bulldog
02-03-2009, 10:53 PM
I like HID driving lights, but they are way to expensive. I was also reluctant to convert my current PIAA580s to HID due to the cost of the kits.
Then I saw 55W HID kits for reasonable prices here:
http://www.ddmlights.com/ap55wwesa.html
Total was $80 for the complete kit including shipping & Tax.
The PIAA580s use H3 bulbs. I also chose the 55W kit for $15 extra, which is supposed to give about 40% more light than the 35W kit. Still uses less power than the 85W H3 halogen bulbs.
The kit has no instructions and basically ship the ballast, wiring and bulbs for both lights.
One side
http://www.ezdries.net/Vidpics/HID/IMG_6877.JPG
The conversion is simple with basic screw drivers, a 1" hole saw, a bit of painters tape and a little silicon.
I was initially concerned as the HID bulbs are longer than the H3 bulbs, but the filament area is at the same height on both. Thus the focus of the reflector will be maintained. The HID bulbs also fit easily in the light.
http://www.ezdries.net/Vidpics/HID/IMG_6879.JPG
Also the kit comes with wiring that allows you to plug into the existing harness in the light, run the 12V back to the ballast and then return the high voltage lines back to the HID bulb. I chose to use this route, which requires the 1" hole in the light, and makes wiring a bit messy outside the light.
Alternatively you can run the 12V directly to the ballast by cutting into the 12V harness. Then just use the existing hole to run the high voltage lines to the HID bulb. This will make for a cleaner install in the long run.
First unscrew the 2 side screws of the lights and open the light to separate the reflector (sealed) form the backing (also sealed). Then unplug the wires going to the bulb so you can easily work on the back portion of the light.
Then put some painters tape over the area where you want to make the hole. The end result will look like this.
http://www.ezdries.net/Vidpics/HID/IMG_6882.JPG
Now run the wires through and connect the 12V side. Make sure to set the rubber plug of the supplied harness correctly to the light.
http://www.ezdries.net/Vidpics/HID/IMG_6883.JPG
Put the bulb back in the reflector and make sure the bulb is secured properly in the correct position. The H3 bulbs have specific indents.
Then reassemble the light. (I had to use some painters tape to secure the holding nuts for the light screws). As you can see the option of cutting up some wiring harnesses might make for a cleaner install.
http://www.ezdries.net/Vidpics/HID/IMG_6884.JPG
Use silicon to properly seal the rubber plug. Once the silicon has settled the light is ready to be reinstalled. Plug in the ballast and you are good to go. I just used Super HD double sided 3M tape to secure the ballast to the SW bumper (make sure the bumper is clean).
Then I saw 55W HID kits for reasonable prices here:
http://www.ddmlights.com/ap55wwesa.html
Total was $80 for the complete kit including shipping & Tax.
The PIAA580s use H3 bulbs. I also chose the 55W kit for $15 extra, which is supposed to give about 40% more light than the 35W kit. Still uses less power than the 85W H3 halogen bulbs.
The kit has no instructions and basically ship the ballast, wiring and bulbs for both lights.
One side
http://www.ezdries.net/Vidpics/HID/IMG_6877.JPG
The conversion is simple with basic screw drivers, a 1" hole saw, a bit of painters tape and a little silicon.
I was initially concerned as the HID bulbs are longer than the H3 bulbs, but the filament area is at the same height on both. Thus the focus of the reflector will be maintained. The HID bulbs also fit easily in the light.
http://www.ezdries.net/Vidpics/HID/IMG_6879.JPG
Also the kit comes with wiring that allows you to plug into the existing harness in the light, run the 12V back to the ballast and then return the high voltage lines back to the HID bulb. I chose to use this route, which requires the 1" hole in the light, and makes wiring a bit messy outside the light.
Alternatively you can run the 12V directly to the ballast by cutting into the 12V harness. Then just use the existing hole to run the high voltage lines to the HID bulb. This will make for a cleaner install in the long run.
First unscrew the 2 side screws of the lights and open the light to separate the reflector (sealed) form the backing (also sealed). Then unplug the wires going to the bulb so you can easily work on the back portion of the light.
Then put some painters tape over the area where you want to make the hole. The end result will look like this.
http://www.ezdries.net/Vidpics/HID/IMG_6882.JPG
Now run the wires through and connect the 12V side. Make sure to set the rubber plug of the supplied harness correctly to the light.
http://www.ezdries.net/Vidpics/HID/IMG_6883.JPG
Put the bulb back in the reflector and make sure the bulb is secured properly in the correct position. The H3 bulbs have specific indents.
Then reassemble the light. (I had to use some painters tape to secure the holding nuts for the light screws). As you can see the option of cutting up some wiring harnesses might make for a cleaner install.
http://www.ezdries.net/Vidpics/HID/IMG_6884.JPG
Use silicon to properly seal the rubber plug. Once the silicon has settled the light is ready to be reinstalled. Plug in the ballast and you are good to go. I just used Super HD double sided 3M tape to secure the ballast to the SW bumper (make sure the bumper is clean).