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Halogen to Led headlamps project

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Blizzwhiteprius, Nov 2, 2013.

  1. Blizzwhiteprius

    Blizzwhiteprius Junior Member

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    I making the swap from Halogen to Led headlights on my Prius III, with special thanks to 32k colors, genetiix, and bino for the help. I am at the beginning stages at the moment but I will post pics of current parts that I have purchased so far and before and after pictures as I progress. I purchased the used led headlamps from Ebay. I chose the 2010-2011 headlamp style, because I think the 2012-2013 style looks ugly. One of the headlamps came fully loaded with ballast, and with the help of bino I purchased the halogen to led harness from Japanese auction. FinderScreenSnapz001.jpg 2-24.jpg harness.jpg HEADLAMP ASSY.png I also have a parts number chart from toyota, for every part number for the headlamp unit ( counting broken tabs and screws and led ballast) for anyone wondering the part number or wanting to do the swap as well.
     
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    That's going to look great. :)

    Unfortunately, most of the LED headlights on ebay have broken tabs for some reason. Are they difficult to remove or something? Why would they be breaking tabs on those beauties ... :(
     
  3. Blizzwhiteprius

    Blizzwhiteprius Junior Member

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    Ty xliderider that's the goal, hope they are going to look great, as far as why most tabs are broken on ebay is I am assuming the led units are from wrecking yards and the people removing the lights from the car are not as careful or caring as we are

    note 3 ?
     
  4. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    I would like to see this project going on.....:cool:
     
  5. Blizzwhiteprius

    Blizzwhiteprius Junior Member

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    It's in the works just waiting for all the parts and it will start :)

    note 3 ?
     
    Steve Type-4 likes this.
  6. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    Well worth the swap. The dealer sells replacement tabs to fix broken tabs.

    As far as why the tabs are broken......probably a bodyshop removes them claiming they are damaged & needs to be replaced knowing that a broken tab is fixable.
     
    torparts likes this.
  7. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    They don't bother to remove the bumper unit first.
     
  8. Blizzwhiteprius

    Blizzwhiteprius Junior Member

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    Update: so both headlights arrived yesterday, they are in fairly good condition but have some rock nicks on the lens, seems like the previous owner must of had a gravel driveway. And as we were talking about before, two broken tabs, one on each unit. I purchased Sylvania head light restoration kit, hope this will help get some of the nicks out. Will be ordering the tab replacement on Friday when I pay my local toyota part guy a visit.
    here are a few pics of the nicks on the lens and the broken tabs 2013-11-07 00.05.54.jpg 2013-11-07 00.07.06.jpg 2013-11-07 00.08.17.jpg 2013-11-07 00.15.00.jpg
     
    32kcolors likes this.
  9. Blizzwhiteprius

    Blizzwhiteprius Junior Member

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    Update: So I finally got my led to halogen harness. I fixed the broken tab on one of the headlamps, the other tab is not replaceable, it is the tab that the bumper clips on to. I decided to buy some black rubber sealer and seal the hole, and instead I will run a zip tie through the hole on the bumper and attached it to a part on the car so it is secure and does not vibrate or rattle. I did a wet sand on both the head lamps, 400 grit, 1000 grit, 1500 grit, 2000 grit, and finished with a 2500 grit, I cleaned with a isopropyl 15% alcohol then used a compound to fill the hair line scratches from sanding, I polished the head lamp and applied the clear coat. Next step is to let it completely dry and apply the final sealant Opti-lens to permanently seal the lens. I have attached some pictures of the work so far, if all goes well should have the the lights installed by the end of the week :) 2013-11-12 22.45.51.jpg 2013-11-12 22.45.56.jpg 2013-11-12 22.46.09.jpg 2013-11-12 22.46.25.jpg 2013-11-12 22.46.34.jpg
     
  10. bino

    bino JDM ZVW30

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    looks like the lights are ready to be installed..... (y)
     
  11. Blizzwhiteprius

    Blizzwhiteprius Junior Member

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    Update: So today I took my car to a local body shop, they installed my lights :), I have posted pics, one small issue the guy that installed my lights did not connect a wire and the side markers are not coming on (on both sides), spoke with the owner they will take care of it on Monday. Another thing I noticed and not sure if its just the aiming of the lights but my left side, that has the brand new ballast on it seems brighter than the right side with the old ballast. will try to take pics at night time to compare. 2013-11-16 12.12.19.jpg
     

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  12. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Looks awesome! (y)

    Shouldn't be too hard to get those parking lights working, probably forgot to plug in a connector on both sides.

    Make sure they're properly aimed. :)

    SCH-I535
     
  13. Blizzwhiteprius

    Blizzwhiteprius Junior Member

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    Thanks Xliderider, all the hard work paid off. :)
     
  14. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    Looks great Blizz
     
  15. Blizzwhiteprius

    Blizzwhiteprius Junior Member

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    Thanks Sean, could not of done it without everyones help and support
     
  16. Blizzwhiteprius

    Blizzwhiteprius Junior Member

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    So I took some pictures at night not the best pictures , so the light I thought was more bright seems to have a shorter beam then the right, here are a few pics, one of the pics is the reflection off a window. On my last Prius I had hid( Morimoto with a denso ballast) and compared to Led, Led is not as bright but much more cleaner light, and I have to say I like it much better. Any suggestions on aiming from picture I took? I was thinking that the left light needed to be aimed up slightly. 2013-11-16 19.41.02.jpg 2013-11-16 22.50.35.jpg
     
    Tideland Prius likes this.
  17. -1-

    -1- Don

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    :)Nice retrofit and the information you provided. Would you disclose the cost of the two used headlight assemblies just what someone can expect to pay used? I would assume that the tabs are broken in minor front end accidents. It's a very common problem with many used headlight assemblies. Thanks for the information.
     
  18. Blizzwhiteprius

    Blizzwhiteprius Junior Member

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    Well, the led headlights range from $350 to $450 Ea minus the led computer. Which can be bought new for $180 or used for about $150 ea. The led harness cost me around $95 shipped from Japan. About $125 to have body shop to install lights and re wire harness so side markers light up. Then took to Toyota to get the lights factory aimed cost $65.

    note 3 ?
     
    Bullet Salvador and -1- like this.
  19. -1-

    -1- Don

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    :)Thanks for the detailed information. A lot more than I would of thought. Very few cars currently have factory LED headlights. Very nice to have and especially on my PIP. My commute consume almost all of my EV range. I notice no difference in the winter months when I drive lights on in the winter months. HIDs would consume much more energy.
     
  20. Blizzwhiteprius

    Blizzwhiteprius Junior Member

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    Leds are nice to have but a good set of HID's are also nice at a small fraction of the price. If you are on a budget.

    note 3 ?