Retro really worth it??

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

jackedupZ71

Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2012
Posts
72
Reaction score
11
I've been searching all of the hid/retro threads and am wondering is a retro really worth it? i put 5k hids in the lows and fogs and needless to say i am unimpressed with them in the denali. i know it's not "right" to put them in stock housings, which is why i am thinking of the retro. I guess my main concern is, is the price of a retro really worth doing?
 

Modded

That Guy
Joined
May 3, 2009
Posts
6,942
Reaction score
107
That is a very subjunctive question and members of varying walks of life and taste differ in their opinion on that matter.
To me, I would rather have stock halogens than pay $800 or more for a retrofit kit.
For what it is worth, I would be more willing to pay for the retrofit if I had just got the car, than if I have had it for years. This is because uninstalling it for resale will not net one anywhere close to what they paid for it.
 
OP
OP
jackedupZ71

jackedupZ71

Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2012
Posts
72
Reaction score
11
I understand everyone has their own opinions on it and for the most part i don't like the retro's, but after seeing some that left it as stock as possible, it looks good. I also understand what you are sayin about taking them on and off when you resale, but I just got this for the wifey 2 weeks ago so not sure on what to do. Damn looking cool costs a lot of money haha
 

NathanJax

Vacation Nathan
Staff member
Administrator
Supporting Member
Joined
May 9, 2009
Posts
49,130
Reaction score
943,577,147
Location
Jax, Fl
I think they're worth it. I can see much better, the light shines further. Retro's are expensive depending on where you get them and parts used. BlackFlameCustoms uses about $600 worth of parts and has about $400 in labor. So reselling those you can look to get $700-$900. Mine were custom and just parts for mine were $950, then labor. So I would expect to get about $1,000+ for mine.

Now, obviously if you don't have $1,000 to spend, I wouldn't get them, but I'd rather keep my OEM housing with halogen bulbs before just doing a PnP HID kit.

Here's mine: http://tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43733

3.jpg
 

blkonblk

Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2011
Posts
985
Reaction score
76
Location
NYC
Definitely worth it and you will get 100% better lightning. If you go with some of the better projectors you will not regret it, and it will look like it came that way from the GM
 

OHSIXX

Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2011
Posts
3,764
Reaction score
226
Location
Milwaukee
Yes they are worth it. Compare what other mods will cost you plus the added safety factor you get from better lighting......mine looks factory and can be re-sold since I bought a second set of headlights. It comes down to personal preference and what you feel comfortable spending your $$$$ on.....

Can your lights do this? :D

picture.php
 
OP
OP
jackedupZ71

jackedupZ71

Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2012
Posts
72
Reaction score
11
both of those pics look great! I'm all for mods, as long as I can retain a "factory" look. The build threads i've looked over seem like parts are the most expensive, but from the output pictures it looks as if they do the job. I'll have to do some thinking as to which mods need to be prority
 

vt_hokie2008

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2012
Posts
393
Reaction score
9
Location
VA
Something to consider: VA passed a law that if a vehicle didn't come with HIDs from the factory, it's not going to pass inspection (if you take it somewhere that sticks to the book). So you may do your retro only to have your vehicle fail inspection regardless. Check with your state first.
 

yates ™

Resident Apple hater
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2010
Posts
24,409
Reaction score
6,420
Location
Iowa
Thank goodness for inspectionless Iowa :headbang:
 
OP
OP
jackedupZ71

jackedupZ71

Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2012
Posts
72
Reaction score
11
if hoop-d's n ricers can run around here with 10k-12k hids n pass inspection then i wouldn't see a problem with doing it right even if not factory. thanks for the heads up though
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,039
Posts
1,861,389
Members
96,488
Latest member
dabsnabbs
Top