9007 headlight conversion to HID

[MustangP51]

I mounted mine here.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=209015

 

[carlover]

Any aftermarket HID kit is illegal if it wasn't an option for your vehicle..

Actually thats not true. I found this article on lighting, pretty good read...

"For everybody that has, had, or wants HID, this is for your reference:

SEMA Prevails on Motor Vehicle Lighting Rule; NHTSA Alters Interpretation on Enhanced Replacement Headlamp Systems

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 1, 2005--Following a challenge by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has withdrawn a controversial interpretation of the federal lighting standard. SEMA disputed NHTSA's constitutional and statutory authority to prohibit vehicle headlamp replacement systems that are different than the headlamps and components which came with the original vehicle. The agency's latest action reverses this ruling.

In a Nov. 1, 2005, notice published in the Federal Register, NHTSA agreed with SEMA that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 is a performance standard that allows for different types of replacement headlamp systems, lamps and sources so long as the system meets the photometry and functionality requirements of the standard. It had been NHTSA's contention that replacement headlamps must comply with all applicable photometry requirements using the same light source as the original equipment. This interpretation would have prohibited, for example, replacing a halogen-based system with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps that otherwise meet all requirements of FMVSS 108.

"NHTSA's reversal is wholly consistent with the statutory requirement that replacement lighting equipment meet an objective performance standard. We applaud the agency for issuing this revised ruling," said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. "A policy limiting the consumer's choice of design runs contrary to long-standing precedent, is beyond authority as delegated by Congress and could have threatened other equipment beyond lighting in the future. We are pleased that by acting on our members' behalf, we were able to overturn this policy."

NHTSA first issued its controversial interpretation in 2003 as a draft opinion letter subject to public comment. None of the 25 organizations and businesses that commented agreed with NHTSA's proposal that replacement equipment conform to the standard in the same manner as the original equipment. Instead, commenters argued that aftermarket manufacturers should be allowed to certify replacement lighting equipment under FMVSS No. 108 in such manner as complies with the performance standard it sets forth. Despite these recommendations, NHTSA stuck with its position and published a final opinion letter in October 2004. SEMA immediately petitioned the agency to reconsider its action.

"SEMA continues to stand for the right to responsibly accessorize, modify, and improve vehicles with enhanced aftermarket lighting," said SEMA Chairman Mitch Williams. "Enhanced headlamp lighting systems improve safety aspects of the vehicle and can be fully compliant with all relevant federal standards. SEMA vigorously opposed this interpretation of a long-standing regulation. It threatened to inhibit many legitimate companies who are in the business of improving vehicle lighting to the benefit of the motoring public. SEMA welcomes NHTSA's reversal and will continue to work with the agency to ensure fair and accurate implementation of this new interpretation."

Founded in 1963, SEMA represents the $32 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,466 member companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765-0910; call 909-396-0289; or visit www.sema.org and

 

[Bill Kemp]

I think this is old info. I think they are illegal (so-what) still.
These guys seemingly would know: http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=31997

 

[aldive]

Pics of the driver's side ballast that I neglected to post initally.

 

[aldive]

I think this is old info. I think they are illegal (so-what) still.
These guys seemingly would know: http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=31997

To the best of my knowledge, Bill is indeed correct.

 

[fitlogicbmx]

if your looking to get hids go to www.vvme.com they are great hids for a great price. like 135 shipped. they look great and are the real thing.

 

[Mustang4mikey]

Do the "bi-xenon" hid kits just increase wattage on high, or is the angle of light wider due to "filament" (or in HIDs case, gas tube) position change like a regular 9007?

I have Bi-Xenon on my Monty. Bulb comes with 2 bulbs. One for Lows (HID) and one for Highs (Regular). I think i made the right choice getting Bi-Xenon. In NY they bust you for this a lot.

 

[aldive]

After 6 months of running this HID kit, I decided to swap back to SilverStar bulbs.

 

[patrick112390]

can you telll us whyyy?!??

 

[aldive]

Sure. The light output while very white and very bright is no very effective "down the road". That and the fact there are only low beams makes these HIDs not suitable for my needs.

 

[patrick112390]

Sure. The light output while very white and very bright is no very effective "down the road". That and the fact there are only low beams makes these HIDs not suitable for my needs.

that just means you need to get about 6 offroad lights and wire them to the high beams

 

[MustangP51]

Al have you considered a Bi-Xenon kit?

 

[aldive]

Naw, I am just reverting to Silver Stars.

 

[aldive]

The used HID kit is available for purchase.

Take a look at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225128

 

[shortstack]

i think they have a whole lot more usable light, when the roads wet its a little harder to tell if their better, but they are. plus u can get the bi-xenon, or put a pair of off-road lights on the front like i did, and tied them into the high beam, works PERFECT! not to be mean or anything but i think that is stupid switching back to silver stars, i think you'll notice a huge difference between the too.

 

[aldive]

not to be mean or anything but i think that is stupid switching back to silver stars, i think you'll notice a huge difference between the too.

I have already noticed a huge difference with the Silver Stars; a lot more usable light for driving.

The HIDs definitely output more light, its just not utilized on the road.

 

[shortstack]

^^^ weird........ u must be the only one

 

[aldive]

I have seen this same thing with retro HID kits on many different vehicles.

 

[MustangP51]

I agree, the stock refractor housings do not put the extra light to good use, it lights up the top of the trees nicely and practically burns the pavement 2 feet in front of the bumper, but doesn't put the light down the road where you need it.

 

[Bill Kemp]

I have HID projector headlights on the Cad. and would not want them on the Mtneer.
I get more usable light from the Mtneer than I do the Cad.
I know where your comming from Al.