Replacing headlights
07-06-2011, 02:08 PM
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Replacing headlights
Im replacing my stock headlights on my 03 track due to corrosion. I found this pair "http://www.carid.com/2003-nissan-350z-headlights/euro-style-72174.html" i was wondering how difficult of a job replacing the headlights would be and if anyone has used these before? i was also going to get a hid kit does anyone know if its as easy as advertised "plug and play"?
07-06-2011, 05:43 PM
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I wouldn't waste my money...
If you look under the full description it even says Note: Will not fit any vehicle with Stock HIDs.
How bad are your current headlamps? Got a pic? A lot of the outer lens damage can be cleaned up...
Otherwise I would just buy some used OEM's off ebay or something that are in good condition. Or buy a set from someone here... plenty of people upgrading to 06+ trying to dump their old 03-05 HID headlamps
If you look under the full description it even says Note: Will not fit any vehicle with Stock HIDs.
How bad are your current headlamps? Got a pic? A lot of the outer lens damage can be cleaned up...
Otherwise I would just buy some used OEM's off ebay or something that are in good condition. Or buy a set from someone here... plenty of people upgrading to 06+ trying to dump their old 03-05 HID headlamps
07-07-2011, 07:37 AM
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i appreciate all the help guys, i guess ill steer clear of those. my lamps are getting pretty bad and its the inside of them not the outside so i cant clean them up. Honestly i dont know if i have HID's because when i first got the car i tried to get upgraded bulbs and my mechanic said i can only use OEM replacements.
07-07-2011, 08:43 PM
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Only base models have standard old school halogens. All other trims had HID.
If you are really adventurous you could take the headlamps apart, the outer plastic lens and over all assembly are separate from all the internal parts. Then you could use cleansing products designed to clean up the lens. You could also do a light sanding to remove most scratches on the outer surface. It's unfortunately the outer lens is plastic and not glass, as its a lot easier to get glass to clean up than it is plastic. I will admit this is a lot of work but it won't cost you but a few products and some hours of labor.
You can still find some used OEM headlamps for sale here somewhere, but all used headlamps will have a little wear and tear, it just happens... depending on how much money you may spend on replacements it may be worth the extra leap just to get 06+ headlamps. They perform WAY better than the 03-05 headlamp design, and most people will agree look a lot better. They are expensive though... Expect $600-1000 for a set... used on the lower cost and new on the higher end. I personally got a set for $850 off ebay brand new and i'm very happy with them.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NISSA...Q5fAccessories
If that is way beyond your budget though i'd try to clean up the lens first. Even if you can't get them to look a lot better, all your out is a few dollars for products. Then go get a used set of OEM's that are in good condition. ebay doesn't look like a good option, try the marketplace here on the forums or LKQ salvage auto parts.
BTW your mechanic is right, there are really no upgrade HID bulbs. The only thing you could do in terms of light output is buy aftermarket 50W HID ballasts and bulbs. Standard HID is 35W, so the 50 is a lot brighter. But you'd have to cut up wiring to install them... I don't think anyone here has done it, but it is an option and probably would work. Check out www.theretrofitsource.com for more HID products and info. They really should pay me to advertise for them...
If you are really adventurous you could take the headlamps apart, the outer plastic lens and over all assembly are separate from all the internal parts. Then you could use cleansing products designed to clean up the lens. You could also do a light sanding to remove most scratches on the outer surface. It's unfortunately the outer lens is plastic and not glass, as its a lot easier to get glass to clean up than it is plastic. I will admit this is a lot of work but it won't cost you but a few products and some hours of labor.
You can still find some used OEM headlamps for sale here somewhere, but all used headlamps will have a little wear and tear, it just happens... depending on how much money you may spend on replacements it may be worth the extra leap just to get 06+ headlamps. They perform WAY better than the 03-05 headlamp design, and most people will agree look a lot better. They are expensive though... Expect $600-1000 for a set... used on the lower cost and new on the higher end. I personally got a set for $850 off ebay brand new and i'm very happy with them.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NISSA...Q5fAccessories
If that is way beyond your budget though i'd try to clean up the lens first. Even if you can't get them to look a lot better, all your out is a few dollars for products. Then go get a used set of OEM's that are in good condition. ebay doesn't look like a good option, try the marketplace here on the forums or LKQ salvage auto parts.
BTW your mechanic is right, there are really no upgrade HID bulbs. The only thing you could do in terms of light output is buy aftermarket 50W HID ballasts and bulbs. Standard HID is 35W, so the 50 is a lot brighter. But you'd have to cut up wiring to install them... I don't think anyone here has done it, but it is an option and probably would work. Check out www.theretrofitsource.com for more HID products and info. They really should pay me to advertise for them...
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07-17-2011, 08:25 AM
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Those claim you need factory HID... but if you look under their FAQ for installation, you have to cut wires. I'm not sure why you would have to do this. You might email them and ask them why, because if they were using the OEM housing where the ballast attaches to the bottom, then cutting wires shouldn't be necessary. While your at it, ask them what HID projector they are using for the low beam.
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