Lightforce HID conversion (w/ Pics)

[slosurfer]

I really like my Lightforce 170's and may have gotten myself addicted to having some good light. They are great for night runs out at Oceano Dunes. I may be adding more lights and that got me thinking about my electrical system and if it could handle 400watts plus. I eventually plan on a dual battery setup, but with a 3 yr. old son and a daughter due any day now, I don't think I have the time or energy to figure out how to slam another battery into the crammed 3.0 engine bay anytime soon. Right now with 2 lights, I am at 200watts, while with 4 35watt HID's I would be at 140watts. BruceTS's recent thread about his HID upgrade into his Hella 4000's got me thinking and I started researching HID upgrades for the Lightforce's.

There are a couple kits out there for upgrading the lightforce lights to HID, but they are somewhat pricey although still really cheap compared to buying Lightforce HID lights. There are also a few fitment kits, that allow you to fit a H3 HID kit into the lights, as there are no HID kits that have bulbs that are a direct plug-n-play for the Lightforce family of lights. Some work is needed to make a H3 bulb fit into the base, not to mention drilling the hole in the back for the wires.

At this point I have ordered a HID kit off ebay, and should have it soon and can get started on this project. I ordered a H3 5000k kit from ebay seller: Autoluminate (http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/autoluminate/) which I believe is the same seller Bruce bought from.

I started this thread before I actually started the conversion, so that I could receive feedback and tips, and to also condense all the info that I have found to make it easier for those who may want to try this also. The HID kit should be getting here any day and I hope to start on it right away, so stay tuned.

Here is what I have so far:

HID upgrade kits (these have everything you need to do the conversion):

Off-roadlights.com kit (http://www.off-roadlights.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16179&cat=0&page=1) $490

Extremelimitsoffroad kit (http://www.extremelimitsoffroad.com.au/prod397.htm) $570.25 AU

HID fitment kits (these have pieces that allow you to fit a certain size HID kit, these do not include the actual HID kit):

Oztion seller (http://www.oztion.com.au/buy/auctions.aspx?type5=on4lighting) This Oztion (Aussie for auction, similar to ebay) sells modified 170 heatsinks that allow you to use a H3 HID kit. $100 AU

Another fitment kit (http://www.angelfire.com/on4/bushy5551/index.html) This is another fitment kit that replaces your heatsink. $15 a pair AU Little simple things and lots of great info on the site. He also shows you the difference between the earlier models and the later models. The later models with the big aluminum heatsink can be modified to fit a H3Bulb, you can send them to him and have them done for $20 AU. I emailed him to find out how much it would be for him to send me a pair of his pieces to the states, but haven't heard from him.

Another fitment kit (http://members.westnet.com.au/copytec/page4.html) Looks to be that you can buy modified heatsinks that will allow H3 bulbs

Places on the internet that have useful info concerning the swap:

BruceTS's conversion of his Hellas (http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=2678.msg33207)-Not the same light but good info on the rest of the install.

Offroaders.com install (http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/project-cj7/project-cj7-HID-Lightforce.htm)- A step by step install into Lightforce 170's useing the off-roadlights.com conversion kit. Good pics and info, and should help to make sure mine is looking the way it should be.

Lightforce 140 HID conversion (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-110914.html) -Thread at candlepowerforums.com- User bushy555 is the maker of the above fitment pieces

Lightforce SL240 HID conversion (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=43203)- Thread at candlepowerforums.com- good info, even though the conversion was done on a hand held 240spotlight. Also, some amazing pics.

Detailed Instructions (http://members.westnet.com.au/copytec/page2.html) - Detailed instructions on how to do the conversion if you were to buy a already modified heatsink.

Photos (http://members.westnet.com.au/copytec/page3.html) - Photos from the above conversion

Contacts (http://members.westnet.com.au/copytec/page4.html) - Contact for the above conversion pieces

Instructions for older style (http://www.angelfire.com/on4/bushy5551/LF240convert.html) -Bushy555 instructions on how to use his fitment piece on the older style heatsinks. He also has a downloadable set if instructions that shows both the new and old heatsinks together and the instructions.

That is what I have at the moment. You will notice that many of these are for the 240's but they all share the same base (except for the XGT's which is a completely different animal). I welcome any and all comments, tips, etc... and if you have found any other info out there, please share. I don't have anything to show right now as I have not received my HIDs at this time, but once I do, I plan on starting right away and takeing many pics.
Happy reading! :D

Edit: Pics start on the 2nd page.

Edit: Writeup is up on the second page.

[neliconcept]

whoa HIDs in probablly the best housing available too.

This should be awesome setup for you Chris!

I plan to get some IPFs, the reason being they are good fit and i cant afford the 170s right now.

ill stay tuned

[oly884]

I've got the 240's from offroadlights.com with the HID kit. All I can say is that they are unreal bright. I love 'em and would definitely suggest anyone getting them if it's in their budget.

[slosurfer]

I just heard back from this guy. He is all out of adapters but should hopefully have them in a few weeks. He quoted me for three adapters shipped to me as about $45.00 US. He let me know that if I had the newer model (somewhere after 2003) with the aluminum heatsink, that all I had to do was drill and tap for the bulb to fit, and maybe clearance the hole a little with a dremel. He even sent me a couple pics. :D He is going to let me know when he gets his pieces in. I really like to know that there is a backup plan just in case I FUBAR my heatsinks. I'm still waiting on my HID's so no progress yet.




HID fitment kits (these have pieces that allow you to fit a certain size HID kit, these do not include the actual HID kit):

Another fitment kit (http://www.angelfire.com/on4/bushy5551/index.html) This is another fitment kit that replaces your heatsink. $15 a pair AU Little simple things and lots of great info on the site. He also shows you the difference between the earlier models and the later models. The later models with the big aluminum heatsink can be modified to fit a H3Bulb, you can send them to him and have them done for $20 AU. I emailed him to find out how much it would be for him to send me a pair of his pieces to the states, but haven't heard from him.


Oly, that is good to know. I would love it if you could post some night pics. :D How do you change the bulbs with that kit, as it states that you cannot field change the bulbs?

[slosurfer]

Just and update: Today I am trying to contact the seller to find out why my lights aren't here. On the 27th, I received the tracking number, but as of today, it still is showing that they haven't been shipped only that the label is made. :shake: Hopefully I'll find something out soon and can get this project going.

[BruceTS]

Same thing happend with me, got the tracking number, but it took a bit longer than expected before it arrived, Ironically it showed up the same day I set him an e-mail, but the online tracking system still didn't show a change......

[slosurfer]

That's good to know, it would be great if it showed up today. :D

[slosurfer]

I finally got them in today. Mine are from a company called Xentec, not sure where they are made yet, but I did find them on amazon.com. Same as my kit (http://www.amazon.com/XenTec-conversion-5000K-Single-Xenon/dp/B000OKM6DK/ref=sr_1_48?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1200357340&sr=1-48)

No pics yet of my kit but it is exactly what amazon has in the link above. If I don't get these done during the week I should get them done this weekend. Stay tuned:

[oly884]

prepare to enjoy them!

[Whelan]

Hey All,

Though I may not own a truck, I have an 05 Matrix XR AWD. I just ordered the same set as named above 9006 6000k from Autoluminate on Ebay for $80. I have read all over mixed reviews everywhere, but it seems for most people they work pretty well with a few defects here and there for people. But I put most of that on their installs. It seems some people add a relay to draw power for startup from the battery, and others simply add a 5amp or 10amp higher fuse to the board.

Anyone here try one of these? Also looking for this guys feedback once he gets them installed. Thanks!

[slosurfer]

I too have read the mixed reviews and hopefully my install will go smoothly. If I was going to do the conversion on my headlights, I would not go with an ebay deal, but would go with a reputable company. I am not sure if I would trust these to be reliable enough to be my everyday lights, it would suck to be stranded with no headlights and then on top of that, not having good customer service to get them fixed.

I am going to start retrofitting tomorrow and hopefully have it done by Sunday evening. We'll see if that is possible with these kids.

[slosurfer]

Well I am part way through retrofitting one of the housings and I have had to take a break to watch the kids. It is definately not for the faint of heart to be tearing into such expensive lights. I am trying to take lots of pics and lots of notes so that there can be some kind of write-up. This first one is going really slow, but I am sure that the second one will go much faster.

[slosurfer]

I am pretty much finished with retrofitting my lights over to the H3 HID bulb. The only thing left to do as far as my housings are concerned, is to figure out a way to seal the rear hole. I need to take a trip to the depot to see what kind of grommets I can come up with as the ones that came with my kit are way too big. So right now there is just a open hole with the wires passing through. As I imagined, I was able to retrofit the second one in about 30 mins. Here's a teaser shot of the HID bulb installed, I'll have plenty of pics and step by step instructions once I get these sealed up.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6797.jpg

Also, it started raining, so I didn't get around to actually installing the ballasts and all that on the 4runner. I'll save that for after I get the lights actually sealed up. I'm getting really anxious now.

[calrockx]

this is prety cool, i'm watching this.
i've got some 240s that i wouldn't mind converting to HID.

[slosurfer]

This rain is killing me! We have got 4.5" in the past couple of days. Anyways, I wanted to test the lights before I sealed up the housings, just in case something didn't work and I needed to send something back. Because of the rain, I had to wait till we got a break in the rain. It was almost dark by that time, so I just hooked everything up but I did not mount the ballasts or any of that.

They work! I don't know how well yet as I was pulled up to the front of the garage and I just ran them for the suggested burn in time of 10 mins. I pulled everything off and sealed up the housings. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have time to mount the ballasts and get some good comparison pics.

Here's a teaser pic (the lights aren't mounted so they are aimed really funny)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6839.jpg

[slosurfer]

I everything mounted last night, finally (I will need to redo where my ballasts are located once we get good weather). They are bright, it is really hard to tell how much brighter. I tried to get pics last night but they weren't turning out good because of the rain and my camera battery died. :(

One reason that I am having a hard time comparing them to the original lights is, I took pics with the originals with them all the way at the tightest spotlight I could get them. With these all the way tight, the spot isn't as tight which makes it hard to get good comparison pics. I have some ideas to fine tune them to see about getting a nice tight spotlight. I'll get the whole writeup with step by step pics done, once I see if I can fine tune this light.

That being said, I can definately tell that they throw out more light. I threw on my clear combo lenses for a little bit last night and WOW it turns everything in front and to the sides into daylight. Makes me want to see what some 240 HID's would look like.

Other observations:
1. My headlights look terrible now, so dim and YELLOW! I'm definately due for new ones, my low beams are retardly dim.

2. At times, I get a little to a lot of feedback through the radio when they are on.

3. I can tell a difference (sounds different) in how much the alternator is working at idle when these are on compared to having the two 100 watt bulbs.

Edit: Here are the pics of the conversion so far without a writeup Photo Album (http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/)

Edit: Writeup is now also on page 2.

[Erich_870]

VERY cool Chris!

So you say you can hear a difference in your alternator, huh? It's not working as hard, or harder?

Erich

[slosurfer]

VERY cool Chris!

So you say you can hear a difference in your alternator, huh? It's not working as hard, or harder?

Erich


It's not working as hard. It is just something I noticed when I have it idleing and the lights are and I'm standing outside adjusting the lights. Basically if it was idleing and I switched the original lights on, I could hear a difference, now when I switch the lights on, everything sounds the same. Hopefully that makes sense.

[Erich_870]

It's not working as hard. It is just something I noticed when I have it idleing and the lights are and I'm standing outside adjusting the lights. Basically if it was idleing and I switched the original lights on, I could hear a difference, now when I switch the lights on, everything sounds the same. Hopefully that makes sense.


That's what I figured. Gotta love HID's... More light, less power :king:

Erich

[slosurfer]

A couple daylight comparison shots:

Left- Original 100watt halogen at full spot Right- 35watt HID at full spot
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6851.jpg

Notice that the spot on the HID doesn't get as tight, that is something I may be able to fine tune.

Here you can see the difference in color (note: the camera is held up more in the halogen beam)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6852.jpg

Hopefully tonight it isn't pouring rain too bad and I can get some better shots.

[slosurfer]

Finally I was able to get some pics tonight. There are a bunch so that you can have some comparison with my stock lights.

This wall was about 40 ft. away, and the camera was on the same setting and shot through the windshield. The last comparison shot was taken from outside the vehicle due to the hood being up to hook up the other 170.

Low Beams:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6857.jpg

High Beams:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6858.jpg

170 HID's Spot: (I have adjusted these away from each other since I took these pics)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6860.jpg

High Beams and 170's:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6859.jpg

170's with "clear combo" filters:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6861.jpg

170 35watt HID on left vs. 170 100watt halogen on right:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6863.jpg

[slosurfer]

Here are some comparison shots, same camera setting taken through the windshield, and I tried to replicate my recent shots with those taken about a month ago.

Two 170's spot with 100watt halogens:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/IMG_6516.jpg
Two 170's spot with 35watt HIDs:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6869.jpg

Two 170's with "yellow combo" filters and 100watt halogens:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/IMG_6515.jpg
Two 170's with "yellow combo" filters and 35watt HIDs:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6871.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

im sold!

[slosurfer]

Same spot as above but these are ones that I don't have "before" shots for. These pics are just because: :D

Clear combo filters:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6872.jpg

High beams and combo filters:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6874.jpg

Spots 50yds away:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6876.jpg

Spots 100yds away:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6878.jpg

[slosurfer]

Here's the writeup, I tried to make it a wiki but I couldn't figure it out and lost it. :flipoff: I'll try it again later. Let me know what you think. :D

Overview:

I really like my Lightforce 170's, they work very well as many of you know. I have been thinking of adding more lights, but I was worried about the added strain on my charging system. I started looking at HID's after seeing BruceTS's writeup on adding them to his Hella 4000's. I started researching and found that it was not going to be a "plug and play" event to add them to my 170's, but there seemed to be enough info that I was willing to take a shot at it. The idea of more light while asking less of my charging system was too much for me to pass up. This writeup will cover what is needed to retrofit the lights, not the actual installation of the rest of the HID conversion kit.

I should also say that this writeup should also work for the 240 Blitz lights as they use the same housing.

Required Materials:

Parts:

* Lightforce 170 Strikers or 240 Blitz
* 35watt H3 HID conversion kit
* 4 #8 screws (32 thread count) 3/8" long
* 4 #8 lock washers

Tools/Supplies:

* Nitrile Gloves (or something similar)
* Dremel and bit for removing aluminum material
* Cordless Drill
* 1/8" drill bit
* #8 32NC Drill and Tap set
* Rivet Gun and rivets
* 3/4" grommet with membrane (or other means to seal the rear of the housings)
* Lubricant for drill and tap and dremel bit
* Wire cutters
* Screwdrivers (for prying rivets and depending on what #8 screws you have)
* Vice press (optional but very useful for holding the heatsink while you work on it)
* 3/4" hole saw
* Optional- some kind of sealer to seal up the rear of the housing. I used Lexel and a caulking gun

Obligatory Disclaimer:

I am providing this write up for illustrative purposes only. Perform at your own risk. Any mods (including this one) you perform on your lights is your responsibility. These lights are not cheap, so take that into consideration. You’ve been warned.

Procedure: *Do not touch the HID bulb during this process!*

Step 1. Remove filter, lense, and bulb.

Remove filter and lense by turning the lense counterclockwise till it comes off the housing, being careful to not break the bulb when it comes off the housing.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6786.jpg

Remove bulb by grasping the base of the bulb and pulling straight out.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6788.jpg

Step 2: Remove heatsink from housing.

Using wire cutters clip the connectors off the wires coming out the rear of the housing so that they can be pulled through when you pull the heatsink out.
Using the 1/8" drill bit, drill out the rivet on the side of the housing that holds the aluminum heatsink. Once the rivet is out, remove the heatsink from the housing.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6789.jpg

Step 3: Remove the bulb housing from the heatsink.

Drill out the two rivets that hold the bulb housing in the heatsink and remove the bulb housing from the heatsink.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6790.jpg

Step 4: Mark heatsink to fit H3 bulb

Place heatsink back into housing, making sure to line the rivet hole up with the hole in the housing. Now mark the center line top and bottom on the front of the heatsink.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6793.jpg

Measure the rear of the H3 bulb assembly to see how much material you will have to remove from the heatsink for the bulb to be placed from the front of the heatsink. Now mark where you will have to remove material on the heatsink (remember, it is safer to be on the small side so that you do not remove too much material)

See the pic below in the "drill and tap" step to see what material I removed.

Step 5: Clearance heatsink to fit H3 bulb assembly.

Using the dremel remove material from the heatsink, till you are able to get the bulb assembly flat against the heatsink. Mine only needed a little off the middle top and then a little more on the bottom middle.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6794.jpg

Step 6: Drill and tap holes for the set screws.

Once the bulb assembly is flat against the heatsink, mark where the two screws will go that will hold it to the heatsink. Make sure it is not too close to either of the edges, so you don't drill through a side.

Drill and tap the two holes.


http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6796.jpg

Step 7: Drill hole in rear of housing.

Use 3/4" hole saw to drill a hole in the center of the rear of the housing.

Note: I used the 1" grommets that came with the HID kit so I drilled a 1" hole. Unfortunately, the inside of the housing is 1" in diameter so the grommet doesn't fit exactly right. This is why I suggest finding a 3/4" grommet.

Step 8: Reinstall heatsink in housing

Do not do this step with the bulb in the housing.

Place heatsink back into housing and line up the rivet holes.

Use the rivet gun to rivet the housing and heatsink together.

Step 9: Install Bulb

Feed the wires and connectors through the front of the heatsink and back out the rear of the housing.

Fit the bulb housing flat against the housing and use the screws to hold it in place. Remember that this is aluminum, so do not overtighten.

Make sure the grommet is in place in the rear of the housing, sealing it from water.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6797.jpg

Step 10: Install lense and filter

Install the lense and filter by screwing it clockwise onto the housing, being careful to not damage the bulb.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6838.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6835.jpg

Step 11: Hook up HID conversion kit and enjoy.

I suggest hooking everything up and testing to make sure everything works prior to actually permanently installing the ballasts, etc.... that way if something doesn't work, it is easier to figure out what is going on.

Step 12: Optional: Use Lexel to seal up the rear of the housing.

After making sure everything was working, I sealed up my grommets with Lexel and a caulking gun. Mainly because my grommets were not fitting correctly since the inside diameter of the housing was also 1".

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6845.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6860.jpg

Feel free to private message or email me with any comments, questions, or concerns.

[Seanz0rz]

ill deff be doing a HID swap to some cheapter halogen lights at some time.

[BruceTS]

ill deff be doing a HID swap to some cheapter halogen lights at some time.


From my post at TTORA, it seems they are getting good results with the Hella 500's, quite a simple conversion using the H3 kit and drilling a 1" hole. Very similar to how I did the 4000's.

[slosurfer]

ill deff be doing a HID swap to some cheapter halogen lights at some time.


From my post at TTORA, it seems they are getting good results with the Hella 500's, quite a simple conversion using the H3 kit and drilling a 1" hole. Very similar to how I did the 4000's.


Yes the other lights are definately easier to do the swap on. I would like to see more after pics over on the ttora thread for the 500's.

Anyone want to give me a set of 240XGT's to see if I could retrofit them. :D J/K I think it would basically be the same thing as far as modifying the heatsink and drilling a hole in the back.

[BruceTS]

I would like to see more after pics over on the ttora thread for the 500's.



this first pic is of my car port no lights:

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/cobra693/Picture070.jpg

these next to pics are of hte Hella 500's with the white/black shields on just to show you how bright these things are and how much ambient light they throw off with the covers on.

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/cobra693/Picture066.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/cobra693/Picture067.jpg


the next one is the street lights without the 500's on

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/cobra693/Picture069-1.jpg

and with them on of course I still have to adjust the beams right now they are set to about four house's away

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/cobra693/Picture068.jpg

[slosurfer]

Bruce, thanks I must have missed that one when I was looking through there the other day. :flipoff:

[slosurfer]

some pics from outside:


Combo filters:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6921.jpg

Clear filters adjusted to spots:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6922.jpg

Clear filters adjusted to floods:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_6924.jpg

[slosurfer]

Check this out: 225watt HID in lightforce 240 Blitz (http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/f7/135-watt-hid-lightforce-blitz-got-bored-other-day-48000/)

I can't wait to see pics of it turned on.

[RobG]

Wow, that looks a little over the top.

Thanks for the great writeup, I hope to start the conversion on mine in a few weeks and this will make it much easier. Great Job!

[3rdCoastRunner]

Great stuff Slosurfer! I think I might have to try my hand at this... Now I need to find some Hella 700's for cheap

[slosurfer]

Wow, that looks a little over the top.

Thanks for the great writeup, I hope to start the conversion on mine in a few weeks and this will make it much easier. Great Job!



No problem, post up your results when you get them done.



Great stuff Slosurfer! I think I might have to try my hand at this... Now I need to find some Hella 700's for cheap


Nice! You'll find that those are probably even easier to convert.

[slosurfer]

I've got my hands on a 240 lens so I will get some pics soon of the 240 with 100watt halogen and 35watt HID. I threw the 240 lens on one of my 170 hid arms today and just turned it on against the garage and I can't wait to see it in the dark.

[RobG]

[quote=slosurfer ]
I've got my hands on a 240 lens so I will get some pics soon of the 240 with 100watt halogen and 35watt HID. I threw the 240 lens on one of my 170 hid arms today and just turned it on against the garage and I can't wait to see it in the dark.
That would be great to see.

I spent some time looking at the links in your first post one of the early guys from the lighting forums used a 50watt capable HID power supply. I've been looking for a reasonably priced 50Watt H3's but they are much harder to find than the 35 watters. Any thoughts on the 35 vs 50 watt performance?

[slosurfer]

I have found some 55watt/50watt kits online for a little under $200 shipped. I am still unclear as to whether it is the same bulb and just the ballast that is different. It is my understanding that there is only one Philips bulb that is specifically a 50watt bulb. I'm still a little iffy on this but plan on learning more as the 50watt is what I want to do next.

I have heard that running the 50watts in the 140's will eventually ruin the reflector, but I haven't heard about the 170's (maybe they are big enough to handle it but I'm not sure), the 240's will definately handle a 50watt HID.

As for performance, I think the 50 watts would be worth it but not sure about the life of a 170's reflector. I may end up just buying one 50watt ballast and experiment with what I already have. My plan is to run a 50watt HID 240 as a center spot and keep my 170 35watt HID as combo fillers, should give me plenty of light. :D

[RobG]

I've got the 240's so I think that I will look into the 50 watt package a little more. The guy on the lighting forum had a switch that wend from 35-50 watts, I think that would be a great way to do it.

I would think that if the 170 can run a 100 watt Halogen it should have no problem with 50 watt HID. I thought the HID's ran much cooler but I really don't know much if anything about them.

The 3 light idea sounds cool.

[slosurfer]

I've got the 240's so I think that I will look into the 50 watt package a little more. The guy on the lighting forum had a switch that wend from 35-50 watts, I think that would be a great way to do it.



Yes, I saw that! I bet those kind of ballasts are expensive though. :( Ithink he had a bunch of problems with those ballasts, I don't remember if he solved that or not.

[cooldry]

Check out this mod from a Lightforce 240 handheld 100W Halogen to HID.

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=43203

[RobG]

So now there seems to be a bunch of 50W HID's on ebay. Thinking of these http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/12V-50W-H3-6000k-XENON-HID-CONVERSION-KIT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ36476QQihZ001QQitem Z110224906219QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Seems to be only 6000K, no 5000K but I will ask.

Looking forward to you 240 comparison pictures.

[slosurfer]

That's a much better price than when I was looking at ebay last week. There were only a couple and they were much more than that, looks like the prices are on their way down. :clap:

[slosurfer]

I screwed the 240 lens on last night and went to take pictures, but found out my camera battery was dead. :spank: (I need a new battery, it just isn't holding a charge very long any more :() I did take a pic of the 170 mounted next to the 240. Definately a look that only a mother could love. :D

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_7027.jpg

I'll try to take shots tonight if the storm isn't too bad, but it is basically like the 170 only a bigger beam.

If anyone's bored today while I'm at work, you can photoshop the 240 to the center with a 170 on each side, as that is what I plan on running at the moment. :hillbill:

[iceman601]

Looks pretty darn sweet :hillbill:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f154/babyangel47/4x4%20Pron/lightforce1.jpg

[slosurfer]

iceman, you rock! :thumbup: I guess I know what my weekend project is going to be now. :D They will be a little crowded in there, but the lightbar is only temporary till I make a bumper. Thanks iceman!

[iceman601]

Hahah....No problem. It does looks like its going to be a pretty tight fit....I didn't even resized anything when I photochoped it.

[slosurfer]

Hahah....No problem. It does looks like its going to be a pretty tight fit....I didn't even resized anything when I photochoped it.


It is very tight! I have just enough room to remove the filters and if I want to remove the reflector, I have to loosen the mounts and swivel it back so I can get them off. It looks like the bar may block some of the light but if it is it isn't noticeable.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_7032.jpg

I had to get tricky with some offset mounting

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_7034.jpg

I'll get some pics up later comparing to 170HId's to the 240Halogen.

[slosurfer]

I did not get the chance to put the 240lens on one of the HID arms. I just finished making a mount to fit all three lights on my lightbar and there is no room to remove the lens. So I'll have to wait till I remove my homemade mount to paint it, but here you can see how the HID 170's stack up against a stock 240.

High beams so you have something to gauge it by:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_7042.jpg

35watt HID 170's vs. stock 240 all on "spot"
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_7035.jpg

35watt HID 170's w/ combo filters vs. stock 240
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_7040.jpg

Difference in color between HID and Halogen
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_7038.jpg

[slosurfer]

After this next test, I got pulled over by the Police, he was on another road across the creek and was being blinded. He just wanted to see what was going on and he was glad that I was adjusting my lights down at the beach and not on the street. (I measured the distance on google earth and he was over a quarter mile away and being blinded) He said if I couldn't see with these lights then I shouldn't be driving :D. I also found out that there is a warrant for someone with my name but a different birthdate, I've got to call DMV to make sure no one is into my stuff and check my credit report. :tapedshut:

170 HID's spot vs. stock 240 spot
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_7044.jpg

170 HID's combo filters and stock 240 spot (this is how I will mainly be running them)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/HID%20conversion/IMG_7047.jpg

[RobG]

Cool, The center spot (in HID) with the 2 combo filters looks like a winner. :thumbup: And they look good on the truck too. They don't seem to offer the combo filters in the 240 size.

Can't believe how much brighter those HIDs are and how Dinghy the Halogen looks compared to the HIDs.

I went to order the 50 watt kit the other day but the auction had expired and that seller (the only US based one?) didn't have any more listed. :( Hopefully they will reappear.

Very thorough job on the mod and the testing. :thumbup: Thank you!

[slosurfer]

Cool, The center spot (in HID) with the 2 combo filters looks like a winner. :thumbup: And they look good on the truck too. They don't seem to offer the combo filters in the 240 size.

Can't believe how much brighter those HIDs are and how Dinghy the Halogen looks compared to the HIDs.

I went to order the 50 watt kit the other day but the auction had expired and that seller (the only US based one?) didn't have any more listed. :( Hopefully they will reappear.

Very thorough job on the mod and the testing. :thumbup: Thank you!


Definately need to HID the center spot now. I think that seller is one of the only ones that actually only sells what he has in stock, in fact his listings list how many he has available, so I bet he just doesn't have them in stock right now (the other ones will sell whatever, that is why you will see in the feedback that some get them in 2 days and then all of a sudden it takes 4 weeks for the next person).

Thanks for the feedback, really the aussies have been doing this for awhile so I'm not really doing anything new, other than making it known over here. Plus it keeps me from getting bored and is kind of addicting. :hillbill: Thanks to Lance for his 170 pieces, that is how I was able to get the 240 to work since I got it cheap with a busted mount. So the 240 is actually on a 170 arm/mount. I plan on eventually fixing the broken mount I have and putting the extra 170lens on that as my backup/dust light, either that or make some kind of "cop mounted" spotlight.

[slosurfer]

Well it looks like I one of my ballasts quit working. I crosstested all the wiring, bulbs, ballasts, and it is definately the one ballast that isn't working. It will be interesting to see how it goes with dealing with ebay seller autoluminate. Didn't even last 2 months :shake:. Looks like I should have gone with xenondepot. :spank:

I ran them for about an hour in a snowstorm and everything was fine. I shut them down not long after this pic and then later that night I went to turn them on so I could aim them better and the passenger side wasn't working. :( It shouldn't have anything to do with the snow, as the ballast has gotten much wetter driving in the rain and stream crossings.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/Aliso%20Camp%20CC%20Expo%20March%2008/IMG_7194.jpg

[97kurt]

Any update on your busted ballast?

I had an idea that if you cant get yours replaced that you might want to look around for an OEM denso or hella unit and just wire it up to the ebay bulbs.

[slosurfer]

I did hear back from the guy and so far it seems like it is going to be easy to replace. I should be sending it out today. I'll let everyone know how it goes. It is definately the ballast as I have crosstested everything and it is only that one ballast that fails.

Good idea about the ballast, I haven't looked real hard for them but sometimes a single ballast appears to cost almost as much the whole kits. Have you found a source for ballasts?

[slosurfer]

Update: I got a new ballast from the ebay seller and installed it and it seems to be working fine now (haven't had much time to use them). I still need to send the busted ballast to the seller as I chose the express warranty option and spent $16 (refunded when he receives my busted ballast) to get a new ballast shipped out to me right away. I paid on a Sat. and received the new ballast on Wed., so no complaints so far about using my warranty.

Now, to get a 50watt kit for my LF240!

[slosurfer]

Well, I was thinking my next project was going to involve some high power leds, but I ended up picking these up. So.... the next project looks like it will involve a couple 55W HID kits. :)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/4runner/Lights/BdHobhwmkKGrHqUH-CkEqvLmuN-BK3fRjwr.jpg

They are three LF 140's that were in an accident. Two are just the body/mounts and one has the reflector/spot filter. Plan will be to get two 55w HID kits and retro these three and the center 240 that is on the 4runner already. And I'll be looking at putting 240 reflectors on these. :) Not sure where they will get mounted yet. :laugh:


Anyone have some 240 reflectors laying around that they want to get rid of? :hillbill: