retrofit or not?

[DenaliAK]

Thanks Mike. And yeah, I know things are different, which is why I haven't done anything yet. I'm trying to get this project lined up so I only have to do the HID's once. Still trying to find a good aftermarket assembly that I will be able to take apart without cutting.

Got a good deal on the TSX projectors, though. I'm taking it over to the guy who's going to help with the retro and we're going to brain storm a bit tonight.

 

[MikeTheApeman]

I figured you knew about the bulbs changing, but wanted to put that out there for any lurkers or noobs reading this.

I'll have to take a look at my Depo's, cause I swear that the projector in them was just screwed in place. If it is, might be as simple as a plug-and-play type deal with new projectors.

 

[DenaliAK]

The problem with just replacing the projector is that it is bigger (in diameter and depth), so I also need to replace the shrouds (or bezels). Generally for that, you need to get inside the light. I wish I knew how the Depos were sealed. If it's a heat compound like the stock lamps, then you can bake them apart, but if they are glued that doesn't work.

Hey, you wouldn't have your old lights would you? We decided the best way to do this would be for me to buy some stock denali lights (preferrably from someone who took them off to replace them with aftermarket lights so they are in good condition). Then we'll retrofit those, which would be relatively easy to do because we can get them apart. I can't use mine because the outside lenses are all screwed up, so I need some that are in decent shape. I'll probably post a "want to buy" on here and see if I can scare a set up.

 

[Eagle]

I don't know how Yukon depos are built but EVERY other Depo I've ever seen can be opened by baking them.

 

[DenaliAK]

That's good to know. They've got some good looking lights, too. Could save me a lot of trouble right there.

 

[MikeTheApeman]

I have my old lights, but I don't think tahoe lights will help you here. And as far as projectors, those Valeo's on RS are pretty comparable in size to the projectors in my Depo's. Looking at the eyeball side by side with the ones in my Jeep, I'd say they're almost spot on. I'll have to see if I can get a picture with something for reference of each when the weather clears up.

 

[DenaliAK]

Yeah, actually I hadn't thought that through. Tahoe lights won't work. I need the Denali specific style. However, if the Depos can be baked apart, I'll probably go that route. I need to somehow confirm that, though, before I go buying some. And right now for some reason I'm having a hard time finding Depo Denali lights that I like.

I put a WTB in the classifieds for used stock Denali lights. We'll see what comes up.

 

[DenaliAK]

And of course now I can't find any clear or chrome depo lights....

 

[jgiguere17]

I do this on the side for fun. My last car, a Acura CL, I had OVER a G in the front headlight alone. Dual projectors, S2000 and TSX, with halos, with LEDS for turn signals.

Please check out here www.hidplanet.com/forum . This is where I go to find any and all info for retros.

I am in the works of designing my Yukon right now with a Bi Xenon but I am unsure of what to use yet. I have a garage FULL of headlights that I just picjed up and a weird set from the new lexus IS series that use a D4S bulb.

If you have any q's email me. jgiguere17 @ comcast . net

The best setup I think for the yukon since the headlight reflector is pretty large I would go with like a TL with a modded shield or RX330 with a modded shield

the RX330 projectors are probably the BEST out there for output. me and another memeber on HIDPLANET found out this and they are damn good. and best of all they are completely sealed up. So when they turn on you dont lose any light, it is a more solid beam. Just food for thought, I would go with a completely sealed projector, like the RX330 or S2000, the RX330 you need to make sure it is AFS, this is the Lexus mechanism for the projectors turning when you turn. Hard to get it work on another car but it is possible.

---------- Post added at 09:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:56 PM ----------

a G just for retrofit?? nah thats why in doing this myself. i found a pair of audi headlights with built in stock hid for a good price. i had a 2001 a4 turbo and they were pretty good.

one of the easiest way to retrofit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nAPjYTnIQw

I know that dude, he does some good work. I will find some pics of people that have done retros and website to provide you all info.

I am hoping to have my retro done soon.

---------- Post added at 10:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:58 PM ----------

also for any retro........PLEASE PURCHASE A HARNESS!

you will save yourself and protect your car in the long run from blowing fuses and possibly a fire, which is possible since our cars are not meant to run such high amps from the HID's

a harness is only maybe 50 bucks but you will save it in the long run.

---------- Post added at 10:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:01 PM ----------

I've got a guy locally who has done several and is willing to help me for relatively cheap. I need to supply the parts, though. I'm buying TSX projectors from him, but I need everything else. Any ideas on a headlight assembly that we can bake apart? Can't use my stockers, because the lenses are chipped out and epoxied up, so I have to find new assemblies that he can take apart relatively easily to work with. Any ideas, let me know.

Most aftermarket assemblies are glued together and you can't bake them apart is the problem. I don't want to buy OEM GM assemblies, because I'd like to update the look a bit and they are too expensive.

Mike...thanks for the link. It didn't work, but I found http://store.theretrofitsource.com/index.php and they have most of the rest of what I'll need, so I'll probably get it from them. (shrouds, HID's, ballasts)

I think this guy's name is Matt, and I am almost positive that the projectors are duplicates/replicas of the actual thing, same with the ballasts. Be careful what you buy. I would always buy OEM used items before replicas/remakes.

JUST FYI

 

[rigo_jones]

cool i got some D2S valeo projectors local fro $15 a piece