Fog Light Install, O-NEX H1 3000k HID kit

[whitemage25]

Howdy all, I figured I would share my most recent install.

Both of my fog lights burned out last month and as I was checking prices on replacement bulbs (I had the SilverStars) I noticed that there where a lot of options for HID Kits close to the cost of new SilverStars so I thought I would give HID a try. This is my first HID purchase and I couldn't find a lot of reviews on individual manufacturers.

I ended up basing my purchase on price and ability to get in touch with an English speaking customer service agent who could answer a few basic questions for me. I ended up choosing the O-NEX kit that I found on Amazon for $69 with free shipping.

Somehow in the process I missed out on the info about the DDM kits. Had I know I probably would have gone with them. Oh well, hind site and all that....

The install was pretty straight forward with the exception of the modification of the 9145 bulb mount.

Here is the bulb adapter.

I started by using a hacksaw to cut off the plug tail.

I then used my Dremel tool to open up the core, taking care not the do any damage to the mounting tabs or the gasket (it can be removed if you prefer).

I used Gorilla Superglue to attach the modified adapter to the bulb. Whenever you are working near the exposed bulb take care not to touch the glass, if you do you will need to clean off your skin oils off using alcohol. If you don't it can cause the bulb to fail prematurely.

I sealed the back of the adapter where the HID Bulb goes through it using Auto/Marine Silicone, this will help keep out moisture and debris. Notice how I put the bulb back into its container in order to protect it.

While the silicone was setting I installed the HID ballast. The O-NEX ballast are a little on the large size, I hear DDM's are nice and small. I took off the front end all the way to the sheet metal that is just in front of the radiator. I attached the ballast here so that the cables would easily reach and so that the ballast was well protected. You can also see how I hooked up the power, I simply spliced the power cable included with the ballast to the jumper cable that ran from the connection at the frame to the fog lamp.

After putting everything back together it was simply a matter of installing the bulbs and making the final connections.

Here are the lamps on. Notice the nice yellow color that will help with glare off snow and fog.

Here is the cutoff pattern, it doesn't show quite how wide the pattern is, I get some nice light added to the shoulder area.

Here is just my low beams followed by low beams with fogs.

All in all I think it was a great addition to my explorer lighting and should make it nice when I have to drive in our winter snow and fog.

Thanks, Justin

 

[4rd4life]

nice job, truck looks sharp!

 

[Oxygen]

looks great! i used nokya h1 hyper yellows in my 00 XLS and loved em!