80 series cruiser HID conversion - worth it?

[howsie]

looking at converting my 80 series to HID 6000K but wasnt sure if it would make a difference. Dad has a 75 series and tried it in them but said unless you drive around with the headlights adjusted so they blind people they are not worth the money.

Also would changing the refector help? As i have also heard they dont focus properly with standard lenses.

BTW this is standard headlights not spotties so h4 h/l beam and high beam h1's (i think)

[nicbeer]

go 4500 or 5000k if you do do it.

i have added IPF lenses from ARB into my 80 with a upgraded loom running 60/100w phillips globes. and also 35w HID Rally 4000s.

The IPF upgrade gives you H4s all round.

plenty enough light.

[maddog_75]

as far as i know legal HID can only be up to 4500 (and it also seems to look the best).

legally you cant just put HID bulbs into standard headlight reflectors, they need to be designed for HID, and also you'll see all cars that have factory HID lights have a small headlight lens washer that pops up from the body to constantly keep it clean.

in reality though, as long as you keep them pointing down and focused in a way so you dont blind people the cops probably wont notice, but dont take my word for it...

i've considered it, but dont do enough night driving to justify it. plus here in the city there are enough street lights to drive and see whats ahead without your low beams on, lol

[80's_delirious]

I had them in my 80 for a while. brilliant light, but the focus was all wrong. They really need the projector type lenses IMO. I took them out after one blew a ballast and I didnt bother replacing them.

[flyology]

I have HID's in my 8/87 60 series (twin 6x4 headlights) I wouldn't go back to halogens if you paid me (well if it was enough to pay of my mortgage...) I do have aftermarket Hi/lo lights, which have a cover for the direct beam so they work reflecting the light. They are cheap kits I got off ebay, and work quite well. Considering the alternative for your 80 series which is buying aftermarket lights and up grading to a separate harness with relays, I would suggest HIDs are a good thing. As mentioned, they are not legal if fitted to older vehicles, but the light is great.

I only have 35W 6000K globes in my high/low and Hi beam, on a recent trip to Darwin from Cairns I was very happy with the light. I didn't have a chance to convert my 800D IPF's to HID, and ended up just using the Hi low beam anyway as the IPFs were too yellow and the Hi/Low was good enough.