Projector Headlights

[dougm]

Anyone running projector headlights in their chinook? Do you think theres an improvement that merits the expense?

[Blue~Go]

Sorry for my ignorance, but is something like the headlights from Vantage Optics considered "projector" headlights?

I helped my buddy install those (VO) in his E-450. They were not cheap, and while not terribly hard to install, it was somewhat involved.

Was it worth it? I never drove his E-450 after they were installed, but he did follow me many miles afterward. They were certainly BRIGHT in my mirrors. I could tell it was him a mile back!

I don't think the stock headlights are very good. I call them "two candle power." But his stock ones were more like one candle power because the plastic outer faces were very yellowed and somewhat opaque. Mine are clear and I have at least double the candle power (two not one ).

My guess --- and I don't know if this is possible or not --- is that I would prefer something brighter but less "white." Somehow to me the super bright/super white *looks* really bright but is somehow not as satisfying, if that makes sense. Also even with them properly aimed they were not that pleasant for other drivers (I can say the same about new F-150 stock LED headlights).

I was fully planning to do the same change (and the owner of VO is a great guy so it was nothing about the company), but after seeing how my buddy's looked I decided not to. However I'd guess the majority of people would really like them. If I think of it I'll ask him if he would do them again on his E-450.

Now maybe those aren't even projector headlights?

[dougm]

VO is projector, you can get the bulbs in whatever kelvin rating you want, i think they claim the 5500k is about as close to pure white as you can get with a 35 watt ballast, going up the scale 6500k is bluer, but if you run a 55watt ballast the 6500k appears the same as the 5500k on a 35watt ballast.

I have tried HID bulbs and LED neither make much of a difference. If it wasnt illegal i would just flip on all of the offroad lights and call it good.

Sadly i have been alive long enough now that i realized one day 90 percent of the drivers on the road dont give two dookies about me so im not concerned with how the other drivers feel about it as long as they fall within what is defined as legal. OEM manufacturers are installing them in new cars so i assume the retrofits properly installed will as well.

As far as the brightness and color you can simply choose a higher kelvin bulb to get a light that is not so white and blinding, or use a lower wattage ballast.

My primary concern is the housing and lens assembly. Since i know they are not using OEM ford housings i worry that they will discolor rapidly and or hairline cracks from the extra heat, because as you stated a pair for the E series vans is right at about $600 with everything you need. You can lower that price by getting cheaper ballasts and cheaper bulbs but thats not a route i would go.

Proper adjustment of the cutoff line would be critical if blinding other drivers was an issue.

They also have LED projectors now as well, but i know nothing about those. I want a system that uses bulbs i can buy locally and not have to special order if one burns out.

[68camaro]

I installed Optic HID headlights recently, took first trip with them and love 'em. Headights have that distinct light line, similar to wife's BMW. Highbeam is long, wide and bright. I have 2001 e-350 and difference for me is very noticeable. Spent 4 hoursdriving backroads in dark and rain and I would have hated that in stock lights.

Here is what they recommended for me: The Basic PNP kit is a perfect fit for your needs with the 9007 harness and no need for the sealed beam conversion kit.

[68camaro]

Let me add no one blinked high beams at me so I doubt my lights bothered other drivers.

[chin_k]

Let me add no one blinked high beams at me so I doubt my lights bothered other drivers.

Maybe they all crash into the ditch when they got blinded 1/4 miles away!

[68camaro]

Let me add no one blinked high beams at me so I doubt my lights bothered other drivers.

Maybe they all crash into the ditch when they got blinded 1/4 miles away!

So that's why no one passed me on opposite side...ha ha.

I think highbeams would definitely irate people but on regular I don't think they are too bad. When I look at them there were brighter but not blinding. I think if they were super bright, people would have thought they were highbeams and blinked their lights at me. This never happened even on secondary or even small country roads.

Now if you want to talk about really poor headlights, the original lights on my 68 camaro are a joke compared to todays stock headlights

[Astrodokk]

68camaro, where did you get your lights from?
I feel mine are adequate for my use, but when I really start doing things with the rig, I want something a little better.

[68camaro]

These work great and very happy, one connection did come loose so I had to tightening back up but no problems since, vendor very easy to work with.

https://www.vantageoptics.com/shop/Ford ... p105191030

SKU: #10133
Housings: Chrome, Projectors: Morimoto Mini H1 7.0 (2.5" Lens), Shrouds: Mini Gatling Gun Round Chrome, Ballasts: Hylux 35 watt CanBus, Bulbs: Acme H1 5000K (in stock), Wire Harness: 9007 Plug and Play, Sealed Beam Conversion Kit: No, LED Turn Signal Kit (bulbs/relay): No, Spare Generic Bulb (single): No, Spare Generic Ballast (single): No, Install, Ship or Pick Up: I want them shipped to me
1 × $450.00