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The Retrofit Source Bi-Xenon HID Morimoto Mini Stage III projector retrofit kit (H1)
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Reviews
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Views
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Date of last review
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2
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5051
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Sun February 12, 2012
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Recommended By
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Average Price
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Average Rating
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100% of reviewers
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$225.00
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10.0
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Description:
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The Morimoto Mini bi-xenon complete kit includes the ultra-compact Mini bi-xenon projectors, the proper HID bulbs, and a set of 35w digital Morimoto ballasts to power them. It doesn't get any more "plug n play" than this.
TheRetrofitSource.com
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Keywords:
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HID retrofit 9007 H1 projector
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Author
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celly
disturber of the peace
Registered: July 2004
Posts: 6857
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Review Date: Tue October 18, 2011
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: $225.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Best aftermarket lighting option for 2nd gen, almost plug and play.
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Cons:
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None really.
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Anyone who owns a 2nd gen Explorer knows that the OEM lighting is average at best. The standard housings yellow with time and the standard 9007 bulbs aren't overly bright. I've used Silverstars and lots of other bulbs, but I was always left wanting more.
First step most people take to "upgrade" is to get a standard HID kit with 9007 bulbs. These kits are everywhere and prices have dropped immensely over the years. Another common mod in the 2nd gen are the so called "Diamond Cut" housings. Aftermarket housings and corners which are much clearer than OEM and look nicer. However, if you mount HID bulbs as is, the light throws a ton of glare. The light is blotchy and is dangerous to oncoming traffic.
Enter the one piece eBay kits for the 2nd gen. I scored a set and liked them for the most part. However, they dramatically alter the look of your truck because their are 4 lights up front, not just two. I never truly cared for this setup outside of the much improved lighting over stock and HID kits in standard (and Diamond Cut housings). This was my setup before I did the retrofit kit:
The quality of the one piece kits is average. The wiring is not great either. For the most part, my kit stood up fine for two years.
Of course the best option is to retrofit projectors into stock (or Diamond Cut) housings, but who has the patience, or the skills? Certainly not me. I heard about these retrofit "kits" from The Retrofit Source from an EF member who also posts on Hidplanet.com. He suggested I give one of these Morimoto Mini kits a try. He said they're pretty much plug and play, and he wasn't joking.
The toughest part of the exercise is "baking" your lights so the front lens comes apart from the rear reflector. I did mine at 265F for 7 minutes. It takes some effort, the lights will separate. Then you slide the projector through the hole where the 9007 bulbs go into using the included hardware. No instructions provided, but if I can figure them out, anyone can.
Once you get the set hooked up and slide the H1 bulbs in, test aim them with the lenses off. The kit comes with a 9007 adapter that pretty much positions the projector where you need it.
The kit includes high quality HID ballasts that are highly recommended on hidplanet. I also upgrade to the faux Philips bulbs for $30 more. I scored the entire setup on a Group Buy and saved 25%. I'd pay full price for this setup.
Not only do I like the look of my truck again, but the lighting is by far the best I've had on my truck. Outside of doing more hardcore retrofitting, I feel this is by far the best option available for 2nd gen Explorers. I got the 9007 adapter and harness. Don't forget to switch the pins around in the harness as it comes pre-wired for 9004, which cosmetically the same as 9007, but with the reversed pins will cause your fuses to blow when you try and use the highbeam option.
On that note, the highbeam option is bar none the best I've ever used with a HID kit. I've tried two different bixenon kits in the past and they sucked. All they do is move an already blotchy light pattern somewhere else. The highs on this Morimoto kit are VERY bright.
I can't say enough about this kit. Service is superb too. Fast ship and timely responses to your emails.
This is my setup now:
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 '99 EB
5.0 AWD, Torque Monster Headers, 1" Trick Flow UI spacer, Custom Volant based CAI (incl C&L MAF body), SCT XC2 w/Henson tunes, Flo Pro catback, EE swaybar & airdam, Morimoto HID projector retrofit (4300K), Bilstein shocks, Powdercoating by Turdle, Amsoil everywhere, other stuff.
Quote:
I didnt even waste my time to read that, nor will I, however I read some of it. 
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I, I, I, Me! Me! Me!, Craigslist Scams for Dummies, Don't Be a Wannabe.
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Steeda04SVT
Elite Explorer
Registered: March 2011
Posts: 396
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Review Date: Sun February 12, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: None indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Bright, Easy to install. Superb lighting
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Cons:
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No instrucions, Shrouds don't mount to projector
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Took me about day and a half to fully install this kit in my second gen. Only real complaints are the lack of instructions as luckily a few members that have done this retrofit had PDF links with info I needed. After getting the lights aimed and driving down the road. Night a day difference and high beams are WOW, bright!!!!
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Former USAF AC-130H Spectre Gunship Crew Chief ('02-'12)
2004 Terminator Cobra - Sold
1997 Explorer - NEW Daily Driver
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