(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best automotive lights & lighting accessories

You're missing my point. A lamp can be compliant with the standards, be a poorly designed one, or the best one available, but if its not properly aimed, they can both cause a problem for other drivers. Its not necessarily a problem of design, but the implementation.

And your MG has 5.75" headlamps right? Upgrading your lighting absolutley is worth it, if you do a lot of night driving an like being able to see.

JW Speaker has some excellent 5.75" LED headlamps. They are prupose built, well designed and an absolutely massive upgrade from halogens available in that format. They are also compliant with SAE standards, and if you aim them properly, are going to let you see very well and also minimize glare for oncoming drivers.

If you have 7" round halogens, you have more options. Cheapest, but still very good is GE Nighthawk 7" sealed beams. They are the best 7" sealed beam available.

Better than that is Hella https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001G72SKQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1457218047&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=h4+7+inch+headlight&dpPl=1&dpID=51Japi47DSL&ref=plSrch but you have to makr sure you're getting the correct ones for the US. Left Hand Traffic.

Better still, with a replaceable bulb option, would be to find a set of Cibie Z-Beams, which are unfortunately out if production.

Upgrading to LED can get you either the Gen2 Truck Lite 7" round LED lamp, which has a decent low beam and a very, very good high beam. Or a set of JW Speaker 8700/8700 Evolutions/8700 Evolution 2's. The Evo2's is their newest model, and by far the best LED headlamp in that format on the market, in terms of both high and low beams. Unfortunately, not cheap, but awesome lights, and fully compliant with all SAE standards.

I just got the amazon cheap-o ones called Turbo SII LEDs and they are pretty darn good. They dont cast light out as far as I would like, but they are better than stock and look great. I zip tied the adapter because the plug didn't seem to secure perfectly. I have no complaints really. They were plug and play. They were $113 and now they are $95. I would recommend them as a budget friendly solution that look awesome.

Buy a pair of Hella 7" Headlamps (ECE), and this.

The lamp housings are european code (ECE or E-code). Technically not DOT legal in the US-- but is your inspection station going to inspect your headlamp housings?) These have a sharp cutoff so they won't blind other drivers. I've been running them for years and I love them. The pattern is far superior to DOT lamps-- it tends to really throw the light forward from the bulbs.

The wire loom from ARB is made of a much thicker gauge wire than the wires that are currently driving your headlights. The same bulbs will run brighter with this wire loom upgrade, but I found that if you add new housings (with nice clean clear glass and a good light projection pattern), and a pair of high-quality H4 bulbs, your headlights will work with the power of a thousand suns.

For bulbs, I'm currently running Sylvania SilverStars, but in the past I found out about IPF Fatboy II 80W/60W bulbs. The low-beam is actually higher than the high-beam wattage. Not sure why or how that makes sense, but these are a seriously great upgrade. Be warned, they run very hot and are susceptible to vibration damage (moreso than other standard 55w bulbs). Don't expect these bulbs to last more than a year or two. They're intense, though.

Hope that helps, because that's what I did to my Jeep. I also added a pair of Hella driving-pattern auxiliary lights on my stinger and a pair of 4" Delta fog lights on my front bumper.

I love my Hella's - they are brighter than sealed-beams, but still have a really clean cut off so I'm not blinding other drivers and getting tickets. Best $70 I've spent on the car so far.

They are plug 'n play so no modding, and they were easy to adjust to the proper height. 10/10 would recommend.

edit: as /u/AKADriver said, "halos" are trash. They look cool in pictures and don't light the road well at all (if they work). Some of the super expensive ones are fairly reliable, but still don't light the road well. The eBay ones are pure trash - you might as well light a couple hundred bucks on fire.

I have these generic led headlamps installed. I havent used them much yet (the bronco is a driving project) but they seem to be pretty good. They are very bright but have a decent cutoff so you can align them to not blind oncoming traffic. The cheaper led sets are often more like floods that are bright but just awful for road use. If you want to spend more and get higher quality, there are brand names like Truck-Lite that have great reviews; personally I couldn't justify the expense when I have a lot of other projects on the truck.

2018 New Osram Chips 110W 5x7 Led... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BWBRDJ5?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Turn signals (front and back): https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0774HQC8Q/
I was hesitant to spend $110 on bulbs, but these things are beasts! plus they have the resistors built into them, so no splicing wires or anything. Totally recommend them
The front bulbs were the easiest to replace, just pop the hood, locate the bulb, twist the housing out and pop the bulbs in. The ones in the back were a bit of a pain. Pop the hatch, and where the door is normally closed, to the inner side of the light houses there's a small plastic panel, that just pops off. Behind it is a set of #10 (I believe) bolts. Undo those. The housing assembly takes some loving to get out, but it just pulls straight back -- I broke a tab off trying to go side to side... It goes back in and latches fine, but, learn from me: it goes straight back... Even though it doesn't seem like it does. Then once it's out, replace the bulbs as usual, reverse the process to put it back in.

Backup Lamps: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01LX4FMD1/
The backup lamps are just covered by a plastic panel on the hatch door that pops out with a pocket knife or small flat head screwdriver, then the bulb twists out as usual.

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Most of this was figured out first hand, or from the owner's manual.

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As for my internal lights so far, I've only replaced the one above the back seats and the ones above the front seats. The back seat ones pop out with a knife super easily, whereas the front ones were more complicated. I took some pictures of that process and uploaded them here: https://imgur.com/a/YJItuhz -- Basically, the whole module (lights, buttons, sunglasses holder, etc) all comes out, then you replace the bulbs from the back side. The bulbs themselves I picked up from Canadian Tire, which was just a run of the mill off the shelf LED bulbs

I sure can! I replaced my map, dome, rear cargo, and parking lights with LEDs on my 2002 Here are the amazon links, but I found some at the local autozone

Map / parking lights : https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-ZEVO-White-Bulb-Contains/dp/B01A77TXNK/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Honda%7C59&Model=CR-V%7C754&Year=2002%7C2002&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&s=automotive&vehicleId=4&vehicleType=automotive

Dome / cargo: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BDWHXI0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also, my coworkers have installed these brand LED headlights in their cars and they look great, haven't done mine yet due to the cost : https://www.amazon.com/OPT7-Fluxbeam-Headlight-Clear-Arc-Beam/dp/B00VNBEJ1G/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1486063848&sr=1-3&keywords=opt7%2Bled&th=1

Hope that helps, also this page : https://www.osram-americas.com/en-us/applications/automotive-lighting-systems/Pages/lrgmain.aspx

Is what I used to find and check all fitment codes for the LED lights replacements, Happy Lighting!

I got this kit from Amazon.

It comes with 4 led strips, and fuse taps for a couple different sized fuses, along with an led controller, full function remote, as well as keychain remote. Hands down the best value I could find.

Wired up the fronts a few months back, but didn't have time to do the back seat along with the fronts (with 2 kids there isn't much time for anything)

To power: fuse tap on the drivers side fuse panel to F17. Ground to the bolt that is right in that same area. I also tucked the controller away in that same location with some 3m double sided adhesive.

Lights: drivers side was easy. Figure out where you want the lights (helps to plug them in and have them lit up so you can mess w placement til you find what you like) then 3m/zip tie/etc to the spot. Passenger side: I popped off the center console trim and ran the wires across that to reach passenger front foot well. Same thing...mess with placement, when good, attach.

For the backseat: pulled out rear seat cushion, and trim along the drivers side rocker panel up to the fuse box. Zip tie the cables together, and run along the channel that's right there, then along the front of the rear seat area just behind the cushion. End of the wiring terminates in the middle of the seats just behind center console. Put rear seat back in, climb back there and plug in led strips to find placement. Used a few dabs of hot glue to attach them to the bottom of the seat.

And that's that. This kit is so simple that it is really a painless install, you just gotta make sure you run the wiring neatly, and secure it along any runs to either the dash, another wire loom, etc, so it doesn't fall out. Tuck the excess up into the fuse panel and call it a day!

>Any advice? I love the bulbs but I don’t want to be a complete douche.

Thanks for being considerate. We all thank you.

>These are the ones I got: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KYZU604?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

No offense, but I took a look at these bulbs and they are literally the worst LED bulbs you can get on the market today. The placement and size of the LED chips in no way, shape, or form even approximates that of a halogen bulb's filament. The H11 LED bulb has two LED chips side-by-side, while a H11 halogen bulb has a longitudinal filament (goes up and down, not side-to-side). That's why they're jizzing light all over the place and causing people to flash you; the LED bulb doesn't even resemble the halogen bulb it replaced on a fundamental level.

>I’ve heard you can adjust the angle to make them less blinding but haven’t found any how-to guides.

You can certainly adjust your lamps downward to get rid of glare, but remember: when you adjust your headlamps down, you lose seeing distance. Think of how a cop can shine his flashlight in your face. That's all glare right there. He can certainly adjust his flashlight down and reduce glare for you, but he'd be less able to see further in the distance and less able to see your face. There's a trade-off between glare and seeing distance. Choosing proper halogen bulbs helps you maximize seeing distance while minimizing glare.

>My night time visibility is fantastic.

No offense but that's what you think. The reality is that LED bulbs don't actually improve nighttime visibility. What LEDs do is flood the foreground (10 to 26 feet in front of your vehicle) with light, and this creates the perception that your lights are great. In reality, light 10-26 feet in front of any car is useless unless driving at 5 MPH or below.

https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/2019-01-0850/

>Several different LED replacement bulb kits, each designed to replace a conventional 55-W H11 halogen bulb, were purchased and tested in three different low-beam headlight units. [...] These findings suggest that using after-market LEDs to replace halogen bulbs can compromise headlighting performance.

I'll summarize the study if you don't have access: The researchers purchased 9 different LED bulbs from Amazon, and some of them look pretty much identical to the ones you got. They put these 9 different LED bulbs in 3 different headlamps--two reflectors and one projector.

And guess what?

It was a bloodbath.

27/27 LED bulb+headlamp combinations failed a very basic and limited test of glare and seeing distance. 27/27 LED bulbs+headlamp combinations created excessive glare, less seeing distance, or both versus a basic halogen bulb.

----

My best advice to you is to remove the LED bulbs, send them back to Amazon for a full refund, and swap in high-performance halogen bulbs to a) reduce glare and b) increase seeing distance. Do you have sealed beams? You said it was an older truck. If you have sealed beams, then there are plenty of legitimate LED headlamp options out there--none of this Auxbeam crap.

Local shop rebuilt it for me, built it with all new parts stronger than the factory transmission. Can’t say exactly which ones but it drives 100 times better. He’s a trusted mechanic so i went with what he suggested. Here’s the link to the headlights https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BWBRDJ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_HHpUDbXXCCWZD
So far they are awesome! And they have a ton of good reviews so I would recommend!

This is the light bar. I chose to mount the brackets 14 inches apart, but you can slide them both the full length of the body of the bar, so they could be from 0" to 17 or 18 inches apart if you so desire. Was the cheapest I could find on Amazon with good reviews. It puts off more light than my high beams and has a bright spot in the center with a fair amount of throw to the sides. Obviously not as bright as the 50" bar on my roof, but I wanted something between my headlights and 50" in terms of brightness, so I'm pretty happy with it so far.

I’ve had these for ~5 months and think they are great. Had to cut away some of the stock rubber covering but was super easy and all fits well.

OPT7 Fluxbeam LED Headlight Kit w/ Clear Arc-Beam Bulbs - H4 (9003) - 80w 7,000Lm 6K Cool White CREE - 2 Yr Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VNBEJ1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JrrbAbFWGG5NY

Loli don't have a bike yet but already started looking at headlight and looking into tail lights as well. So far the best headlight i have foubd is this one:


LED Headlights-7"/7 inch Round 50W Cree Hi/Lo Beam Motorcycle Driving Light with DRL Turn Signal Halo Ring Angle Eyes

Not sure if you like it , I personally do. And hopefully this is not pulling as much as the other.

Edit: i do wanna say I’m not sure if they are dot approved but i think they are as it says DOT SAE on the headlight

To build on my post: I've used this restoration kit with really good results. Your headlights may need some extra elbow grease to get rid of that outer crusty layer. But I noticed that my headlights were yellowing again within a few months, so I bought a pre-cut Lamin-X film kit. It is kind of expensive (roughly 50 bucks) but it was cut to my car's headlights exactly and sealed everything up perfectly.

In your quest to paint the car, I recommend checking out this build thread I read a while back. A guy on a forum I use completely repainted his car in John Deere yellow for pretty cheap and he documented the entire process with pictures. One of the most helpful things I have read when it comes to DIY automotive painting.

Led and hid replacements don't work nearly as well in a reflector lens, they do much better in a projector style housing. As in, they'll have bright and dark spots and blind oncoming traffic.

That said, these are what I put in my wife's Acadia (projector headlights) and I'm super happy with these, even though I had to massage the housing to fit.

OPT7 Fluxbeam H11 LED Headlight Kit w/ Clear Arc-Beam Bulbs - 60w 7,000Lm 6K Cool White CREE - 2 Yr Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VNBDWPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_gW4TY7dxxnUtP

Hey, I'm hoping you can help me out! I bout this a while back
https://www.amazon.com/Nilight-Lights-Driving-Lighting-Warranty/dp/B00WE47FVM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486003550&sr=8-1&keywords=20+inch+light+bar
because it fit my dimensions good but the light is very lacking, I really want something with some distance!! Height is not a factor but it can only be about 24 inches long max and I really need it to mount like how that one done, not the side mounts. Budget is like 200 bucks but would like to spend less obviously, any ideas?

I found [these](OPT7 Aura Smart-Color LED Strip Interior Lighting Kit (4 Items) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OU5LOT2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VBjDybYB1D1R2) and I think I'm gonna pull the trigger. Out of all the kits, these have the best reviews and they come with a fuse attachment you just plug into the fuse box to have them on with ignition, etc. I was looking and apparently I can remove the panels to the side of your legs (right leg for driver and left for passenger) pretty easily and just run the wire through and then close it back up. Plug into the fuse box and done. They have some stupid sound sensing stuff, but you don't have to use it. You can steady any color, strobe, dim, or cycle through etc. Just a thought, but from what I've looked into for myself, these seem the most hassle free. I have a link to the workshop manual that explains how to remove these panels, but it's for a 14. But, I imagine those center panels didn't change much. Let me know if you need it. I'd have to get it from my laptop for you.

Forgot to mention, I have to get one with a dimmer. I tested if I would even like illumination so I bought a. couple of stick on LEDs and stick them in my footwells and it's pretty distracting, so I may end up running them only to the door being opened. Anyway just a thought if you're not 100% sure you want them, you can grab those stick on LEDs for like $2 to test it out first.

Total cost: $31.70

Time: ~30 minutes.
Tools required: Hand drill

Now that it gets dark so damn early, I've been using my headlights a lot more, and I noticed that they weren't as bright as they used to be. So, on the advice of a coworker, I picked up THIS headlight restoration kit from amazon, as well as THIS sealer and THIS masking tape (to protect the paint around the lens). The directions were clear and concise and the whole process took about 30 minutes and was extremely easy. It comes with an attachment for your hand drill to which a variety of sanding/buffing discs mount. You start with a coarse grit sandpaper disc to remove the oxidation and then you use progressively finer grit discs to smooth out the surface. Finally you buff and seal the lens.

I couldn't be happier with the results. The lenses look brand new and there are enough sanding discs left over to do at least one or two more cars.

I used to own a 9th gen sport and wanted to do the same upgrade as you. If you're willing to splice wires then you can purchase the touring headlights from college hills honda and do that for yourself. however, I'd recommend bulb swaps to all LED and keep the housing, any aftermarket housing imo looks cheap and ruins the aesthetic.

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these are bulbs i'd recommend

• high beam: https://www.amazon.com/Cougar-Motor-Headlight-Bulbs-Conversion/dp/B01H6NZ6F2/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=9005+led+headlight+bulb&qid=1563471075&s=gateway&sr=8-6
  
• low beam: https://www.amazon.com/Cougar-Motor-Headlight-Bulbs-Conversion/dp/B01H6NZ7D8/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1S1HFZW96VWAQ&keywords=h11+led+headlight+bulb&qid=1563470842&s=gateway&sprefix=h11+led%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-8
  
• fogs: https://www.amazon.com/BEAMTECH-Headlight-8000Lumens-Extremely-Conversion/dp/B06XHDYTGL/ref=sr_1_6?crid=31KD7YGZIVLZM&keywords=h8+led+fog+light+bulb&qid=1563471284&s=gateway&sprefix=h8+led+%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-6
  
  I had the 2017 sport so I already LED fog light strips from the factory but with these low/high beam bulbs the projection was great and didn't bother other drivers ( i had my brother drive behind me one night and I was fine)
  
  ​
  
  if you want to go further you can get these for the back
  
  
• reverse light: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LX4FMD1/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• tag light: https://www.amazon.com/License-Accord-Odyssey-Lights-Replacement/dp/B07FHR52J3/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=2015+accord+license+plate+led&qid=1563471785&replacementKeywords=license+plate+led&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&vehicle=2015-59-751------------&vehicleName=2015+Honda+Accord&psc=1
  
  ​
  
  hope it helps.

I bought those lights and they really had not much output. The lights I got after those were these: http://www.amazon.com/Tuff-LED-Lights-Square-Polaris/dp/B009ES619S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1373816310&sr=8-3&keywords=tuff+led+lights and they were really bright. But If you want a beam, these are really the best lights to get: http://www.amazon.com/HELLA-5750941-12-Volt-55-Watt-Halogen/dp/B001TWD5GY/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1373816353&sr=1-1&keywords=hella+500ff honestly, cheap lights like those navigators will NOT be worth it. These LED's or Hella's will be. I enjoy my hellas and those LED's enough that I will have 4 of the LED's and 4 of The Hellas just for night offroad use.

I used this and this

The 3M kit does the actual headlight restoration and the Sylvania kit finishes it off and seals it. The sealing kit reeeeeaaaaally makes it pop. Both companies make full kits that do both, but I went off of the recommendation of a guy on r/integra for these products and it worked like a charm 👌🏻

Hi,

I updated the signaling and lighting for my 1986 Vulcan 750. It was easy to do, improved visibility, and shaved off all those dangling blinkers giving the bike a sleeker look.

The integrated taillight was bought off of eBay for around $US 28.00. The guy that I bought from is out, but I've found what looks to be the same product from another Chinese vendor at Motor-Integrated-LED-Tail-Light-Turn-Signals-for-KAWASAKI-VULCAN750-1986-2003

After removing the rear signals and the rear tail lens and brake light bulb I was able to connect the LED by putting its bayonet style connector into the brake light bulb socket and splicing the common, left and right signal wires using some Bullet terminals. I put some masking inside the lens (to hide the wiring) and put the lens back on. Easy peasy 10-20 minute job.

I also removed the front signals and replaced them with some LED triangles off of a sport bike, using the unused capacitors from the LED Tail Light kit to make them work as both signal and running lights.

Aalso replaced the old dim yellow headlight with a Daymaker style LED with integrated turn signals - which looks sharp and makes a HUGE difference in nighttime visibility (both ways). From Amazon - LED Daymaker Headlights 7 inch Round 50W Motorcycle Driving Light with DRL Turn Signal and Halo Ring

This mod was a little more involved because the new LED headlamp didn't fit the original "bucket" so I had to order a new headlamp housing and cram it all it. But it now looks like it could be original equipment, except that none of this stuff existed in 86.

Unfortunately, this was not a simple headlight swap. To make it work, it required a completely different headlamp assembly (bucket, trim & mounting rings). I used the headlight assembly off a [Kawasaki 1976-1979 KZ750-B] ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Z1-900-KZ650-KZ750-KZ900-KZ1000-H2-KH-Chrome-Bucket-Head-Light-Assembly-/142427700153 ). You will reuse the mounting rubber inserts and bolts /nuts from your factory bucket.

Photo of my bike

I got some inspiration from a [How To video retrofitting LED projector headlight on a 1980 Kawasaki KZ750-B] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-GI4-VdCIA)

These are 194's theyll work in the trunk and the running light in the headlight housing and for license plate lights

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071LHP5WP/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These are 912/921's that i put i the reverse housing
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0728DYR9H/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

oh i didnt even notice that you said Q50, these are for my g35 and g37's im sure infiniti hasnt changed the bulb size but id double check to be sure.
http://www.modifiedlife.com/2014-infiniti-q50-change-light-bulb-size-guide/
This site is what i usually go by and it says there arent bulbs to change.

my best advice is to yank out the OEM bulb and look for a part size, if they do indeed match one of these auxito lights, it will defintiely make a HUGE difference.

LED Light Bar Nilight 20 Inch 126w LED Work Light Spot Flood Combo Led Bar Off Road Lights Driving Lights Led Fog Light Jeep Lights Boat Lighting ,2 Years Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WE47FVM/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_XO8jyb00TR1KP

Probably smaller than. You want on a battle car but I have one on my '15 focus st a d I love it. Works great and I could totally use just it and no headlights.

288W 50" LED Light Bar Combo Beam for Off-Road ATV UTV SUV RV Truck Pick-up (pack of 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAQUJ34/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_gQ8jybETDYH5B

Also got this one for my fiance's jeep and it's incredibly bright.

I got this headlight kit. Totally recommend it. Super easy to use. Just recommend reading the instructions so you seal it properly. Headlights have been clear so far.

i'm using this and can vouch for it:

https://www.amazon.com/HIKARI-Headlight-Conversion-Lumileds-Warranty/dp/B077BT6M6Z

i got both the low beams and high beams on Amazon deal of the day and paid $72 each..

Pros - super bright, easy installation, reputed and well priced

Cons - none to slight dark spots (ymmv), can hear the fan if the light are on and the engine is turned off (doesn't bother me)

Don't forget to apply UV headlight sealant after compounding her lights. I think this will offer the biggest improvement in effective visibility in terms of lighting. Then yes change the bulbs, they dim out over time as the tungsten vapors from the filament coat the inside of the headlight bulb glass. Personally I would just get some Sylnvania XtraVision bulbs instead of those 'high performance' burnouts like SilverStars and Osram NightBreakers. The way halogen bulbs work is, 10% overpowered from normal design decreases bulb life to just 1/3 life, and 10% underpowered from normal wattage will increase bulb life by 3 times.

If you are interested in completely replacing them, I would recommend these.

Put them in mine back in April and love them, they are extremely bright.

Thank you for the info, I ended up buying these BEAMTECH 9005 LED Headlight Bulb, 50W 6500K 8000Lumens Extremely Brigh HB3 CSP Chips Conversion Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XHD4HV3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZoT5Cb49E6MPT

The parts matcher said they would fit and the reviews seem pretty solid. If they don't work, at least Amazon is easy on returns.

I use this stuff. Found it on Amazon looking for something to use after I buffed the headlights on my Mom's older Oldsmobile. They were 20 years old at the time and completely hazed over but they came out looking brand new. It worked so well that I use it on every vehicle I detail now.

A little goes a long way and it's important to make sure it's not going to rain for awhile because it can take 3-4 days to fully cure but if you do it right then it will last 6-8 months. I put it on Mom's headlights in the spring and winter and they still look new nearly 3 years after I started using the Blue Magic on them. I'm still on the same bottle too. Just an all around great product.

Congrats on the purchase! I picked mine up from amazon here. I'll throw in a link.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TWD5GY/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&qid=1420600800&sr=1&keywords=hella+500ff

If you want any mounting info, I'd be glad to give it to you. I installed the second pair of these just yesterday and although it took a long time, they're worth it!!

The bar is also on amazon made for a 14 and 15 forester, 200 dollars. Annoying price tag but worth it for sure. look up SSD performance bar on amazon and you should find it.

Headlights - low beam - I didn't get high beams because I live in a bigger city and never use them.

https://www.amazon.com/JDM-ASTAR-Extremely-Headlight-Conversion/dp/B01JYC0RTI

Fog lights


https://www.amazon.com/JDM-ASTAR-Extremely-Bright-Chipsets/dp/B01IMVQWDM

Backups/ Reverse lights


https://www.amazon.com/LUYED-Extremely-Chipsets-Reverse-Brightest/dp/B01LX4FMD1


Just make sure to select the correct bulb socket, not sure if any of them have changed with each generation, mine were for a 2014.

Edit - not a bad idea to keep your stock ones in the glovebox in case one goes bad, although they are rated for way longer than you will probably use them. Use a glove to take glass ones out and put back in if you are able. Oil from your skin will heat up on the surface of the bulb and heat up and it will burn out quicker otherwise.

Edit again - if you don't like the lights on the mirrors being a big contrast, you can use vinyl smoke film to cover them. You can still see them when they're blinking but otherwise they're not nearly as noticeable. It's personal preference but if you do, vvivid makes good products and they're easy to use. You can find that on Amazon too and I think it's only like $10-12, one roll is way more than you'd need for those.

I literally just put these on my 1999 L!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VNBEJ1G/ref=twister_B00VNBD8PO?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I have only had them for a few days, but they are incredibly bright. I would also recommend replacing your cracked housings...

http://www.amazon.com/Depo-320-1108R-ASN-Passenger-Replacement-Headlight/dp/B004I18C2U/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1459193789&vehicle=1999-13-57-------------0&sr=1-1&ymm=1999%3Asubaru%3Aforester&keywords=1999+subaru+forester+headlight+assembly

I purchased and installed the Opt7 LEDs for my low beams and am very happy with them so far. My main reason for going with these is the thread on TacomaWorld with many users being happy with the results. I didn't like the yellow light of the stock halogens, especially when compared with the white LED DRLs on the headlights.

The Opt7 LEDs match very close with the DRLs. The light output is about the same as the stock halogens but looks so much better in my opinion.

I got them on Amazon but I think you can find them cheaper in eBay.

OPT7 LED Headlight Bulbs w/ Clear Arc-Beam Kit - H11 (H8, H9) - 60w 7,000Lm 6K Cool White CREE - 2 Yr Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VNBDWPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XSR2xbG3209VW

I purchased this and installed myself in the first month of owning:

OPT7 Aura Smart-Color LED Strip... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OU5LOT2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Very easy install and looove the added light (red/blue are my most common) while driving at night. Conveniently, you can change it on the fly to fit your mood! I installed all 4 strips, one for each floor well, wires are all hidden, and came with a relay tap so no need to bother with hard wiring or using a 12v other adapter 👌

[edited for spelling]

I have the Hella 500FF and they were VERY easy to install. You also need the brackets which can be bought directly from mini. The install is a breeze, as long as you don’t drop one (don’t ask) and they work great. The only non kit thing I’ve done is swapped the switch to a chrome one from Home Depot and wired in the switch power from the cigerette outlet so they turn off with the engine. If you need more help I’m always here!

I got these for $95, couldn't be happier. Very bright and light up a whole 3 lane interstate from median to shoulder, would buy again. They have a clear cutoff point and I've not had anyone flash their lights to say I'm blinding them.

As another commenter stated, also upgrade your wiring harness. I got a k suspension one and it was easy to install and works amazingly well.

I purchased these for my 2014 6 touring to replace my low beams. I love them. All hardware needed was included.

OPT7 LED Headlight Bulbs
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VNBDWPK/

The owners manual has good install instructions. The whole install process took me about 30 minutes. I had to go through the wheel well to access the bulbs.

Hope this helps

I've got these. They're great. Easy install. Good price point.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015SL0MSK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are very generic 9005 bulbs, 650 lumens on a good day. I got these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XHD4HV3 They are easily 2 times are bright (remember perceived brightness is logarithmic)

Have you done the previous maintenance intervals? i.e. fluid flushes (transmission, coolant, brake fluid, spark plugs)? Recommend using DOT 5.1 brake fluid, and long life coolant/trans fluid.

Not sure on the civic, but if it uses a timing chain (which it probably does) it's probably due for an adjustment. If it uses a belt you need to change that ASAP. Honda lists their belt replacement at 7 years or 110k miles, whichever comes first.

Might be a good time to replace the battery before it leaves you stranded.

For other minor things, I would:

• Make sure your air filter and cabin air filter are replaced
  
• Apply 303 UV protectant to all your plastic panels and rubber gaskets (301 aerospace spray)
  
• Spray anti-corrosion spray on your battery terminals
  
• Wash, clay bar, and wax your car with a good sealant
  
• Wet sand and polish your headlights
  
  

I have these from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BWBRDJ5?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share They’re really good headlights, i love the look and function of them!

It's a 20" cheap light bar from Amazon. I mounted it by drilling one hole in each bumper support (bottom inside the bumper cover and supports the front bottom lip. Two plastic pieces that stick out.) perfect height and enough added light.

LED Light Bar Nilight 20 Inch 126w LED Work Light Spot Flood Combo Led Bar Off Road Lights Driving Lights Led Fog Light Jeep Lights Boat Lighting ,2 Y https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WE47FVM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_q8Gd9vZyp1MC5

I purchased https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M09C4FQ on feb 8th, amazon states. These are diffferent ones than the LXLights you posted, different model. I find that these project light pretty well down the road, much much better than the stock high beams did. I think the lows on this model were rated at like 2800LMS.

I bought some LED bulbs off Amazon, been working pretty well once I got the cutoff dialed in. I have the Hikari bulbs for our specific housing, and they have pretty good output for LED bulbs, if a little pricey. Cutoff is dead flat, and there are only minor hotspots.

Be aware you're going to have to adjust the cutoff so you don't blind anyone. On our cars, there's a hole in top of the headlight assembly to access a gear to move the headlight up or down. You can use a Philips screwdriver to adjust it.

They are probably the Amazon ones.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M09C4FQ/

I bought a pair. They are pretty good. Much much brighter than stock and mine are aimed about right, it appears, so they aren't blinding people...yet.

Actually good LED headlights have great cutoff (not the cheap $30 crap.) I'm trying out these guys and so far they perform very well.

reverse

Something like this for interior.

And these are what I've been using for turn signal, but you're going to need a set of resistors if you do LED blinkers.

For rear, I would recommend the Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn Harness. It also gives you the ability to have twice as many reverse lights. shit is bright.

Nice, I have summit grey as well and this makes me want to wrap the trim red as well. I just did my interior lights, plate lights and back up lights with LED bulbs. Links in case anyone is interested, I get no flicker.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071LHP5WP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0728DYR9H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074M5Z9YX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I went with these LED lamps as a cheap alternative. They're actually very nice, I was pleasantly surprised. Most people think they're high end OEM LED headlights but actually just bulb swaps.

Auxbeam H11 LED Headlight Bulbs F-16 Series Extremely Bright Led Conversion Kit 60W 6000lm SMD LED Chips Fog Light - 2 Year Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KYZU604/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-I7lDb617KT4E

My total investment in it was $26 for the [light bar] (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WE47FVM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and $12 for the [wiring harness] (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0155W7EDS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1). It took about an hour to install not knowing quite what I was doing. You can assign the value of looks & functionality/use. I agree it looks great, and I use it semi-often on gravel roads and off road situations.

I'm running these Auxbeam LEDs on my Mazda 3 2016. They're really good for my needs and have a much better cutoff line than the kensun LEDs. I first bought them for my girlfriend's 2016 civic and grew jealous about how much better they were than my kensun ones lol.

I’m using this aftermarket knockoff. But I am verrrrry pleased with it. That could be because my stock light was awful... but fellow riders seem to love it.

C Light - https://www.diodedynamics.com/2015-2019-subaru-wrx-sti-c-light-switchback-led-halos.html

Halos - https://www.diodedynamics.com/hd-led-halos-for-2015-2019-subaru-wrx-wrx-sti-pair.html

Blinker Module - https://www.diodedynamics.com/led-flasher-for-2015-2019-subaru-wrx.html (Needed this because I removed my stock blinker lights. Could have wired in resistors, but this was easy and cheap)

LED Conversion Bulbs - https://www.diodedynamics.com/low-beam-led-headlight-for-2015-2019-subaru-wrx.html (Still waiting on these, so haven't tested them, but they'll be in this Friday)

Headlight Sealant - https://www.amazon.com/RetroRubber-Grade-Butyl-Headlight-Sealant/dp/B01N5PM29J

Harnesses to clean up wiring - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QFW8X9Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (Haven't installed yet, but planning on tomorrow)

Used to seal the hole of the old C Light bulb. Ran the C Light and Halo Harness through here - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Permatex-3-oz-Black-Silicone-Adhesive-Sealant-75150/302775053

Used to hold Halo in - https://www.homedepot.com/p/J-B-Weld-0-47-oz-ClearWeld-50114H/303710929 (There's other ways to do this, but this is what I chose)

Paint I used - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Painter-s-Touch-2X-15-oz-Flat-Black-General-Purpose-Spray-Paint-25-Bonus-336099/304221900

I also got the Subispeed harnesses, but I didn't use them because I deleted the stock turn signal bulb.

​

And I think that's it. Be sure to wear nitrile gloves too to avoid finger prints.

​

Also take your time. Don't paint the high beam housing unless you have another plan for those like a second projector.

​

Any other questions or pictures let me know.

​

(Side note, this is probably not done for me and I'll probably post more if I do more with these. Thinking about changing the bumper cover holes where the turn signals were for instance)

i just installed an opt7 aura kit, the control has an optional wire to hook into the dome light, i think its what your looking for.
for 45$ its pretty great, colors are quality the adhesive & kit is complete, just don't get psyched when you see the music matching button.
https://www.amazon.com/OPT7-Smart-Color-Strip-Interior-Lighting/dp/B00OU5LOT2

They also sell an underglow and wheelwell kit that i recall someone mentioning that they could be controlled together...

I got these Auxbeam ones for my 2019 low beams. Be careful, if you buy ones with a big ass fan in the back, you will have to remove the whole headlight to replace the bulb. In order to do that you would have to loosen the fenders and remove the bumpers which to me is excessive to replace bulbs. These are easy and with a bit of jiggling, they go right in. Awesome bright light.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KYZU604?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I got these and love them easy install
Auxbeam LED Headlight Bulbs F-16 Series LED Headlights with 2 Pcs of H11 headlight Bulbs 60W 6000lm CREE LED Chips Fog Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KYZU604?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I've not gotten any compliments or honked horns at me... so I'm not sure if they are blinding..

Turn signal lights

Alla Lighting Brightest CANBUS... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVT4F2C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Reverse lights

AUXITO 912 921 LED Backup Light... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0728DYR9H?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Inside lights

SEALIGHT 194 LED Bulb Error Free,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G4VJP5N?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
And
NAKOBO 2835 Chipsets （More... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K7F2169?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Hope that helps!

Headlight cover polishing/cleaning kit. Uses 2 progressively finer sandpapers (2000 & 3000?) to wet sand out the scratches, then a buffing compound to polish back to clear. Works great. This is what I used.

I don't necessarily agree that you have to upgrade the harness to get good lighting. For the price, LED headlights are readily available and have great results versus the stock halogen bulb. These are what I run and I have no complaints with them on my 99. They are 100% plug and play with the stock harness. Just pull the old lights out and plug the new ones in. Easy 5 minute job. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M09C4FQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Direct from China through AliExpress but they weren't available back then like they are today.

(2 Pcs) DOT approved 5" x 7" 6x7inch Rectangular LED Headlights for Jeep Wrangler YJ Cherokee XJ Trucks 4X4 Offroad Headlamp Replacement H6054 H5054 H6054LL 69822 6052 6053 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M09C4FQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_H4nWAbWB67Y6G

Hey! I'm the owner of the Forester and the bulbs are LED from Opt 7 6000k. I absolutely love them, but are a bit more expensive at $70.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VNBEJ1G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you are interested my Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/brianlipke/?hl=en

I did not have to re-aim the opt 7 at all. They have a good beam pattern. Depending on your car you may have to flip the ring on the bulb to adjust the spread. Im very happy. 15 minutes and done. I was going through about 4-5 packs of silverstars a year.

Example

https://www.amazon.com/OPT7-FluxBeam-Headlight-Clear-Arc-Beam/dp/B00VNBDWPK

Used https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Two-Step-Headlight-Restoration/dp/B01M75GUJB . Was super easy and there is enough in the kit to do another 2 full cars.

https://www.amazon.com/Auxbeam-Headlight-Headlights-headlight-6000lm/dp/B01KYZU604/ref=pd_bap_m_rp_11/153-6788983-7413167?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01KYZU604&pd_rd_r=7961c448-e919-4528-bf5e-76c09f49b4fe&pd_rd_w=geqIm&pd_rd_wg=vgiKV&pf_

They are great, affordable and give the truck a clean look at night.

I installed the a129 last week. Seems to be running ok but haven't tried parking mode as there is still complaints about it's recording algorithms. Waiting for a more reliable firmware update. I had an a119s that ran fine in high temps for 3 years. Due to the steep angle of the windshield or the fov of the camera I opted to install my camera to the right of the rear view mirror. It looks more centered than to the left of the mirror. I haven't gotten around to running the rear camera. Im going to have to run it through the door sill rather than the headliner as there's no where to tucknin that thick wire for the rear cam. Also my rear hatch glass has dark tint on it so I'm not sticking the cpl on that.

Idk if it was just my dark tint making it hard to see but I've replaced the rear back up lights with these. Reverse is MUCH brighter now.

Right now I'm looking for a door sill vinyl with "fit" written on it. My fit already has a rather noticeable scuff on the driver's door. So far the only where I've seen a good looking one is Alibaba but I'd rather not buy from there. Amazon has one but it's not the same and also doesn't have prime shipping. If I can't find anything I'm problably going to add a "carbon" universal sill decal.

Thank you! I think they look 90% as good as new!!

I used the 3m restoration kit

3M 39008 Headlight Lens... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIZ5HY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And this Sylvania restoration and UV coating

SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KIVYE6G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I used this 3M kit to restore them (which I bought when it jumped to $15 for 2 days instead of the average $10 :/) and Meguiar's Keep Clear coating.

If I had to do it again, I'd probably go with this Meguiar's kit that includes the keep clear. I say this because my wireless drill cannot hold a charge and to do both headlights it took me a long time.

Yep they say the sealer is good for a year.

Meguiar's G2970 Two Step Headlight Restore 2Step, 4. Fluid_Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M75GUJB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_p0kwDb8NPH4Z0

I've went though 4 different types of LED lights and these are so far the best I've owned. I love them. I originally paid $100 for them but looks like the price has went down!

2018 New Osram Chips 110W 5x7 Led Headlights 7x6 Led Sealed Beam Headlamp with High Low Beam H6054 6054 Led Headlight for Jeep Wrangler YJ Cherokee XJ H5054 H6054LL 6052 6053 2Pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BWBRDJ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pl4wCbYQKFE13

Here's what I did:

1. Watch this YouTube video
   
2. Buy a kit with the stuff he uses. (I bought this kit by Meguiars)
   
3. Follow the instructions carefully and watch the video.
   
   If you're patient and careful, it'll turn out great.

I'll apply wax, let it dry, buff out by hand then a quick pass with this stuff.


https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Magic-730-6-Headlight-Sealer/dp/B0051PJWQW

Every now and then or whenever I feel like the shine has dulled down a bit I'll go over the bare headlight with some Plastx before applying the wax and sealant and I'm good as new again.

You may actually be able to find some pre-built projector housings for yours. I looked and looked and looked, and the only pre-built projector housings I could find for the Vue were for year models 07 and up. Mine's an 03.

So I had to build mine. And the parts I used were pretty cheap so you might save money just building your own anyways.

Here's the parts I used

Nilight 2.5" Mini HID Bixenon Projector Lens

2x 23inch Dual Color White-Amber Switchback Headlight LED Tube Strip Light DRL Daytime Running Light & Turn Signal Lamp For Audi-Style Headlight

RetroRubber OEM Grade Butyl Headlight Sealant, Black

Everbrightt 1-Pair White 70MM 60SMD COB LED Headlight Angel Eyes Bulb Halo Ring Lamp Light With Housing

2pcs 12V HID Xenon AC Car Ballast 55W HID Xenon Bulbs Lamp For Auto Headlights For H1/3/4/7/8/9/10/11 9005 9006

HID-Warehouse HID Xenon Replacement Bulbs - H1 8000K - Medium Blue (1 Pair)

The paint I used was just a can of Rustoleum semi gloss black I got at Walmart for a few bucks.

I also purchased a separate set of headlights to do all this with, as this was my first time. I wanted to be able to take as much time as I needed with it. I can also easily switch back to stock at any time for whatever reason. I would suggest you do the same, if you're planning on building them.

To get them apart, I preheated our kitchen oven to 220 degrees. I lined an old baking pan with a wet towel and set the headlight on it, then put it in the oven for 10 minutes. This will soften the sealant enough so that you can pry the light housing apart.

Then when you're done with all of your modifications, remove as much of the old sealant you can and then line the edges of the housing with the new sealant. Heat it up like before and compress it back together.

Yep! Use this. Highest recommended adhesive I could find when searching for what to use and I have it at the ready for when I re-seal my own.

I added some extra footwell/under seat led's recently. It was super easy, just time consuming and can be annoying if you're a bigger guy/gal. I'm 6' and had a little trouble bending in strange ways to get into the pedal area to mount the box and one of the lights, as well as connect the fuses. It was then super easy to pull off the center console siding and run the cables into the back and across to the passenger side. I think it looks great. There is about 2" of visible cable in the back to account for the seats moving back and forth, but other than that I installed then in about 2 hours with no problems.

I used [this] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OU5LOT2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1496207734&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=opt7&dpPl=1&dpID=51s2zulxQbL&ref=plSrch) kit and I'm impressed with the build quality and everything else. The only issue is that you'll need to get a micro fuse adapter and either solder it or splice it into the power cable.

I'll update this post with some day and night pictures tomorrow night.

I installed these LUYED 2 X 1550 Lumens ... Error Free 921 ... W16W ... as my backup lamps.
They work great for me.
Now to find out how long they last.

Headlight went out, need to replace. Some information in my research is confusing:

• What is the most basic way/product of replacing the headlights?
  
• Are the housing and actual light bulb sold together or separate?
  
  Regarding upgrades:
  
  
• Often the phrase "conversion" is used, how is installation different from replacing with OEM bulbs and/or housing?
  
• Do lights like the Hella h4, Cibie have a shorter lifespan than the cheaper, dimmer, OEM lights?
  
• Are the upgraded lights US legal?
  
• I don't want to spend too much, I did a filter for '96 Miata, searched for Hella H4 and found this, is it the right part?
  
  Thank you.

LED Headlights-7"/7 inch Round 50W Cree Hi/Lo Beam Motorcycle Driving Light with DRL Turn Signal Halo Ring Angle Eyes for Harley https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS8NK62/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_r1qlDimLEGpZI

SKTYANTS 7" 7 Inch headlights Housing bucket for Harley Davidson motorcycle(black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073PXW2YC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_JrNw2Uj7KPHEU

Full disclosure I had my local dealer ship put this on, unfortunately. The wiring requires splitting to mount in the harness (I suppose not difficult to do but it's beyond my time/ability). They charged 3 hours of labor. Had them remove the old blinkers as well. They added on a small resistor to decrease the blink speed. So far it works well, but I need to take it apart because they had to grind it down a little to make space and I want it a little cleaner inside.

It just rained XD. And nope, factory headlamps, I cleared them a bit with Meguiar's Headlamp Restoration thingy

I switched everything over to LED and haven't looked back. I use the 6000K Lasfit 9005 for the DRLs

And the 6000K H8 Hikari Ultrasfor my headlamps.

I didn't need to readjust my lamps from their stock location. Lots of light. Love'm.

The DRLs have a little flicker to them but I tried a few different solutions to fix it and none of it worked. Now I kind of like the flicker and feel it actually makes them more safe.

Yes it does. Four steps total; 1000 grit sanding, 3000 grit sanding, plastic cleaner w/ drill operated buffing wheel, then sealer.

edit: Amazon link to the product I used https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G2980-Heavy-Headlight-Restoration/dp/B01M2D763D/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_263_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JWS85HZN5XR0X4HH5BNY

Recently picked up Katana H11's

Only running them on low beams right now as I start to swap out the rest. Based my information off of Bulb Facts -> the projector recommendations

I've heard great things about the Supernova V4's

​

EDIT: FWIW, Amazon has a lightning deal on Hikari H11 Bulbs right now.

Changing the headlight bulbs won't void your warranty.

If you want a white light then you'll have to either swap the bulbs with an LED kit (cheap), or replace the entire headlamp assembly with an LED assembly (expensive).

There are cheaper LED kits than the one I linked but I would be wary of their quality. Replacing the assembly costs more and takes more work, but the light output is much better.

Jesus, you went balls out. I was just going to use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Magic-730-6-Headlight-Sealer/dp/B0051PJWQW

At this point i fucked up one of my headlights and like melted it sanding it with a disc that came in a restore kit. I donno wtf happened, but there are like burn marks in the drivers side. So it needs replaced anyways.

Here you go OPT7 Fluxbeam H11 LED Headlight Kit w/ Clear Arc-Beam Bulbs - 60w 7,000Lm 6K Cool White CREE - 2 Yr Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VNBDWPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8i6LAbGAJQ2HZ

Using these in my civic.

LUYED 2 X 1550 Lumens Extremely Bright Error Free 921 912 W16W 3030 24-EX Chipsets LED Bulbs Used For Backup Reverse Lights, Xenon White https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01LX4FMD1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YSmACbQAPMYRZ

I've been using Blue Magic as a sealant with some success after polishing headlights.

I converted my SFV650 to this light and an eBay 7" bucket and am happy with the results.

I use the Meguiar's Headlight Restoration Kit It does need to be redone about every 6 months or so, but it only takes 15-20 minutes to pop out the headlight assemblies, do the restoration, and reinstall them.
BTW, is that a 2004? Looks a lot like my front end, except I have a bug deflector.

> What HID kit is that, and how easy/hard was the install?

It was a morimoto kit. Square D2.S model


It wasn't difficult. Just laborious.


Steps I took:

• Sourced some glass headlamps on amazon of all places.
  
• Here
  
• & Here
  
• Disassembled them
  
• Heated them up like instructed here.
  
• Scuffed, sanded, and painted the reflector interior. 10 coats of matte black spray paint.
  
• Purchased Square D2S projectors (square probably discontinued) and harness from SparkSmith.
  
• Reapplied the goop adhesive for the glass on the edges with this stuff.
  
• Reassembled glass back on. Applied pressure with some clamps. Reheated in oven.
  
• Reassembled.
  
• Called SparkSmith and they recommended I purchase 5500k HIDs and paired harness. (Great guys btw)
  
• Installed.
  
  This took me 3 months to get done, mistakes inclusive. Because I live a VERY busy lifestyle. You could do it with my advice in two weeks and one dedicated day, shipping time included.

Those kits will work long term, but you have to treat them for UV. Use this after you polish them: https://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-Headlight-Restoration-Block-Clear/dp/B01KIVYE6G

I just put these in my 2018. No word on longevity as they've only been in there two days but they look nice and weren't expensive.


High Beam

Low Beam

Meguiar's G2970 Two Step Headlight Restore 2Step, 4. Fluid_Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M75GUJB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jf0nDbZ1D9DHV

has worked well on several cars in Arizona for me

I used these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BWBRDJ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

They put out good light, aren't blinding when you drive towards me, and aren't goofy looking.

Switching to LEDs would allow OP to remove all the complicated added circuits from the HIDs. Is it possible this is causing his problems? I believe it would help rule it out, at least.

Either way, I do recommend switching to LEDs if you can. You get rid of that extra wiring and LEDs are plug and play. I bought these and they are brighter than my OEM halogens but not as bright as most HIDs I have seen. They do spread a lot of light with the reflector housing, but I imagine your HIDs do the same thing anyway.

A post I can contribute to! I recently bought [these dope headlights] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VNBEJ1G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) for my 16 year old Passport. The old ones were dim and the new ones are fantastic! A 4 star average and over 3000 reviews. Yes, they are 100 bucks but damn, so worth. Just be sure to find out what bulb type the car needs. Mine was a 9003 aka h4. You can find this by plugging your car's info into autozone.com. Look at a couple youtube videos to find out how to install the bulb: Mine had a rubber 'boot' that sealed the bulb in the housing and a metal clip that holds it in place. A zip tie or 2 to hold the wire and you are all set.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KYZU604/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've had these in for a few months now and I absolutely love them, but be warned you will piss people off. They're very clear and very bright and there will be people who hate you. Still recommend though!

Try the Meguiar's heavy duty headlight kit Worked really well for me on my CRV's really faded lights.

Started with 600 grit, then followed the directions on the box, just changing sanding directions (up/down vs left/right) after every step in grit. Go slow, and use a lot of water, takes about 30-40 minutes per light to get it lookin right but its worth it. Before and After results with said kit.

If you have access to a polisher, avarax's method would provide good and longest lasting results. The PPF is not that hard to put on.

​

If you have a power drill, here is a headlight restoration kit that I used and lasts for a while.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Two-Step-Headlight-Restoration/dp/B01M75GUJB

The first reviewer with photos here has a w123 :)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G72SKQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Heres a cheaper option than the cibie, just as good quality. I can personally vouch for the quality of these.

I've been using these for about a year now and they're good.

https://www.amazon.com/HIKARI-Headlight-Conversion-Lumileds-Warranty/dp/B077BT6M6Z/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=36YS5QXQ560C0&keywords=eye+of+megatron+led+headlight&qid=1556886062&s=gateway&sprefix=eye+of+megatr&sr=8-3

Just check the reviews.

I read good reviews on forums about this one, so I bought that for $10. LINK

Were you looking for an upgraded light bulb that fits the pre-existing socket or some mounted lights like these?

Some of the mounted lights are actually cheaper than the LED fan-cooled business I've seen at auto parts stores.

I depends on what types of hellas you're getting. They have both fog lights and driving lights for the 500 series(ones I have). The fogs have a more dissipated beam pattern so it doesn't blind oncoming traffic, while the driving light are equivalent to high-beams. I installed the 500ff (clear lens) driving lights on the roof rack cross-member because I already have fog lights and so i can aim the beams further down the road. Many states make it illegal to install lights above your headlights though, but its usually not heavily enforced. I made mine removable so if I do get pulled over I can detach it and hopefully only give me a warning. Hopefully that helps.

These http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TWD5GY/ are the ones i have, and these http://www.amazon.com/HELLA-005750971-Series-Halogen-Lamp/dp/B002MOAHCI/ are the fog light version. They used to be made in Germany, then Mexico and now the current ones are made in India(heard that the quality dropped but its still decent). Personally I wouldn't want to use the switch they give you if your'e wiring them up independently from your headlights, its crap. I ended up buy a second fog light switch to wire up to run them.

heres an album http://imgur.com/a/Golcy of what I did with my lights.

Are you talking about this.

So do you recommend applying this after restoring headlights? If you don't apply something like this will the headlight just re-oxidize quicker?

Whatever method you use (toothpaste, wet sanding, rubbing compound, etc) make sure you seal the surface with some UV blocker and keep it sealed, otherwise it will just yellow again.

Here's what I apply a few times a year to previously cleared up headlights: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Magic-730-6-Headlight-Sealer/dp/B0051PJWQW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487098859&sr=8-1&keywords=headlight+sealer

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BWBRDJ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Xo4sDbN09JYV0 I like them a lot.

You can buy a 20$ kit from any car part store usually has different levels of sand paper grit and a polish and takes around an hour and your headlight will look like brand new once done.. just did mine. I used this onehttps://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G2980-Heavy-Headlight-Restoration/dp/B01M2D763D/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1537212493&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=meguiars+headlight+restoration+kit&dpPl=1&dpID=51bAUJSl45L&ref=plSrch

Headlights (you only need one pair. the cutoff is outstanding)

Map lights, license plate lights, running tail lights, and side marker lights

Reverse lights

Front turn signals (accessible from under the vehicle - pin remover and 10mm socket needed)

Rear turn signals (requires tail light disassembly)

Turn signal resistors (required to prevent hyperflashing; soldering is recommended)

Brake lights (requires tail light disassembly)

Daytime-running lights (pliers needed)

Trunk light and dome light

I dropped these into my '16 iTouring the other day. The only complaint I have is Mazda's shitty ass way to switch out the low beam bulbs. You have to unscrew some bolts under the car near the wheel well and remove some plastic rivet fasteners inside the wheel well to be able to peel back the wheel well cover to access the low beams. It sucks but I got it done with the help of every cuss word in the English language. Not sure if switching out the bulbs is any different compared to the '16 considering the '17 got a facelift. Check the manual. Anyway, it was simply plug and play but there is a catch. High beam LED are pointless since a reflection set-up is used for factory halogen high beams and it was made for halogen; not anything else. Therefore, the high beam LED light is just scattered everywhere and is pretty much useless at night since the light isn't concentrated in one area. But the low beams have a projection set-up so it won't scatter light everywhere and you won't be blinding other drivers. Well, I don't think... I mean there is a cut-off like how the halogens were so I should be good... but regardless, LEDs are bright as hell.

They are awesome. You will also need some anti flicker devices, buy two of the anti flicker because they come in a one pack.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015SL0MSK/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01A8971E0/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

HIKARI Ultra LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit -H11(H8,H9), Prime LED 12000lm 6K Cool White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BT6M6Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_s3iRDb241SQKJ

Keep in mind I have the 18 SI so I’m not sure about differences between the 19/20.

Meguiar's G2970 Meguiar's Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit, 4 fl. oz, 1 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M75GUJB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QIXxCb7TR1Q1R

This kit works well. I did two cars with it that were pretty bad.

This! the ones i was looking at have an adjustable cutoff so that you don't blind people because I'm not trying to be that person. Here are the ones for reference: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XHD4HV3/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a 2010 Lancer ES

Same, I've had the car for three weeks and have been debating it the whole time. I read that you can reuse it, and after opening it did seem fine enough to reuse but I didn't want to risk it, resealed it with Mirimoto Retrorubber Butyl sealant

Nilight from Amazon.

LED Light Bar Nilight 20 Inch 126w LED Work Light Spot Flood Combo Led Bar Off Road Lights Driving Lights Led Fog Light Jeep Lights Boat Lighting ,2 Years Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WE47FVM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rLt.Bb52J5N4F

From Amazon. It was this one:
7inch Round 50W Cree LED... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01MS8NK62?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

If you are in the states or Canada, Amazon is the place to go.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00WE47FVM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1465963492&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=led+light+bar&dpPl=1&dpID=418DST6wcaL&ref=plSrch

I used these lights, they work for most of the lights you will encounter in a Camry, no dead ones, been working great for a year so far: 194 LED Light bulb, Yorkim 2017... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JRE38EA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Use this for the reverse:
AUXITO 912 921 LED Backup Light... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0728DYR9H?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I use Sylvania Silver Star Ultra for headlights

I also replaced my assembly with this:
Anzo USA 121181 Toyota Camry Projector with Halo/Black Clear with Amber Reflectors Headlight Assembly - (Sold in Pairs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038AX6W8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_X9ACCb8QDG00C

Go with the F16 models.

Auxbeam H11 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KYZU604/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7td0Db75P44T7

Auxbeam 9005 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G16BWLC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gvd0DbGBCFQ01

Those are the low and high beams. Took like 20 mins to install both.

Yeah, it's pretty crazy. I think they want BMW's to be more affordable to people. They're nice, yeah, but now the $30,000 base models come with 4 cylinder engines, cloth seats, halogen headlights, etc. You gotta pay attention to all the packages available. You could always try a kit like this:

https://www.amazon.com/OPT7-Headlight-Bulbs-Clear-Arc-Beam/dp/B00VNBDWPK/

Take a look at the customer images to get an idea if the color temperature you'll get. Again, it'll look nicer... but, some people are gonna hate you for it.

I bought this from AutoZone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M2D763D/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_iJMGAbCQR9GPR
Results https://imgur.com/a/NsaNh

Here ya go.

Headlights:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015SL0MSK/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_sN1zxbR2C70EG

Fog lights:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015WIRRV4/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_cP1zxbWSVR6H6

http://www.amazon.com/HELLA-5750941-12-Volt-55-Watt-Halogen/dp/B001TWD5GY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411429885&sr=8-1&keywords=hella+lights

link

That won't be a covered repair. I would get this

HELLA 005750941 500FF Series Driving Lamp Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TWD5GY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ld3sDb34SGPGH

Did you use a sealer?

Is it these?

Yup.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS8NK62

LED Daymaker Headlights-7"/7 inch Round 50W Cree Hi/Lo Beam Motorcycle Driving Light with DRL Turn Signal Halo Ring Angle Eyes for Harley Davidsion https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS8NK62?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

In my experience, it lasts at least a year.
This sealer made it last an additional year, but it still yellowed again.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051PJWQW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_.wCDDb9E95EAM

BEAMTECH 9005 LED Headlight Bulb, 50W 6500K 8000Lumens Extremely Brigh HB3 CSP Chips Conversion Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XHD4HV3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OQNCDbNY36B1G

I was thinking of this one.

SUPAREE 7 inches LED Motorcycle Headlight for Harley Davidson Touring Road King Ultra Classic Electra Street Glide Tri Cvo Heritage Softail Slim Deluxe Fatboy Chrome https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS8NK62/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yDTCDbHXS5KSY

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Magic-730-6-Headlight-Sealer/dp/B0051PJWQW

I've been using these for the past couple weeks and they work well
HIKARI Ultra LED Headlight Bulbs... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BT6M6Z?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

As long as you install the correctly and angle the beam low enough

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WE47FVM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_x9U23NVRuBrqd

Those are $57 on [Amazon] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M09C4FQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4DMtzbAJ71MSN) . I just ordered them the other day and should be delivered Sunday. I'll let you know how they are when I install them.

> high beams are halogens

Fortunately, there are plenty of cheap, quality LED replacements.

(2 Pcs) 5" x 7" 6x7inch Rectangular LED Headlights for Jeep Wrangler YJ Cherokee XJ Trucks 4X4 Offroad Headlamp Replacement H6054 H5054 H6054LL 69822 6052 6053 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M09C4FQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_L0N6yb879XYEF

R&L Racing Black Heavyduty Bull Bar Brush Push Bumper Grill Grille Guard 98-11 for Ford Ranger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073HRQ2W6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_L5dBDbZDPHVP9


LED Light Bar Nilight 20 Inch 126w LED Work Light Spot Flood Combo Led Bar Off Road Lights Driving Lights Led Fog Light Jeep Lights Boat Lighting ,2 Years Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WE47FVM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_22dBDbDNK0M6K

Meguiar's G2980 Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M2D763D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eHCPDbJDP4CE4

It's fine. The tool is especially handy. However, if they are grimey or just lightly oxidized, you can use this kit.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Two-Step-Headlight-Restoration/dp/B01M75GUJB/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?keywords=headlight+restoration+kit&qid=1570269734&sr=8-8

It has the clear coat that will prevent it from recurring for a year.

If they are bad, stick with the kit you suggested, and buy that spray separate fir $8

https://www.amazon.com/OPT7-Headlight-Bulbs-Clear-Arc-Beam/dp/B00VNBEJ1G

2018 New Osram 110W 5x7 Led... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BWBRDJ5?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Headlight Sealer

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WE47FVM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Coupled with their wiring harness
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0155W7EDS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Aftermarket. The OEM parts were too expensive for my wallet.

Footwell lights: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OU5LOT2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Door Sills: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S7M3FC1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Right here

Oh the limits are nearly in the tens or maybe hundreds! You could get a new head unit, speakers, led light bars roof basket a lift may be just a smidge over $100.

Find the Auxito LED Reverse Lights 6000k/1000lm for T15, 912, 921, 906, 904, W16W, and W5W here: https://amzn.to/33YtODa

Here is a link of the ones i would suggest. These are the Ultra ones with greater light output. i have the cheaper ones and i love them. you know the higher you go the worst visibility is. anything higher than 6k is cosmetic only and starts giving worst visibility. and personally its more of a JDM look, but everyone has there preferences.

I hated how the yellow light from my halogens clashed with the white LED fogs. Decided to try some LEDs I found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VNBDWPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Cxv.ybHXZNM1P

They work great in the projectors and produce plenty of light on the road compared with the halogens. They also don't seem to have any shadowing issues I've ran into with HID kits in the past.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BT6M6Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HmeVDbHK54C1Z

H11 and 9005 if I recall correctly for the hi and low beams

Not sure if this helps but I did buy led lights for my car http://www.amazon.com/OPT7-Headlight-Bulbs-Clear-Arc-Beam/dp/B00VNBDWPK/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1450736726&sr=1-1&keywords=led+headlights and I turn off my headlights and I'm not sure if it's a coincidence but once i turn my headlights off the fronts start working again

Not to sure if it's a coincidence or not

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BWBRDJ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_oYCXDbKSMNVV0
I don't have these, but bleepinjeep did a review of them and they aren't the best LED headlights but they are incredibly cheap.

I suppose the difficulty would depend what your local junkyard has because everything I got for my car from there was an 'option' to buyers. Lots of them came on the LTZ.

The 3 brushed aluminum pieces, leather shifter cover, dimming mirror, and heated mirrors cost me 53$

yes I got all the LEDs from amazon

Courtesy, trunk and license plate

Dome Lights

Reverse Lights

Headlights

I don't think I am going to go with LED brake lights and turn signals because I was reading on the forum that it can cause problems, and I don't feel like dealing with it.

It’s a nilight 20 inch light bar, i have had no problems with it at all after running it for a year in florida by the ocean constantly and also in the mountains with snow and salt, still performs amazingNilight light bar amazon link

Nether out of the 5 LED headlights I’ve experimented with have an error code. The “BeamTech LED’s” are literally the cheapest durable LED bulbs you can buy which gives a decent beam pattern👇

BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb, 50W 6500K 8000Lumens Extremely Brigh H8 H9 CSP Chips Conversion Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XHDYTGL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fg9VBbZK6ZAG6



The “Hikari LED’s” are premium LED bulbs with a premium price that are bright as hell with a perfect beam pattern👇

HIKARI Ultra LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit -H11 (H8,H9),Philips Lumileds 12000lm 6K Cool White,2 Yr Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BT6M6Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nm9VBbP60B2VP

These bad boys.

My Street Triple R came with a Puig aftermarket LED tail light, so unsure on that one. I'll link you the ones I picked up for headlights.

Edit : https://smile.amazon.com/OPT7-Fluxbeam-Headlight-Clear-Arc-Beam/dp/B00VNBEJ1G

Puig tail tidy complaint - the license plate light LED unit is sealed, nonservicable, and died on me last week, $30 to replace. Tsk

Edit Edit - Nevermind, the LED tail light is stock on 2013+.