Thanks Sean, got it! Obviously ... you probably should mention your not buying DUAL HID bulbs, but single style with one ballast per side (either mechanical style or flex if Bi-Xenon)... and there's big dollar shipping charges with your ordering (due to it coming from China). Also, those prices aren't "A" quality... Somebodies not telling you the whole story.

Still cheap, or a bit cheaper than some Ebayers.
But there's also DDMTuning out of San Diego for cheap China stuff... and you have someone local in the USofA to send stuff back or for warranty. I've used them in a pinch (needed some Error Cancellers for a friend's import car).

I don't want to mislead anyone, so I thought you should mention those things. PM sent back...

 

When you say the "projector" route, what do you mean? Retrofitting an Acura TSX projector lens into the stock Ford housing, for instance? I'm interested in something like this partially because I think it would look nice (minus the halos and LED dots, which I don't think I'd wire up), and because it seems like it would focus HID light a little better while providing an instant-on H1 halogen for brights (could be like a 130W Hella, for instance). Is it really that bad? By the way, in some listings those housings are labeled as not compatible with HIDs for whatever reason. Is that really true?

 

Speaking about any "projector" style rather than OEM.
Yes, the retrofit is much more costly and painstaking (as the example of the Acura's projectors by LaxPlaya21 - which he is selling for $600!) but also with the Ebayed Projector type housings you show as an example.

Brad explains here (where you've also posted) about the Ebay type and his problems or install of such projectors; https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ty-pickup.html

I've even thought of picking up a set of Ebayed Projectors to try. However, I'm contacting someone in this regard to see if I can save on cost. If I can, I'll try them out to see just how well they work... or don't work, and what it takes to make them right (as Brad did). However, I also want to see if they provide more light than OEM (due to the magnification of the projection), and if truly they are worth the hassle and cost. Plus, I like to tinker.

 

I did post, and I didn't get any answers, as I was the last one to post in that thread. It sounds like the only problems he had were due to his owning an older truck and trying to fit the newer style housings in them. I wouldn't consider spacing the bulb to fit the particular housing to be a major problem, personally. I would expect to have to do that with a HID installed into the factory housing, too, unless someone here has already stumbled across a particular H13 HID bulb that happens to have the exact right positioning of the pellets to match my factory '07 housings. I have a pair of DDM 55W 5000k HIDs in H13 that I haven't bothered installing yet because I'm now trying to figure out the best way to go and may end up selling them or giving them away to friends.

The only thing that has me on the fence about whether or not to try those eBay projector/reflector combo housings is the expense involved. They seem priced way too high, like they should be selling them for $99 shipped, max, not $200 or $250.

 

You shouldn't have to "custom fit" any bulb, into any OEM housing socket.
... I just happen to know someone who has H13 and even the older 9007 (Dual HID), that work really well into OEM housings. Which, of course... is not from DDM or off of Ebay. PM me for details, and I'll pass on the info.

And he did have his HIDs fail in the pre-purchased Ebay Projectors, and had to put his own HIDs into the housings. Probably best to buy the Projector Headlights with Halogens, and do your own "retrofit" of those. You can buy the halogen versions for about $180 shipped (Compared to most online stores at $250) ... or at Stat, for cheap in all kinds of styles; http://www.statracing.com/buy/spyder...headlights.asp by "Spyder"

Also, I'm looking into the "projector" style Fog lights, and to do the same... a tinkering retrofit with HID and just how much better they'd be over OEM if at all. Plus it's a much easier place to work with Projectors, the mounts, and no need to do anything with the stock locations (if you want to remain as stock as possible). Seems it might be a cheaper option to light up the road (with HID).

We'll see... it's just another of my ongoing "projects"

 

Hey guys...
I've been really running the "projector" ideas through my head.

WHY?
Well... I guess I got the HID bug (more than ever!), and am waiting for a set of HID "Projector" fog lights for the Excursion. They are direct replacements for the bumper fog lights. We'll see if they have good throw, with good cutoff and just how well they work.

Next...
I'm looking at several options for my own headlights (in either one of my vehicles) to test, and play with. Another FYI, is they DO MAKE auto and manual leveling light systems for vehicles with aftermarket projector HID. Pretty cool, as it's really the only way to go about properly fitting projectors or HID into a vehicle not OEM with them. For the time being, I've researched many options... and will report back here so everyone can learn from my findings.

Like LAXAPLAYA21's work of a projector install, I might try something similar after seeing this; YouTube - (1) How to build HID projector headlights ... I've got to give the kid credit, even though somewhat crude, his end result is more than adequate. Watch all 4 videos, and you'll get some ideas!! I sure did.

... we'll see where this all goes, but for now I have some excellent HIDs in all my vehicles OEM headlights with great results. So, after all said and done, I might end up back at square one. Only time will tell.

EDIT: I also know they make 9007 retrofit projectors for the older style FORD headlights. How this works is, you separate the plastic shield from the backing (like in an oven - as shown by youtube vid) and install a projector into the socket. The projector is aligned via the socket, and you are able to use low and high beam of the projector. Being the projector has that ability (via a control module that comes with the projector). You re-assemble the headlight (re-gluing it back together), and re-install into the vehicle and align. They aren't too bad in cost, but definitely requires some work. And isn't the "plug and play" kit that some are after. But still, very interesting. No need to go buy other vehicles projectors, and find misc. parts for 'shields' or dress rings. Sounds Easy... right?! LoL!

 

Hmmm...I think I would still want a reflector for high beams, though. I know my '07 OEM housings wouldn't support that.

 

I hear ya... and understand your thought.
However, some of those reflector housings aren't well focused. I'd like to see some of the newer ones as posted, to get a better idea. However, my experiences with them in the past was... "not individually adjustable" and "poor output or beam pattern". As you know, Brad mentions his are individually adjustable which is great. But to get the best idea of output... I'd have to see them in person to compare.

The projector low and projector high beam shots are pretty decent!!!!
(if truly, they are representation of a projector - Ebay Ad)

LOW:


HIGH:



In Fact, I just ordered some of these (can't beat the price, even though no bulbs or ballasts). But I can do many things with them... even create an "in bumper" array and use them as fog lights on low beam and connect their high beam... to my OEM high beam control, and have mucho HID light. And still not be blinding. (addicted? Yes... why yes I am! ...you should see my flashlight collection!)

 

Johnny, how does the relay setup controll 4 ballast? The relay setup I tried only plugged into 2 ballast`s. I would be interested in giving this another try. I am already going to install the other kit I bought into some fogs with diff bulbs of course. It would be nice to know if anyone has retrofitted there Lightforce Lights (H1 bulb?)with an aftermarket kit instead of using there`s. Going to PM you johnny.

 

PM returned Lee...

But, the fused/relay harness has two separate "legs" that control the 4 individual ballasts. 2 at each light, for low beam and high beam ballasts.

And there's a few kits being installed this weekend, maybe those guys can speak up about their install and where they mounted their ballasts... and the experience they had with the install, whether it was easy... hard, confusing... etc.etc. And what the outcome was after install, and final alignment.

All of this is pushing me to create install instructions, for a Ford truck. It sure would help answer the questions I commonly hear.

 

Have you retrofitted any lightforce lights yet johnny? Lightforce sells a kit for them but, it is around 100.00 a kit. I just got some 240 Blitz`s and would love to retrofit them with a cheaper kit than they offer. The reason I ask is because I know you deal with offroad lighting also.

 

Just got these today... 2 pair, and oh my... they are nice. Can see that I'll have my hands full with a retrofit, or even creating them as "fogs". I have yet to order the D2S bulbs/ballasts for them but when I begin "the project", I'll be sure to document it well... not matter which way I go.

No sir, not the lightforce units. Not yet anyway. $100 for a retro kit isn't bad if it's "made for the light". I'd be curious to see how they perform post HID!! I know they are huge, so the beam has to be incredibly focused and focusable (I know you said they are adjustable - very cool), as well as have some amazing throw.

 

I talked to the guy in the YouTube video. He said he would do the retrofit for my '05 SD with the Bi xenon and high quality projectors for $700. A bit high for me so I'll stick to my stockers for now. By the way, be careful with those Ebay buys with the projectors already installed cuz I bought a set for a Civic I used to have. They were cheap with plastic projector lenses that threw the light out in streaks on the road. Looked like crap and made it harder to see at night.

 

Here is a Tube link Johnny. YouTube - modified Lightforce 240 XGT HID dirving on a coutry lane I think these are the XGT 240`s which are the same reflector, not sure but should be comparable. They are an awesome light and have different lense options for diff beam patterns. The guy in this video I think had them focused in too much. You can unlock the light and refocus the depth of the bulb. My LF 170`s unlock and they spin to change the focus. pretty cool IMO.

 

I'd be interested to know what the difference is between the 240 Blitz and the 240 XGT. They sell a HID version of the 240 XGT, but I just can't imagine paying over $550 per light... Especially when I go to leave for work the next day and find some kid's taken them off.