HID Retrofitter Suggestions?

[Chris G]

Hi all,

I've noticed a few folks around here have had their stock headlights retro'ed for HIDs and I'm sure others will be interested in the near future. When searching I didn't come across a definitive thread that providing retrofitter suggestions and recommendations. I'm hoping this thread can serve that purpose moving forward.

I would love to see some pics and more information about those folks that have gotten their lights retro'ed already or plan to soon. Shroud recommendations, retrofitter recommendations, etc.

Fire away.

 

[RAAMaudio]

The toughest part on this car is getting the headlights apart, some use heat, some cut them with a dremel, some use both which I am working on that idea to get it done with the least amount of work/cleanest look and will post it up when I get to that point.

I you are willing to spend the time and effort to take your lights apart using the below products can give you great results and a pretty simple DIY option. If you want to pay to have it done, I only recall one so far and it seemed to take a very long time to get them back and quite expensive compared to rolling your own but good work.

For the easiest projector install the Morimoto Mini H1's are great, I am working on a GP deal for them but in the meantime they do offer a 10% military discount at TRS. The mini gatling gun shrouds are easy to fit as well.

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/components/projectors/bi-xenon-morimoto-mini-h1-6-0-projectors.html#.VK6zrnum2aQ

I have a set and the even better set on hand, the DS2 in round, mounting just takes a bigger hole in the stock housing but the shrouds will take quite a bit of trimming as much larger but I am going this route for the best lighting.

I bought the DS2 setup for my Duramax but decided to use them on the ST and going to sell the H1 kit and buy a second DS2 set soon.

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/components/projectors/morimoto-mini-d2s-3-0-projectors.html#.VK6w9num2aQ

I am using XB blubs and ballasts, all parts, harnesses, etc are very well made, I am very impressed with Morimoto products, have their new LED stop, tail, turns, etc... installed as well and TRS, great service.

 

[TheStig]

The toughest part on this car is getting the headlights apart, some use heat, some cut them with a dremel, some use both which I am working on that idea to get it done with the least amount of work/cleanest look and will post it up when I get to that point.

I you are willing to spend the time and effort to take your lights apart using the below products can give you great results and a pretty simple DIY option. If you want to pay to have it done, I only recall one so far and it seemed to take a very long time to get them back and quite expensive compared to rolling your own but good work.

For the easiest projector install the Morimoto Mini H1's are great, I am working on a GP deal for them but in the meantime they do offer a 10% military discount at TRS. The mini gatling gun shrouds are easy to fit as well.

http://www.fiestastforum.com/forum/threads/3641-HID-Retrofitter-Suggestions?p=58885#post58885

I have a set and the even better set on hand, the DS2 in round, mounting just takes a bigger hole in the stock housing but the shrouds will take quite a bit of trimming as much larger but I am going this route for the best lighting.

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/components/projectors/morimoto-mini-d2s-3-0-projectors.html#.VK6w9num2aQ

I am using XB blubs and ballasts, all parts, harnesses, etc are very well made, I am very impressed with Morimoto products, have their new LED stop, tail, turns, etc... installed as well and TRS, great service.

Ramm, first link takes me right back to this thread.

 

[RAAMaudio]

That was weird, I just fixed it by cutting and pasting the same TRS link, computers eh!

 

[TheStig]

So you have an HID retrofit done on your FiST? I have not seen this. Do share ole' chap!

 

[RAAMaudio]

I started it but it was going to take to long to get them apart before I had to leave on a road trip, I will tackle them upon my return. It will be easy once I get them apart, would of been nice if the adhesive used on these was not so hard.

 

[TheStig]

Surprised you didnt try to get a spare pair or OEM headlights to use as mules

 

[RAAMaudio]

I did not even think about it but for these particular lights, not a bad idea!

 

[Chris G]

I am very familiar with TRS - they are great. I had a retro with SC430 projectors and Beemer shrouds on my Si. It was an amazing setup done by a localish guy to me. I was just wondering if anyone knows of any retrofitters that have done FiST headlights. If not, I may have to hit my previous guy up to see if he wants to tackle it.

 

[westcoaST]

My retrofitter, SickHIDS.com, produces a very fine product, but due to his volume, its best to have a replacement, OEM headlight to send to him, especially if your Fiesta ST is your daily driver. I have some progress photos of my retrofit. We started down this path in August, and should be done this month.

Getting the headlight apart can be done.

The HID projectors mocked up in the housing with the shroud I've chosen.

I'm having the reflectors for the low and high beams painted performance blue.

Brian from SickHIDS.com is working with me on placement of the LED strip. We are trying to produce an homage to the Fiesta ST concept car HIDS, with the exception that the high beams will be LEDs and when you hit the high beams, the low beam eyebrow is raised for a longer throw of the light.

Costs for two HIDs per headlight would be over $1000.00, so I decided to go with one HID. These Morimotos are powerful enough to skip using 2 HIDs. The turn signals will be switchbacks, like on my Mustang, also done by SickHIDS, shown below:

I'll post pics of the LED strip placement here, and in my build, as soon as I get them. Cost was $750.00, not including the cost of the replacement headlights, which I got for a really good price from Bluebomber. The other thing I like about SickHIDs is their wiring layout, and quality of their build. They take a long time, but I believe they're worth the wait. Check out their facebook or web page for more information. Depending on what you want, costs can be as low as $400.00. I wanted my lights to look like the concept car, but not painted black, more like the Vette headlights, where the reflectors are painted body color.

 

[BoostBumps]

Please excuse my ignorance but wouldn't these projectors be a much easier and far less expensive route to take to just purchase these EU projector headlamp assemblies ($800/set) from Europe? I've been reading where a few folks have successfully installed these on thier US FiSTs with no fitment issues....

Each headlamp has one projector and also has an LED DRL strip integrated into the headlamp design..

http://www.FordPartsUk.com

Specify 'LHD"

http://www.fiestastforum.com/forum/...jectors-in-USA-Fiesta-ST-PHOTOS-PHOTOS-PHOTOS

 

[westcoaST]

My cost for the retrofit was $750.00 + $250.00 for the lights. That cost is for both headlights. Your option would be simpler, yes, as effective, as far as throwing power, no, as these UK projectors are not HID, but halogen. They would not stand up for long to the HID bulb temperatures. I guess you could use 35w HIDs and get away with it, but you are spending $800.00 (Plus shipping costs?). If you're only going for looks, you will spend less than I will, but your reflectors will be chrome, which I think detracts from the esthetics of the light package, and your Projectors will not be suitable for HID. Its what Bluebomber did, and thats why I got his lights for $250.00 for the pair. If you want a different look, you will still need to open these reflectors up. Also, you will need to get these lights repackaged, as the OEM packaging was never intended for international shipping. Just some thoughts to ponder. This is why I wend the path I did, instead of getting the UK headlights.

 

[BoostBumps]

thanks for clarifying! Sounds like with painting the internals your also considering esthetics as well...I don't mind the chrome internals...different strokes I suppose...

Yes ..I did know they were halogen projectors and not HIDs (I've done HIDs before on other vehicles)....However, I did have the opportunity to see "Chalituna"s EU projector assemblies installed in person and the side by side illumination difference compared over the US OEM was amazing.....I also liked having the DRL's available ... I was told total cost for these EU projector assemblies w/ DRL's would be <$800 (shipped) ....

 

[RAAMaudio]

WC, thanks for posting this, I had forgotten it was you that had done so

Looks like yours will be similar to mine, Moritmoto, same shroud that TRS recommended to use, I am installing Morimoto projector LED DRLs in place of the high beam, look like 1.75" regular projectors. I like the painted reflector plan, my silver Vette had them, not sure what I am doing yet in that department. I can see this being pretty costly to do with the amount of labor just to get the lights apart, last lights I did it was a pop in the oven, pull apart, very easy, these are tough buggers to say the least!

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Cris G,

I would check your local guy, seems it might be best for you.

Ever been to the Stone Brewing brewery? They were going to sponsor my turbo Matrix back in 02 or 03 but I decided to leave SoCal, I was living in Oceanside at the time

 

[Chris G]

Glad we are getting the discussion going here. I'll try my local guy and see what he says...

Next question is... where is the easiest place to source stock headlights so I can keep driving around during the retro

And RAAM - I live about 15 min from Stone. Cool place! You probably went to their old brewery in San Marcos where Lost Abbey is at now if you were here in 02. Their new facility in Escondido is AMAZING.

 

[RAAMaudio]

Let us know what he says, if not to costly I might pay to have mine done as so many other projects going on and not just on my car.

I just looked at car-part.com, lowest price was a bit high, $200 or so, each.

I would go over the add, their feedback, etc carefully but so far all the parts, hundreds, I have bought on Ebay have been good.

I looked at Ebay and found this one, just a quick look, broken mount, $85

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USED-OEM-HEAD-LIGHT-FORD-FIESTA-14-RH-HEADLIGHT-LAMP-ST-MODEL-2014-damaged-mount-/281493593704?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item418a535e68&vxp=mtr

Right side, $115,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USED-OEM-HEAD-LIGHT-FORD-FIESTA-14-15-LH-HEADLIGHT-LAMP-ST-MODEL-minor-damage-/281552102208?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item418dd02340&vxp=mtr

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I did not know they moved and Lost Abby was in the old place, do they have a brew pub, sell cases, etc at the new location?

 

[DirtyBlueshirt]

...these UK projectors are not HID, but halogen. They would not stand up for long to the HID bulb temperatures. I guess you could use 35w HIDs and get away with it, but you are spending $800.00 (Plus shipping costs?)

There are people using HIDs in the assembly without issue, on both sides of the pond. Also, the $800 estimate (based on conversion rates) did include shipping. There was no added cost for them to repackage the lights for international shipping. It's still less expensive than your costs as noted ($1000) with the benefit of having un-modified brand-new OEM parts.

 

[westcoaST]

I agree that there are people using HIDS in these projector housings without presently having issues, but that doesn't mean that they won't have problems down the road after their lights see more heat and age. Plastics tend to lose their plastizer over time and become brittle. The housings for these halogen reflectors are typically made from bakelite, which is temperature resistant, but not the same as aluminum. I'm installing HID projectors which have both low beam and high beam capability built in. The existing high beam socket will be redundant. We will be installing an LED light for the brights. The lead will also power the eyebrow on the bi zenon HIDS to give a farther throw to the light. That is why the high beam reflector is painted. For the difference in cost, approx. $200.00, I have custom headlights, a good deal, considering the fact that no one else will have these lights. It's why I powder coated my OZ Ultralegerras performance blue. I also still have my OEM lights on the car, and have an offer for $500.00 for them. My lights will end up costing me $500.00 if I sell my OEMs.

 

[Chris G]

Let us know what he says, if not to costly I might pay to have mine done as so many other projects going on and not just on my car.

I just looked at car-part.com, lowest price was a bit high, $200 or so, each.

I would go over the add, their feedback, etc carefully but so far all the parts, hundreds, I have bought on Ebay have been good.

I looked at Ebay and found this one, just a quick look, broken mount, $85

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USED-OEM-HEAD-LIGHT-FORD-FIESTA-14-RH-HEADLIGHT-LAMP-ST-MODEL-2014-damaged-mount-/281493593704?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item418a535e68&vxp=mtr

Right side, $115,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USED-OEM-HEAD-LIGHT-FORD-FIESTA-14-15-LH-HEADLIGHT-LAMP-ST-MODEL-minor-damage-/281552102208?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item418dd02340&vxp=mtr

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I did not know they moved and Lost Abby was in the old place, do they have a brew pub, sell cases, etc at the new location?

Thanks for the recommendations for finding the stock lights. I don't need anything fancy... Just some temps to keep the road lit up for a few weeks. Do the regular Fiesta lights work as well?

Stone is HUGE now. You should check out their site. Full brewpub and restaurant, tours, store, etc. They also opened up a few other tasting rooms and restaurants around town.