Andy-r
Jun 12 2008, 08:35 AM
How easy is it to strip, clean and re-seal the headlamps, my units have gone and get condensation in them regually, would rather repair than replace at the mo. Cheers
sorted vti
Jun 12 2008, 10:18 AM
to strip the headlight completely down isnt too hard. theres a few write ups and i think i done one too at some point. i just put mine in the oven and warmed the glue and pulled it apart. then used a black sealant to seal them back up.
corsavandal
Jun 12 2008, 10:27 AM
QUOTE(sorted vti @ Jun 12 2008, 11:18 AM)

to strip the headlight completely down isnt too hard. theres a few write ups and i think i done one too at some point. i just put mine in the oven and warmed the glue and pulled it apart. then used a black sealant to seal them back up.
is it really as simple as that sorted?
Andy-r
Jun 12 2008, 11:38 AM
How long did they go in the oven for
Rob
Jun 12 2008, 12:14 PM
put them in the oven, NOT LENS DOWN!!
i used 110C for about 12 - 15 mins, seemed to work for me , u will need oven gloves as its hot to touch and also a screwdriver to lift up the locking tabs, u can then pull them apart - i think i started from the thinner end first as it was easier.
if its hard to pull apart put them back in the oven.
REMEMBER IF YOU MELT OR ***** UP REMOVING THE LENS THEN ITS NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY - ALL IS TAKEN AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Ps - cant you just run a bead of selant all around the lens - then no need to take them apart???
Andy-r
Jun 12 2008, 12:25 PM
Will try siliconing around the seals before dismantling will also check the seals around the bulbs may be they have corroded abit, just wondered how easy it was to take apart if it comes to that. Thanks Guys
corsavandal
Jun 12 2008, 12:25 PM
think he'll want to clean them too Rob. Got the same problemo on with mine, just couldnt afford a new set if i did mess up!
Rob
Jun 12 2008, 12:38 PM
i split 3 sets of lights in an afternoon - very first time i did it and no probs at all.
corsavandal
Jun 12 2008, 12:40 PM
if only you were UK based

id send you mine (with a fee for doing them of course)
sorted vti
Jul 29 2008, 11:33 PM
yeah takes a little time but it isnt that hard. while there apart you might aswell de-tango it and paint the inner plastic trim!!
Niwinars
Aug 13 2008, 07:14 PM
let's see how I'd fit these ones. Anybody interested in doing the job for me? Anybody at all?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...E:X:AAQ:GB:1123
sorted vti
Aug 13 2008, 07:21 PM
i have those lights on mine.(well there still off the car after the mot - due to go back on soon)
they are not direct fit. theres a thread somewhere that i started. there for the is300. and you need to cut the wings.
you need to order an hid kit for the projector unit as the is200 doesnt have a ballast to run the hid's. its not a major job you just need to cut the 2 mounting holes on the wings to get them in!! good luck!!
Niwinars
Aug 13 2008, 11:27 PM
QUOTE(sorted vti @ Aug 13 2008, 08:21 PM)

you need to order an hid kit for the projector unit as the is200 doesnt have a ballast to run the hid's.
Thanks mate for your help. I do have HiD lights already fitted in my car so may not have to buy a new pair of Ballast, just want to change the Projectors. And that is what I am worrying about. I'd probably go to a Machanic because I am crap with Maintenance.
I'll keep you posted, regardless what happens..

Thats what she looks like at the moment.
Dan_Harris
Aug 14 2008, 04:55 PM
Just noticed that my nearside headlight has some condensation on it, bit of an annoyance as the headlights have eyebrows on
Dan_Harris
Aug 15 2008, 08:47 AM
1 thing I have noticed that from searching about (especially on the IS's) that it's always the near side (passengers) headlight that seems to be affected, anyone have any ideas why?
84Stoney
Aug 15 2008, 11:25 AM
Just a little note. If you do it correctly, you should not need to use any sealant, the factory sealant in the lights should be sufficient to seal them back up!
Posted before, but i'll post again. Video guide for fitting angel eyes (includes opening and sealing lights).
CLICK ME. Quite a good guide.
84Stoney
Aug 15 2008, 11:25 AM
Double post.
(Mods: Delete?)
Scorps01
Aug 15 2008, 12:39 PM
QUOTE(Dan_Harris @ Aug 14 2008, 05:55 PM)

Just noticed that my nearside headlight has some condensation on it, bit of an annoyance as the headlights have eyebrows on

How much Dan? as i only ever saw a little bit and only when it was quite cold but as soon as the lights were on it would disappear within 5 mins....it never bothered me that much really.
Dan_Harris
Aug 15 2008, 12:55 PM
I'm a fussy person though Pete

, I have the catch 22 of If I want to take it apart and reseal it I'm going to need to remove the eyebrows, also If I end up cracking one then the chances of getting a JDM replacement headlight are slim to none as these are rarer than rocking horse excrement!
It seems usually in the mornings this occurs, it tends to cover the complete lower half of the light, this picture shows what I mean (if you look at the passengers headlight, at a quick glance it looks like it's just the reflection).
Scorps01
Aug 15 2008, 03:54 PM
I'm willing to bet its a loose bulb fitment and the cold air is getting through, have a check and refit bulbs and seals and that corner is a biatch to get to for the sidelights.
Dan_Harris
Aug 15 2008, 05:43 PM
yeah i've seen that mate

, typical that the side with the problem is one with the components, if I were to take the unit out and apart I would need to have the lights re-aligned would I not?
Niwinars
Aug 16 2008, 02:03 PM
As I promised, these are some of the photos I took before & after the modification. It took us almost an entire day to get them fixed. So much cutting and chopping of the frame and fingures too that I thought we'd never get there, but we did.
What do you guys make of this? The only problem I have is because they're for US cars therefore the right light is slightly to the right (since we've left headlight slightly to the left to light up the foot-path). Is there anything that can be done to adjust the angel?
Monster-Mat
Aug 16 2008, 02:12 PM
US headlights should point directly ahead.
you will fail an MOT with these fitted
how come it took all day to "trim"everything, you only need to remove the bottom wing mounting hole, for the light(behind where the indicator is) and at worse a slight trim of the horizontal panel under the actual light body
Niwinars
Aug 16 2008, 02:24 PM
Thats what I'd thought but the back of the lamps are longer than the ordinary ones. Therefore the frame had to be cut (behind the headlamps).
I am worried about the MOT but it's almost 6 months away, so let's see how it goes..
Monster-Mat
Aug 16 2008, 02:28 PM
QUOTE(Niwinars @ Aug 16 2008, 02:24 PM)

Thats what I'd thought but the back of the lamps are longer than the ordinary ones. Therefore the frame had to be cut (behind the headlamps).
yup that the part that sometimes/sometimes not needs trimming, easiest way to do it is cut a slot either end, then bend it over, takes about 5 mins
redz_UK
Aug 16 2008, 02:39 PM
QUOTE(Niwinars @ Aug 16 2008, 03:24 PM)

Thats what I'd thought but the back of the lamps are longer than the ordinary ones. Therefore the frame had to be cut (behind the headlamps).
I am worried about the MOT but it's almost 6 months away, so let's see how it goes..
The car has to be fully road legal as it was when the MOT was done. If you are stopped and checked you could be fined for being unroadworthy or possibly a producer which will mean getting a new MOT which you will fail..
dont want to sound like a kill joy but this was exactly the reason why i didnt get these..
84Stoney
Aug 16 2008, 02:45 PM
QUOTE(redz_UK @ Aug 16 2008, 03:39 PM)

The car has to be fully road legal as it was when the MOT was done. If you are stopped and checked you could be fined for being unroadworthy or possibly a producer which will mean getting a new MOT which you will fail..
If I understand you correctly, then your headlights are not aimed correctly, and your car is neither legal nor roadworthy. Just because your MOT is 6 months away, does not mean it is legal until then.
If your lights point to the right then you will dazzle oncoming traffic. This is uncourteous and down right dangerous. Possibly worse than fog lights?
"Oi Nob! Illegal headlights do not make you car any more desirabe." Oh, the Irony!
If it was my car, guaranteed the Rashers would pull me for it.
The topic of US spec headlights has been covered on this forum quite a lot, and i think the general conclusion was, unless they are properly adjustable (if it took you all day to fit, you should be pretty familiar with the units!) they are very difficult (impossible) to get a legal beam pattern with. Some people swap the standards back for MOT, but this isn't really recommended. Many have rejected the idea of these type of units, as they prefer to stay within the law.....
Monster-Mat
Aug 16 2008, 02:48 PM
US headlights wouldnt dazzle if installed correctly as the beam dips to the front, not left or right
They would be legal on a USDM vehicle, if no other lights are available, hence why all the US trucks and cars can drive in the UK, there lights point and dip straight ahead
84Stoney
Aug 16 2008, 02:57 PM
QUOTE(Monster-Mat @ Aug 16 2008, 03:48 PM)

US headlights wouldnt dazzle if installed correctly as the beam dips to the front, not left or right
They would be legal on a USDM vehicle, if no other lights are available, hence why all the US trucks and cars can drive in the UK, there lights point and dip straight ahead
QUOTE(Niwinars @ Aug 16 2008, 03:03 PM)

The only problem I have is because they're for US cars therefore the right light is slightly to the right (since we've left headlight slightly to the left to light up the foot-path).
Well, there are slight discrepencies between what you and he are saying Mat, unless they are not installed correctly, of course. He says his point right.
Monster-Mat
Aug 16 2008, 03:06 PM
QUOTE(84Stoney @ Aug 16 2008, 02:57 PM)

QUOTE(Monster-Mat @ Aug 16 2008, 03:48 PM)

US headlights wouldnt dazzle if installed correctly as the beam dips to the front, not left or right
They would be legal on a USDM vehicle, if no other lights are available, hence why all the US trucks and cars can drive in the UK, there lights point and dip straight ahead
QUOTE(Niwinars @ Aug 16 2008, 03:03 PM)

The only problem I have is because they're for US cars therefore the right light is slightly to the right (since we've left headlight slightly to the left to light up the foot-path).
Well, there are slight discrepencies between what you and he are saying Mat, unless they are not installed correctly, of course. He says his point right.
Trust me, US headlights do not dip, left and right, Euro dip Right, UK dip left, US dip straight on
84Stoney
Aug 16 2008, 03:08 PM
QUOTE(Monster-Mat @ Aug 16 2008, 04:06 PM)

Trust me, US headlights do not dip, left and right, Euro dip Right, UK dip left, US dip straight on
Oh, I do trust you! And would not claim to be an expert on the subject. I was just going on info from Niwinars.
Niwinars
Aug 16 2008, 03:13 PM
Anyway, what is the solution? Does anybody know i these lights can be adjust them to make them UK road legal? Any suggestions would be appreciated
Monster-Mat
Aug 16 2008, 03:21 PM
QUOTE(Niwinars @ Aug 16 2008, 03:13 PM)

Anyway, what is the solution? Does anybody know i these lights can be adjust them to make them UK road legal? Any suggestions would be appreciated
no, there US lights, there designed to be used in the US on US cars.
you may just be able to coax some beam movement to the left, ...but not much
redz_UK
Aug 16 2008, 03:21 PM
QUOTE(Niwinars @ Aug 16 2008, 04:13 PM)

Anyway, what is the solution? Does anybody know i these lights can be adjust them to make them UK road legal? Any suggestions would be appreciated
not as far as im aware.. if you contact the original seller even they will state they will not pass an MOT and therfore are not road legal... shame as they look good..
i guess its your choice to take the chance with them..
84Stoney
Aug 16 2008, 03:54 PM
Not sure there is anything you can do. Just run the risk!
sorted vti
Aug 16 2008, 04:44 PM
i have had these on the car when i mot'd it. it failed and on the fail sheet it said there is to much kick up on the right!!!
if you put stickers on the headlights (to cut off the kick on the right) then these would pass an mot fine!! apart from that theres nothing you can do. these headlights do not have the adjustment in them to bring the kick back down!!
Dan_Harris
Aug 17 2008, 09:40 PM
it is a shame as I looked at those headlights and i think they look awesome
Dan_Harris
Aug 21 2008, 08:52 AM
**UPDATE**
It appears I may have resolved my condensation issue on my n/s headlight issue, after removing one of my bulbs the plastic surround which the bulb locks into was very loose (this has 3 screws securing it), I tightend these screws and so far haven't had any condensation at all.
Purvesh
Aug 21 2008, 10:52 AM
Sorry, not a fan of those headlights tbh. Too much going on with them....
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