Yet another H.I.D Light Thread, Sorry!

[Invasionss]

Ok, i'm wanting to fit some H.I.D lights to my vu ss ute, but does anyone know where I can get them from in Perth instead of over the net?

Also are projector headlights needed for these type of lights, if so, can you get the projector headlights for the vx/vu's?

Do all H.I.D globes come in kits or can the globes be bought seperately?

Justin

[VooDoo]

I think you should have checked the other HID threads. Every question has been answered already. The globes are no good to you without the ballasts.

[Wonky]

What's wrong with ordering over the net? Lots of people on here have ordered them from Gerald Mok (in Sydney) and had absolutely no problems. I've ordered 3 sets and they've arrived in Melbourne within a day or two of ordering. The ones I got for my SSV a month or so ago were only $175 on special - doubt you'll get them for anywhere near that from a shop.

I asked Gerald about globes for them ages ago when I had my VZ SS and at that stage (when the kits were $250) he said the globes were $80 per pair - not bad when you compare them to some of the aftermarket Phillips etc standard globe replacements!

They can be used on reflector type headlights as has been mentioned in the other HID threads many times but because the beams on those are not as controlled as they are in projectors you run more risk of dazzling oncoming traffic with potentially nasty consequences given how bright they are.

As to the question of putting projectors in a VU???? No idea, sorry.

[Mungrel]

I think Atlas Parts in perth may have some aftermarket HID headlights for the VT-VX series.
I know they do tail lights,
Haven't dealth with them for over a year though sorry so i can't remember their number sorry (change of job)

[Invasionss]

Wonky, does Gerald Mok have a website I can go to?

[Satansfist]

www.gadgetmaster.com.au

Ordered some HID lights last week, Gerald was exceptionally helpful (as everyone has said) and quick to deliver.

[Wonky]

Wonky, does Gerald Mok have a website I can go to?
His website is as Satansfist says but I have never even gone there. Just emailed him at info@gadgetmaster.com.au which Jaskel gives in all his posts, Jaskel being the guy who started the ball rolling on here with Gerald.

[Invasionss]

Thankyou Satansfist & Wonky

[NefariousLS1]

so where do the HID globes (say 6000k as there a legalish light output) stand from a legal perspective in reflector headlights. i only ask because im a P plater and dont need to make myself more of a defect target.

[macca_779]

I just ordered a set off Gerald's web site. Ended up getting the H4 HID Hallogen HI/Xenon Low's for $265 delivered. I'll post picks and an install guide to add to other experiences when I do the job. I did contemplate getting the Bi Xenon setup. But I'm happy with my Hi beam performance to date so I gave it a miss to save $110

[Invasionss]

I went on Gerald's site & there is quite a selection. I'm not sure if i'll go the standard H4 HID Xenon's or the Bi HID Xexon setup.
Now question with these globes, are they for low or high beam or for both?

Not worried about money on this issue, because more light is always safer for driving!

[Wonky]

so where do the HID globes (say 6000k as there a legalish light output) stand from a legal perspective in reflector headlights. i only ask because im a P plater and dont need to make myself more of a defect target.
Even HIDs in projectors is pushing things apparently according to some people as they say legally with HIDs you are meant to have headlight washers and self levelling suspension. I don't know for sure but in your case I wouldn't push my luck using them on reflectors if you're concerned about advertising yourself for more attention from the boys in blue.

[Satansfist]

I went on Gerald's site & there is quite a selection. I'm not sure if i'll go the standard H4 HID Xenon's or the Bi HID Xexon setup.
Now question with these globes, are they for low or high beam or for both?

Not worried about money on this issue, because more light is always safer for driving!


I was in much the same position about the Bi-Xenon stuff and it very much depends on the headlights you have.

Drop Gerald an email and he'll set you straight, he had me (well my Dad seeing as how I'm interstate) switch the lights on in the car and see what lit up on hi-beam etc, even sent him some pics to be sure, that's when he noticed that they were projector type lights which needed a different set again.

All sorted in short order though.

[seldo]

Whilst I've had HIDs in my low-beam projector lights for about 18mths, I recently fitted a set of Gerald's HIDs to my high-beam reflector lights as well, and did a 600k round trip down the coast on the weekend, going down on Sat night and back this morning at 4am.
Well, I've got to say that the lights are just awesome! They make the trip so much easier, faster and safer. I'm getting some for my treasures's Astra Coupe now.

[Wonky]

Whilst I've had HIDs in my low-beam projector lights for about 18mths, I recently fitted a set of Gerald's HIDs to my high-beam reflector lights as well, and did a 600k round trip down the coast on the weekend, going down on Sat night and back this morning at 4am.
Well, I've got to say that the lights are just awesome! They make the trip so much easier, faster and safer. I'm getting some for my treasures's Astra Coupe now.
Seldo, how do you find the warm up time on the high beam HIDs? I guess it isn't really all that noticeable given you've got them on low beam already??? I hardly ever use high beam now because I find the yellow light they throw compared to the HIDs on low beam annoying, plus I don't do all that much driving where I really need them. The HID low beams are good enough for most of my driving now at speeds up to approaching the legal limit.

I've considered putting HIDs in high beam too but wondered whether I'd find the warm up time annoying. :confused:

[Satansfist]

Seldo, how do you find the warm up time on the high beam HIDs? I guess it isn't really all that noticeable given you've got them on low beam already??? I hardly ever use high beam now because I find the yellow light they throw compared to the HIDs on low beam annoying, plus I don't do all that much driving where I really need them. The HID low beams are good enough for most of my driving now at speeds up to approaching the legal limit.

I've considered putting HIDs in high beam too but wondered whether I'd find the warm up time annoying. :confused:


I only got the HID lights for the hi-beam because I do a lot of driving in the country, as Gerald says, the HID for hi-beams is overkill unless you do a lot of driving in the country, so all the guys that spend all their time in town flashing their hi-beams at people whilst cruising are wasting their time, also wasting their time worrying about "warm-up" if you use the hi-beams for their intended purposes.

[NefariousLS1]

Dose it become anoying if having to change hi lo on the freeway for oncomming traffic

[seldo]

Seldo, how do you find the warm up time on the high beam HIDs? I guess it isn't really all that noticeable given you've got them on low beam already??? I hardly ever use high beam now because I find the yellow light they throw compared to the HIDs on low beam annoying, plus I don't do all that much driving where I really need them. The HID low beams are good enough for most of my driving now at speeds up to approaching the legal limit.

The first time you flick them on it takes a fraction longer - maybe .5 sec, hardly noticeable, but once they're warmed-up it's pretty-much instantaneous, and after you dip them for another car, or to overtake, you can really hardly notice - most people would'nt notice the delay. But the result is really worth while - even my treasure commented on how good they are. I like!

[Wonky]

Excellent - thanks Seldo! :thumbsup: Will get onto Gerald once I figure out what the VE high beam globes are. Anyone know for sure? I know they changed to using H7 for low beam so I don't know if high beams are still the same as in VZ.

I notice how long my low beams take to warm up as in my garage they always come on when I unlock the car and you can watch them increasing in intensity for probably about 3 seconds, but you're right - with the high beam once they've been on once they are probably pretty much instantaneous after that.

[Invasionss]

Well what a great experience I am having with my new HID lights fitted!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I bought them from Gadget Master, H4 conversion kit, $220.00 all up.

After the full kit was fitted, I had no park lights, no high beam & guess what, the ballast units were faulty!!!

No, I didn't fit them myself.

The Phillips globes are going in after this kit is removed.

[macca_779]

Well what a great experience I am having with my new HID lights fitted!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I bought them from Gadget Master, H4 conversion kit, $220.00 all up.

After the full kit was fitted, I had no park lights, no high beam & guess what, the ballast units were faulty!!!

No, I didn't fit them myself.

The Phillips globes are going in after this kit is removed.

What you describe is pretty wild and having 2 faulty ballasts is rare to say the least. The fact that you lost all lighting is leaning torwards the installer not knowing what he is doing. The HID product is a quality item. I wouldn't be blaming kingwood just yet without more facts to back it up. Going back to conventional halogens isn't something you would even consider if the HID's were working properly. They are simply that good.

[moose]

Well, I've got my HID kit (H1's) from gadgetmaster and fitted them to the high beams on my car, they are fantastic, very easy fit, works well, no probs at all.
I work night shift and live in a country area, so I do use the high beams a lot, and they are fantastic now.:bow:

[Wonky]

I have now bought 3 sets from Gadgetmaster (low beam for my VZ, low beam for my SSV and now high beam for the SSV) and have never had a problem, plus my auto elec was so impressed after he installed them on the VZ SS that he got me to get him a set for his own VYII R8. Plus numerous others on here have installed them with no problems.

I'm with macca_779, particularly if you reckon both ballasts were faulty - one I can believe as with everything electrical some things can be DOA, but both faulty tends to put the spotlight back on whoever was trying to install them for you. To top it off you lost other lights - who was trying to install them for you - the local butcher??? :D

You'll never go back to normal lighting once you find someone who knows how to install the HIDs properly!!

[Invasionss]

The guys who fitted them have never seen such poor quality fittings/clips. They have never seen HID lights this cheap ever!

I'll let you know abit more next weekend.

[macca_779]

The guys who fitted them have never seen such poor quality fittings/clips. They have never seen HID lights this cheap ever!

I'll let you know abit more next weekend.

are u serious. the plugs are pretty good compared to some of the crap i've seen on the market. Sealed rubber gaskets with the plugs made in quite decent quality plastic that wont go brittle in a couple of years. In fact they are of very similar build to the delphi oem plugs that make up our engine harnesses. Shit mate I don't know what more that you would want. Perhaps MIL Spec cannon plugs used on aircraft. I wouldn't be listening to your installers opinion on them if he can't work out a very simple lighting circuit.

[Wonky]

The guys who fitted them have never seen such poor quality fittings/clips. They have never seen HID lights this cheap ever!

I'll let you know abit more next weekend.
Sounds to me they were just making excuses to try to deflect from their ineptness. As I said, after he installed mine my auto elec got me to get him some for his R8 as he was very impressed.

[jordanf1]

I have an old H7 kit that I used to have in my Vectra which I have now put into the VE SS. Anyone know what to do about the auto on headlights? Any way to disable the feature? Reason being that HIDs are not meant to be switched on and off in quick succession. I have noticed that when you turn the ignition the head lights will auto turn on (if dark out) and then as the engine turns over the lights turn off briefly until the engine actually runs.

At the moment I have the lights dial turned onto the park lights on only and turn on the head lights when I need them on.

My kit was an ebay kit consisting of 2 Philips ballasts which cost me just over $800 4 years ago....and now you can get them so cheap......

[macca_779]

Turning the switch to off will turn the lights off.

[caaf]

Not sure if that was the intended answer (funny I must admit as it was my first thought)

Getting back on it. Does you menu system allow you to set the light timing to what you want? (if any) I'm sure it does

[Wonky]

Not sure if that was the intended answer (funny I must admit as it was my first thought)
If you put the switch to Off then they won't work again on Auto till the car is switched off and key removed. I don't worry about it - had them in my VZ like that for almost a year (always had light switch on Auto) with no problems, though can see your point as I had wondered about the same thing.

[Tony Kendal]

on the VE, youe can also get into your Security settings and turn off the lighting function for lock/unlock or..... extend the ON time. Being the new lights are only 35watts, you are only using at least half of the old bulb power. Treat the neighbours to a 'light show' and let the Hyundai pimple faces go back to the shadows.

[seldo]

Well what a great experience I am having with my new HID lights fitted!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I bought them from Gadget Master, H4 conversion kit, $220.00 all up.

After the full kit was fitted, I had no park lights, no high beam & guess what, the ballast units were faulty!!!

No, I didn't fit them myself.

The Phillips globes are going in after this kit is removed.
Funny - sounds similar to the result I had after the auto-elec fitted my first set. Couldn't make them work at all - therefore they must be faulty. But after insisting that they couldn't both be faulty he had another go the next day and .....voila! All fixed, and no damage or problems with anything else.
Tell him he's a wally....

[zapher007]

I just looked at the Gadget Master website and there are a million different types. What should I get for a Mazda SP23? I know i'm on the wrong site for a Mazda but this is the only one i'm on and yes am a bit embarrased to have a girls car. :) Seemed like a good idea at the time of buying it. Oh well. I do lots of night driving with Kangaroos etc and want the best ones.

[mac06]

I just looked at the Gadget Master website and there are a million different types. What should I get for a Mazda SP23? I know i'm on the wrong site for a Mazda but this is the only one i'm on and yes am a bit embarrased to have a girls car. :) Seemed like a good idea at the time of buying it. Oh well. I do lots of night driving with Kangaroos etc and want the best ones.

Email Gerald and ask him for advice. See post #7 info@gadgetmaster.com.au

[zapher007]

Thanks a million Mac06 :eyes:

[NightFallTech]

so which set do i need for a series 1 VT? And does anyone know a well priced auto electrician in the south melbourne area who could fit.

[Wonky]

Arguably you shouldn't fit them to a VT assuming it only has reflector style lamps and not projectors. Has been discussed a million times before. Search on reflector projector

[macca_779]

Arguably you shouldn't fit them to a VT assuming it only has reflector style lamps and not projectors. Has been discussed a million times before. Search on reflector projector


They go awesome in reflector lights. Better than they do in projectors in fact. You just have to adjust them acrodingly. I haven't been flashed yet. Check out my install guide for a comparison between stock lights and HID

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=77600&highlight=reflector+install+guide

[jordanf1]

Better than projectors? That's bollocks. Bet there's more glare than projectors. Special reflectors are required when using HID lamps (ie Lexus) and they use a lamp that has a painted shield to cut down glare. You've been lucky not to have been flashed.

If indeed reflectors are better why would all the big name marquees like Mercedes and BMW all use projectors?

I think you think that they are better than projectors because it throws out a very spread out light that is great for the driver of the vehicle but not for oncoming traffic.

I've done it before in reflectors and got someone to drive the car oncoming at me. I decided to take them out because it was just too much glare.

[macca_779]

Better than projectors? That's bollocks. Bet there's more glare than projectors. Special reflectors are required when using HID lamps (ie Lexus) and they use a lamp that has a painted shield to cut down glare. You've been lucky not to have been flashed.

If indeed reflectors are better why would all the big name marquees like Mercedes and BMW all use projectors?

I think you think that they are better than projectors because it throws out a very spread out light that is great for the driver of the vehicle but not for oncoming traffic.

I've done it before in reflectors and got someone to drive the car oncoming at me. I decided to take them out because it was just too much glare.

By better I meant brighter and with more spread. And yeah I guess it is for my benefit. I didn't buy them so others could see me better. Projectors have their merrits I guess. But meh I don't get it, the tighter beam is all well and good for a view ahead. But I don't rate tunnel vision Hell Ford used projectors in their NA Fairlanes. You don't see them use them anymore. Just my thoughts. I know lots of people won't be convinced as there is a perceived premium to projectors. It's all wank factor

[jordanf1]

Just like everything else there are good projectors and there are bad one's. I'm guessing the Fairlane one's are pretty ordinary for them to take them out.

There are specially designed projectors made for HID lamps and projectors made for halogen bulbs as well. I guess if you want HID in your Holden then the only 'real legal' way is to buy the new Caprice/Statesman? with factory HID.

But once you go HID you can't go back to halogens :) whether they are installled in reflectors or projectors, the light output is incredible.

Just if anyone is thinking about installing aftermarket HID just consider other drivers on the road and to some extent yourself because you wouldn't want to be pulled over and given a defect notice.

[Invasionss]

Well it was D day for the ute for the second try at getting them working. The system was fully disconnected & then reconnected & still nothing at all.

I guess I was the unlucky wanker that got a faulty kit.

[macca_779]

Well it was D day for the ute for the second try at getting them working. The system was fully disconnected & then reconnected & still nothing at all.

I guess I was the unlucky wanker that got a faulty kit.

did you take it to a different shop this time. I really can't comprehend both ballests and or both globes being faulty. Something is fishy. Are they using the patch harness or not. If they are confrim the fuzes and relays are servicable. This is all pretty common dog fvuk troubleshooting for someone competent. But you never know.

[Invasionss]

All they told me is that they took it all apart & then put it all back together again. They've told me twice now that proper HID kits cost well over $1800 & that this, the Kingwood HID system is cheap & reflects the price. I told them time & time again that many people fit them themselves & no worries. Then they say, you may have just got a fautly unit.

I'm going to ask my uncle if he can do, which I should of done in the first place if he can fit as he's got more f'ing experience with electrics than these toss brains.
I didn't want to do myself even know I could of as I didn't want to stuff it up.

I've email Gerald & just advised him that I'll be keeping it for a while & i'll get back to him. He must be thinking, What The "F" Is Going On Here!!!

Has anyone else in Perth bought lights from Gerald & where did you have them fitted???

[seldo]

Also, don't forget that earth is switched on these, not the power side. Try connecting one directly to the battery and I think you'll find that they work. If you connect them with the polarity arse-about they are protected and you'll just find that nothing happens. Also, the kit that I got had in the instructions in bold print "NOTE: Ensure that you connect the Red wire to Negative and the Black wire to Positive".....I thought WHAAAAT??? But that's what it said....(That's how I know that when wired-up reverse polarity it doesn't hurt them...) When I did it again with the correct polarity of Red/Pos black/Neg all was well. Sometimes there are a few minor problems with the translation in the instructions...

[macca_779]

Also, don't forget that earth is switched on these, not the power side. Try connecting one directly to the battery and I think you'll find that they work. If you connect them with the polarity arse-about they are protected and you'll just find that nothing happens. Also, the kit that I got had in the instructions in bold print "NOTE: Ensure that you connect the Red wire to Negative and the Black wire to Positive".....I thought WHAAAAT??? But that's what it said....(That's how I know that when wired-up reverse polarity it doesn't hurt them...) When I did it again with the correct polarity of Red/Pos black/Neg all was well. Sometimes there are a few minor problems with the translation in the instructions...


I agree that the instructions are a bit lacking. Infact for me the instructions were totally useless as they were for a different style than my own. Also as I did the install by wiring into the existing lighting circuit, not via the patch harness, I had to work it out myself. Hence I made a install guide for others.

Your spot on about the switched earth, in addition to that the earth line actually has 12v in a relaxed state. This means that with the lights off and probing all the wires to the chassis all of them will be 12v.

[Wonky]

Has anyone else in Perth bought lights from Gerald & where did you have them fitted???
PM EXCESSV (Dean) and The_Senator (Paul) as they're in WA and got their kits from Gerald - fitted them themselves I'm sure. They're both very pleased with them.