Views on HIDs.
05 January 2011, 07:34 AM
#92
Thanks for sharing that with us Mark.
So where did the other 6% go Jeff?
I have not seen any E marked aftermarket HID sets and the fact that cars do pass MOTs with aftermarket HIDs fitted doesn't mean to say they will continue to do so in the future. As far as I am concerned if the light from single filament HIDs is better than standard I am prepared to take the risk but I already know from careful testing that is not the case on H4 full beam and anyone that is particularly interested can carry out the same testing and draw their own conclusions
So where did the other 6% go Jeff?
I have not seen any E marked aftermarket HID sets and the fact that cars do pass MOTs with aftermarket HIDs fitted doesn't mean to say they will continue to do so in the future. As far as I am concerned if the light from single filament HIDs is better than standard I am prepared to take the risk but I already know from careful testing that is not the case on H4 full beam and anyone that is particularly interested can carry out the same testing and draw their own conclusions
05 January 2011, 08:59 AM
#93
Shouldn't this be in 'lighting & electrical'? 
Jeff's post (#42) is spot on imo (& I have an H4 HID kit) ...H4 light's (& that includes halogen!) are basically a bit pant's.
What i will say is that my HID kit, when dipped was a massive improvement on the standard light's, I've been through 4 MOT's with them (I know they're being checked as they re-aligned one of them at the last MOT) & hand on heart I've never been flashed or pulled.
But there are caveat's ...they are not 'plug & play' ...you WILL need to get the beam alignment checked (preferably at an MOT station with the appropriate kit) & the main beam is indeed as useless as the original halogen H4's & as such i would highly recommend fitting/converting your f/fogs to driving lamps (which work far better with a HID kit too)
I can't predict whether the DfT/ Vosa are likely to clamp down on HID's ...but they were lobbied in 2003 iirc by the AA/RAC
Jeff's post (#42) is spot on imo (& I have an H4 HID kit) ...H4 light's (& that includes halogen!) are basically a bit pant's.
What i will say is that my HID kit, when dipped was a massive improvement on the standard light's, I've been through 4 MOT's with them (I know they're being checked as they re-aligned one of them at the last MOT) & hand on heart I've never been flashed or pulled.
But there are caveat's ...they are not 'plug & play' ...you WILL need to get the beam alignment checked (preferably at an MOT station with the appropriate kit) & the main beam is indeed as useless as the original halogen H4's & as such i would highly recommend fitting/converting your f/fogs to driving lamps (which work far better with a HID kit too)
I can't predict whether the DfT/ Vosa are likely to clamp down on HID's ...but they were lobbied in 2003 iirc by the AA/RAC
05 January 2011, 05:31 PM
#98
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
05 January 2011, 06:05 PM
#99
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: South Bucks
Posts: 3,213
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
IMO any of the mini projectors will require splitting the headlight. they fit from the front into the back of the HL or reflector assembly and are held there by a locking ring. That's the easy to fit option. If it all goes according to plan you get well aligned projectors and retain the OEM methods of adjusting the HL aim.
Read somewhere about dipped vs high beam. Probably on HIDPlanet. Feeling was that well made projectors are best for low beam. For high beam, the feeling was to have the largest reflector available. It was mooted that a HID projector's reflector is "small" compared to an open reflector system.
The above assumes using HID bulbs in purpose designed HID reflector housings.
J.
Read somewhere about dipped vs high beam. Probably on HIDPlanet. Feeling was that well made projectors are best for low beam. For high beam, the feeling was to have the largest reflector available. It was mooted that a HID projector's reflector is "small" compared to an open reflector system.
The above assumes using HID bulbs in purpose designed HID reflector housings.
J.
05 January 2011, 06:49 PM
#101
I wish I could show you my setup, Mark. Then yopu could see some proper night into day.
Here you go: https://www.scoobynet.com/technical-...-lamp-kit.html
Post number 26.
Here you go: https://www.scoobynet.com/technical-...-lamp-kit.html
Post number 26.
05 January 2011, 06:51 PM
#102
IMO any of the mini projectors will require splitting the headlight. they fit from the front into the back of the HL or reflector assembly and are held there by a locking ring. That's the easy to fit option. If it all goes according to plan you get well aligned projectors and retain the OEM methods of adjusting the HL aim.
Read somewhere about dipped vs high beam. Probably on HIDPlanet. Feeling was that well made projectors are best for low beam. For high beam, the feeling was to have the largest reflector available. It was mooted that a HID projector's reflector is "small" compared to an open reflector system.
The above assumes using HID bulbs in purpose designed HID reflector housings.
J.
Read somewhere about dipped vs high beam. Probably on HIDPlanet. Feeling was that well made projectors are best for low beam. For high beam, the feeling was to have the largest reflector available. It was mooted that a HID projector's reflector is "small" compared to an open reflector system.
The above assumes using HID bulbs in purpose designed HID reflector housings.
J.
05 January 2011, 06:59 PM
#103
I wish I could show you my setup, Mark. Then yopu could see some proper night into day.
Here you go: https://www.scoobynet.com/technical-...-lamp-kit.html
Post number 26.
Here you go: https://www.scoobynet.com/technical-...-lamp-kit.html
Post number 26.
05 January 2011, 06:59 PM
#104
I wish I could show you my setup, Mark. Then yopu could see some proper night into day.
Here you go: https://www.scoobynet.com/technical-...-lamp-kit.html
Post number 26.
Here you go: https://www.scoobynet.com/technical-...-lamp-kit.html
Post number 26.
they are mint mine look like side lights compared to that,
06 January 2011, 12:32 PM
#108
For comparison purposes of "in the dark" photos, as Harvey says, you have to be very careful NOT to let your camera adjust itself for the extra light. Other wise you end up with three very similar shots
When I took my three, I used a Nikon D70, and fist set it on auto, and let it tell me what settings to use.
I then put it into full manual, and locked those settings in, also ensuring the built in flash was off, so that each photo used the same shutter speed and the same F-stop. Shutter speed was 2 seconds, which is WAY too long to accurately hand-hold, so the camera was gripped on top of the window glass, door open.
When I took my three, I used a Nikon D70, and fist set it on auto, and let it tell me what settings to use.
I then put it into full manual, and locked those settings in, also ensuring the built in flash was off, so that each photo used the same shutter speed and the same F-stop. Shutter speed was 2 seconds, which is WAY too long to accurately hand-hold, so the camera was gripped on top of the window glass, door open.
06 January 2011, 12:54 PM
#109
They are dodgy with the law... The problem for me is that people but in poor quality ones with a very scattered beam. Get a good kit and they should be fine.
The blue tint ones stand out a mile too and personally look 'cheap' - stick with 4300k (OEM) or similar and you will get better light and it will look nice too.
Personally I went with upgraded bulbs - Osram Nightbreakers (+90%), and they have proved to be very good.
The blue tint ones stand out a mile too and personally look 'cheap' - stick with 4300k (OEM) or similar and you will get better light and it will look nice too.
Personally I went with upgraded bulbs - Osram Nightbreakers (+90%), and they have proved to be very good.
06 January 2011, 01:12 PM
#110
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Swansea.In search of more power!!
Posts: 6,498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ive got the H4 Bi-Beam kit with 4300k bulbs and is a vast improvement on the standard candles in jars
Had 2 mot's with them aswell with no problem
Had 2 mot's with them aswell with no problem
07 January 2011, 01:44 PM
#111
I have been following various threads regarding HIDs etc and as a classic driver I have a pressing need for good headlights. I have seen a company selling a H4 projector beam HID set up that fits into the bulb holder for a standard H4 light. It seems to be the answer and makes an easy job of mods that others on this web site have already carried out.
I have attached a link to the item in question - I would be grateful if some of you could take a look and see if these HID projectors are any good?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Many Thanks
I have attached a link to the item in question - I would be grateful if some of you could take a look and see if these HID projectors are any good?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Many Thanks
OK, I've tried to contact these lot FOUR times now by e-mail and by phone.
Only one e-mail was replied to and that gave me an "out of office until 04/01" message. The phone call got a "no-one to take your call and you cannot leave a message" response.
TBH, if this is their customer service, I think I'd leave their kits alone.
I shall report further, should I ever get a response.
07 January 2011, 02:10 PM
#112
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
07 January 2011, 02:14 PM
#113
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK, I've tried to contact these lot FOUR times now by e-mail and by phone.
Only one e-mail was replied to and that gave me an "out of office until 04/01" message. The phone call got a "no-one to take your call and you cannot leave a message" response.
TBH, if this is their customer service, I think I'd leave their kits alone.
I shall report further, should I ever get a response.
Only one e-mail was replied to and that gave me an "out of office until 04/01" message. The phone call got a "no-one to take your call and you cannot leave a message" response.
TBH, if this is their customer service, I think I'd leave their kits alone.
I shall report further, should I ever get a response.
I am sure that people/companies are buying in bulk from China and doubling the price.
Someone is missing from this thread.
07 January 2011, 02:56 PM
#114
Yes, conspicuous by their absence...........
I'm really unsure about the cheap Chinese projectors, I've been warned off them before by one who knows, but tbh, HOW do you find out the beam focus is poor WITHOUT stumping up £120 or so? Plus the electronics are often suspect too, with ballasts and even bulbs not lasting mnore than a few months. And then, would you get your £120 back if they proved to be crud? AND you've already split your lights
I'm really unsure about the cheap Chinese projectors, I've been warned off them before by one who knows, but tbh, HOW do you find out the beam focus is poor WITHOUT stumping up £120 or so? Plus the electronics are often suspect too, with ballasts and even bulbs not lasting mnore than a few months. And then, would you get your £120 back if they proved to be crud? AND you've already split your lights
07 January 2011, 03:53 PM
#116
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Edit that name matey or we will get vaped. Just leave it as 'unkown'.
Interesting as to why yours would be without a brand name.
Interesting as to why yours would be without a brand name.
Last edited by dan83590; 07 January 2011 at 03:55 PM.
07 January 2011, 05:08 PM
#118
Not long & we'll all be retro fitting/ whinging about these! 
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Art...emium-cars.htm
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Art...emium-cars.htm
07 January 2011, 05:30 PM
#119
I'm still waiting on my mate, who has a set from a well-known dealer, in a Cibie branded, circular, reflector/lens headlight. His are two different colors
and the focus is appalling, on bith dip AND main.Add to that they most definitely were NOT plug and play. I'll try and get him to get some pics this weekend, including one of the colour variation, if poss.
07 January 2011, 06:07 PM
#120
Alcazar - thank very much for the posts.. very enlightening (excuse the pun).
To summarise - are you saying that the only way to legally, and accurately (in terms of both focus and brightness) improve the standard of light from classic lenses is the fit Morette twin headlamps and upgrade the bulbs within them?
How about something like what Darms did with his? As in retrofitting the projectors and HIDS into the headlight (I recall reading earlier that you said retrofit is a potential MOT failure).
Also interested if you ever hear something back from the ebay seller..
Like most of us with classics, I might as well have candles on the front on mine but do not want to fit any old kit and blind other road users (plus be disappointed with the results).
Much appreciated
To summarise - are you saying that the only way to legally, and accurately (in terms of both focus and brightness) improve the standard of light from classic lenses is the fit Morette twin headlamps and upgrade the bulbs within them?
How about something like what Darms did with his? As in retrofitting the projectors and HIDS into the headlight (I recall reading earlier that you said retrofit is a potential MOT failure).
Also interested if you ever hear something back from the ebay seller..
Like most of us with classics, I might as well have candles on the front on mine but do not want to fit any old kit and blind other road users (plus be disappointed with the results).
Much appreciated