set. (assuming you may be in a rush and didn't want to do it yourself)

But yeah, give me some time and I'll get the supplies together - I have been procrastinating due to a general lack of demand! Lol.

Posted by: thaywood

'Preciate that. I'll get back to you later on that one. I'm taking some time off work in the next month and plan to do a lot of work to my '96 Mark. I've ordered new front air spring/shocks, a left upper control arm, front brake rotors, HID light kit, and several other parts. I plan to do most of the work myself since I am on a limited budget. And I have the air spring/shock replacement down to a science. I can repalce both sides and be ready to drive in less than one hour. And I need to restore the headlights so the HID's will do their job. My lights are terrible. They are yellow and foggy and the chrome on the interior is almost completely yellow or brown in most spots. I can barely see at night even on bright. Anyway, thanks again.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Ah... We may have a problem. The templates I made are for the 1st gen halogen housings, I have never worked on an HID housing and so don't know if the shapes will be the same. I'm pretty sure they will be different.

Best bet in your case then would be to either make up your own as you go, or send them to Jamie97lsc.

If you have some time off coming up, shouldn't be too bad. What I did was get old xmas cards and cut them up to rough size, put them in then cut again. Once I had the xmas card templates perfect, I then got the trimbrite and cut to size. This way, no chrome was wasted.

You can buy Trimbrite or a wider chrome tape roll called Guardian chrome. (the latter will give you a more seamless look)

Posted by: BAD97LSC

i have done both halogen housings and hid housings for 93-96. i have pics of the hid housings i redid for my 93.

Posted by: thaywood

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93' Blue on blue

Ah... We may have a problem. The templates I made are for the 1st gen halogen housings, I have never worked on an HID housing and so don't know if the shapes will be the same. I'm pretty sure they will be different.

Best bet in your case then would be to either make up your own as you go, or send them to Jamie97lsc.

If you have some time off coming up, shouldn't be too bad. What I did was get old xmas cards and cut them up to rough size, put them in then cut again. Once I had the xmas card templates perfect, I then got the trimbrite and cut to size. This way, no chrome was wasted.

You can buy Trimbrite or a wider chrome tape roll called Guardian chrome. (the latter will give you a more seamless look)

I have standard hologen bulbs. I'm getting the HID upgrade kit.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Oh really? Cool, no problem. Leave it with me and I'll see about tracking down the supplies.

Just one thing to be aware of: Most parts of the housings can be 'brightened up' by single pieces of cut to shape chrome tape, however, the rear of the low and high beams have to be done as several strips. (due to their shape) Only piece I don't bother with is the rear section of the amber. (shape is awkward)

Posted by: kevins

very nice writeup, and instructions.
I recently just bought another Mark VIII (96') I am thinking about doing this to.
What type of H.I.D. Kit did you use? Or has anyone had any luck with the Kits they have for sale on EBAY?

thanks
kevin

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Hi Kevin! The kit I used for my halogen housings was a 4300K 9005 base. (9005 is the base you need for 1st gen halogen housings - they are a direct swap)

Got mine from an Ebay seller called japanimportshop. Others have used their kits successfully too, although I found their shipping time to be a little slow. Any of those Ebay sellers should be ok though, provided their feedback is good.

If you are not keen on the Ebay kit idea, then there are two sellers of kits here on LvC:

04SSHD and Mafioso. (buying a kit from either of these guys would give you aftermarket support that you may not get from an Ebay seller)

Posted by: Speed Demon

Anyone modified the low beam deflector housing (the chunck of black metal cutting off direct view of the lightbulb) or even removed it completely? My standard bulbs aren't that bright so I figured just removing it won't be that blinding? My brights are acceptable as is so I guess these would be too. I'll be doing hids much later if this works ok.

Posted by: NoLimit95

Quote:

Originally Posted by solja.b

MAFIOSO:
Hey man, yeah...installed this stupid relay kit and the ballasts don't seem to work. So, I will try and send those back and get replacemetn ones. This project has taken forever. Would love any suggestions you have.

I think you may have got yourself a junk kit or it was damaged during shipping. I got a kit for $59.99 with free shipping from http://stores.ebay.com/HID-Direct

My housings were only a few years old and rarely ever used and also garage kept so in other words, they look like new ones. I bought the 10,000K brilliant blue kit and it arrived within 2 to 3 days. The kit is from a US seller and is plug and play. I can see signs a mile ahead now and they look like they have their own built in light, glowing in a bright blue white color. The reflectors on the pavement look like LED pods in the street when I come up on them. I have had no issue with a ballast or bulb not working. The only thing I had to do was barely bend the inside deflector outward just a little so that the bulb would go all the way in but I have two solid beams coming out and I could not be happier. I don't even need to bother with the bright light wire splicing because the low beams do the job alone. As for the message that pops up, I do need to snip that wire but for now, I just press the reset button and drive on. There is no comparison between halogens and HID's. Halogens just simply blow! They sucked with my crystal clear housings but now, I can see everything in front of me. Jamie and I talked and he recommended the 6000K diamond white a while back but I wanted something with a blue tint so that's the reason I went with the 10,000K brilliant blue. They aren't any brighter than the 6000K, it's just when you add color, they have to add more (KELVIN) to compensate for the color you choose. Too many cars around here with the normal white HID's, just another reason I went with the blue but all in all, HID's are the way to go if you really want to see what's in front of you. I'll post pics soon of the outside and also what I see from the inside on the HWY.

Posted by: NoLimit95

This just an idea of what they look like in my residential area and no, they were not aimed when I took these pics last night but now they are aimed. It's been raining here and I found that having a long stretch of street in front of you works best when aiming these.

Posted by: Gilby959798

looks real good man

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Very blue but still not bad.

I found aiming to be abit of a pain - mainly because the poorly designed housings don't show clear, crisp lines and cut off points, like many other lights do.

Funny, my lights were fine for ages, then I decided to re-aim one day. Little did I realize - the garage door I was using to set my beams was bent! Lol. Hey Jamie - that's why I had that one light 'cock eyed' Remember we set it straight? Well, it was fine after! Lol.

Posted by: NoLimit95

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93' Blue on blue

Very blue but still not bad.

Really they're not as blue as some I have seen but then again, they might have bought a different kit. When I'm on the HWY, I see more of a bright white with a hint of blue, especially on reflective signs (speed signs). I do agree though, in the pic, they do seem quite blue (on the outside). I figured out of all people, you would be the one to like the blue the best.

If you had my kit, you would then be "93' blue on blue on blue" Yes, aiming the halogen lenses can be annoying but once it's said and done, halogens are a thing of the past for me. I'll never go back. Someone will have to pay me to turn on my bright lights. I find them useless now. Maybe later I'll do the pinning and add another kit for the high beams but it's no rush.

This information may have already been said here but I just learned tonight that the 95 Mark VIII was the first car in North America to ever have HID lighting and then Audi, Mercedes, Lexus and the rest followed. I also read that using the halogen lenses with HID kits were better then the original HID lenses??? Something about a better spread pattern but anyway, I have no complaints at all. I would spend $60 any day before I would $1000 for some OEM HID housings. When I get on the HWY tomorrow night, I'll try my best to get a pic of what you really can see WAY up ahead.

I already know that Jamie is gonna come in here yappin about mine being too blue but he can't say much until he stops driving around with his purple ones.

BTW, thanks Gilby and you too blue on blue for getting this mile long thread started.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolimit94VIII

I do agree though, in the pic, they do seem quite blue (on the outside). I figured out of all people, you would be the one to like the blue the best.

If you had my kit, you would then be "93' blue on blue on blue"

Lol. That whole blue thing must be fate following me around! I've owned 2 blue interior / exterior cars now, purely by chance. (other was a Nissan - guess what model it was? A Bluebird of all things!) Lolol.

Anyway, glad you are happy with your kit - looks to be lighting up the road very well anyway.

Posted by: NoLimit95

Alright, last night coming home from work, I got a few more pics out on bigger streets. In the first one setting at the light, notice to my left. Do you see the stressing halogens? I'm setting over on the right making the flowers grow and one of his halogen beams is trying to get over into my HID path but they're just to strong. I remember those left side halogen days. Never again. Also, look ahead in the first pic, dead center. There is a 55 mph speed sign exactly 1/2 mile ahead. That's just how good these HID's reach out. Anyway, I thought I would add 3 more and one of them wasn't easy at 70mph and holding a camera steady.

In this pic, if you look just to the left of the yellow arrow signs and up just a tad, those are two reflective signs nearly a mile away. I'm not blinding anyone as you can see where my main beam is hitting and no one has flashed at me yet.

This last one is my 70 mph pic. The HWY is smooth but it does have it's dips at high speeds and keeping the camera steady right in front of my face with both hands and steering with my knee was a little hard to do. Madison, AL. police do not play when it comes to half way crossing into another lane and I don't drink but they would have said I was drunk.

Hope these help anyone thinking of buying the kit for better lighting. Again, please remember. My headlight housing, lenses and reflective backing all look like new because they are only about 4 years old and rarely were ever used and garage kept, also underground parking at work. These are the 10,000K Brilliant Blue HID's. This does help with the brightness that I have and anyone having Jamie redo their housings will also see the same brightness. If you have yellowed lenses and burnt inner chrome, you will not see very good results.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Excellent pictures!

Good job!

Posted by: BAD97LSC

you and your blue hid's, and my are purple but mine were also free lol, otherwise you wouldnt see them in my car. i cant stand the color when looking at the front of my car, but driving it at night they dont look purple and they lighting is awesome, i'll take some pics like you did too when i remember!!

Posted by: NoLimit95

I know what you mean about looking at the front and seeing one color but driving down the road, it doesn't look like what you see when you stare directly at them. Mine look blue standing in front of it but driving, they have more of a bright white look with a touch of blue. White, blue, or purple, I would have them any day over any halogen bulbs. Halogens simply suck a$$ compared to the HID's. I think what's his name over on the other Lincoln site might want your purple ones.

Wait, they might not fit a Porsche. Get some pics, I wanna see

Posted by: turn_on68

This makes good reading
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...nversions.html

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

I've read that and other articles before.

Given the choice between damaged, yellowed gen 1 housings that didn't light up sh1t and completely ILLEGAL restored housings with a non DOT approved HID kit which allowed me to see just fine, the decision was a no brainer. If Ford / Sylvania hadn't provided us with JUNK in the first place, then this whole thing would be a non issue.

Lol @ the fear mongering by Auto Express. I can honestly say i have NEVER been flashed by an oncoming driver. The gen 1 halogen housing and lense is small and heavily fluted. It also has a metal box covering most of the bulb. I have checked and re-checked my 4300K ILLEGAL and DANGEROUS lights over and over from various distances and can honestly say they have less glare than some modern OEM lights, like those on the new BMW 5 series.

Now, I don't doubt that the POS (circa 98) Renault Megane featured in that video had glare issues - different car, possibly different color temp, possibly different brand kit. Apples and oranges comparison with regard to an HID converted gen 1 Mark VIII with halogen housings. Motoring journo's are full of it anyway. Wouldn't surprise me if they specifically chose the worst car and the worst kit to sensationalize and get their British government approved point across.

Lol @ what they paid for a kit - 300 English pounds - that's about 500 or so dollars!

Posted by: NoLimit95

Maybe it's just me but when they were driving that car down the street, it looked like they never bothered to aim the lights. It was like they had them blasting up and out. All I can say is that I'm glad I live in the US and in Alabama where they could care less about HID's.

1. I have never been flashed by anyone.
2. I can see much much better now with HID's
3. They look better than the simple yellow halogens (that should be illegal) for Mark VIII's
4. I don't have the 9004, 9007, H3 and H12 bulbs

Posted by: catmech

it soundslike more govnt propaganda. dont breath its unsafe!!!!!!

Posted by: altitude_19

Man am I glad I found this forum! So, I've got the classic problem. My housings on my 95 base model are badly yellowed. I've tried polishing and installing silverstar bulbs (sure worked on other models in the past!). I've already ruled out manual re-chroming/rebuilding. Such projects have NEVER ended well for me. So here are the ideas I've got from your input:
1.) Install a rampage headlight kit. I'm having trouble finding anyone who has used it and can attest to its functionality.
2.) Replace the housings with a new OEM housing and install a reputable HID kit.
What does everyone think? Either one seems perfectly viable, so long as I can get reliable testimony from someone who has actually done either one.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by altitude_19

I've already ruled out manual re-chroming/rebuilding. Such projects have NEVER ended well for me.

Contact jamie97lsc - he can restore your headlights for a fee, may also be able to help you with finding a good OEM mirror glass and O/D switch / wire, as he is a Mark VIII parts man. (unless you want new OEM stuff, in which case contact Max at five Star Ford and / or keep an eye on Ebay etc.)

Posted by: altitude_19

I've already got a lead for OEM parts, now I just have to decide of that's the direction I want to go. Are we SURE nobody has used the rampage headlight kit here???

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

I've never heard of those Rampage things. Where are they supposed to fit? Behind the grille?

Posted by: altitude_19

I read the description as them being direct replacements. Problem is, there's a turn signal in the same housing, so I'm pretty darn cautious here about whether they will serve adequately as direct replacements. I won't even try them if I can't see a set on a shelf or know someone who has installed them. Sounds more and more like I'd better just try for the new headlight housings (I've got the money saved and allotted already). I reckon that'll fix the problem in the short term.
I've gotta take a road trip as soon as I take the car out of storage when I get back to the states. I don't want to mess with wiring when I'm about to take a road trip. So I think this is the plan:
Change the housings and install the HID kit as soon as I get settled at my next base. That'll minimize the chance of complications on the roadie while still providing an immediate improvement. Opinions?

Posted by: catmech

send your housings to jamie and he will restore them for you. he rechromes the inside and cleans the lenses. if you seen the work he does its impresive. they look like new when he is done.

Posted by: altitude_19

The vehicle is in storage and I can't send the housings in. After I get it out of storage, I have to have it on the road within a couple days, so I don't have time to ship parts and wait for a return. I'll install the new housings (NEW, not "like new") and need only figure out if that will be sufficient until I can install the HID kit when I get to my new assignment. WILL NEW HOUSINGS MAKE IT DRIVEABLE AT NIGHT?

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by altitude_19

WILL NEW HOUSINGS MAKE IT DRIVEABLE AT NIGHT?

Be good enough until you get an HID kit. I don't know how long the new lights will stay good though - the chrome coating doesn't seem to last. Maybe the coating will last longer with an HID kit? Dunno...

Posted by: altitude_19

Exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks, Blue! I'll throw the new housings in, and install the HID kit as soon as I'm bedded down at the new duty station. Thanks to all! Everyone has been a HUGE help! At least I know I'll be able to see if I end up driving at night before I get to Omaha. Should be smooth sailing after that...

Posted by: The Rev

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93' Blue on blue

Maybe the coating will last longer with an HID kit? Dunno...

Yeah it will. Standard 9005 halogens are what, 55w? (Most) Hid kits are 35w, less power consumption, less heat generated.

But I went ftw and scooped up a 55w, installed in the highbeam sockets, manually rechromed, yeah...never been flashed yet.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Ok, as it's been over a year running the 35w HID's, I decided to check out the durability of the chrome I'd done:

As you can see, all good!

Two things though:

1. The chrome I'd placed on the metal diffusers burnt up, so I won't chrome those again for myself or anyone else.

2. My left headlight lens had a layer of white on it's inside. (Jamie knows what I'm on about, as he gave me a good lens to substitute). Anyway, when I opened up the housing, I found there to be a white, chalk like dust on everything. Only conclusion I can draw, is that the adhesive of the chrome tape evaporated inside the housing and formed a residue - no biggy - cleaned right out.

So yeah, so far, so good!

EDIT: Maybe that white powder is from the chrome that burned up on the metal diffusers? Dunno, but no big deal.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

I've spent the last few weeks making and perfecting a chrome set for the gen 1 halogen DIY'er. This is the kit that's on it's way to you, Green. My apologies to others that have been waiting - I had no idea how much work was going to be involved in making this 72 piece set from scratch! More kits are in the pipeline!

Anyway, take a look at the fruits of my labour!

Posted by: catmech

looks good blue.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Thanks - took me a ridiculous amount of time to get right! Lol.

Posted by: catmech

yeah, but now they are already patterned out so mass production should be a breeze.

Posted by: 93' Blue on blue

Well, I have new templates made, but it's still tricky to get each piece exact. It's the sections around the bulb holes that take the longest - real hard to get just right. And that chrome

- it came so tightly rolled, that working with it was a real pita. Anyway, I'll get more and see how I go. Practice makes perfect!

Posted by: catmech

I Know Thats Right!!!!!!!!!!!