OT: high intensity headlights for firebird
 

Hi:

I am getting older and losing my night vision, can't see worth a darn with the headlights mounted halfway up the nose. Anyone try putting in xenon <sp> high intensty lights in a firebird/vette?

Any improvement? Biggest problem with the stock lights is when they wash out from oncoming headlights. Hence, thinking about a 1 to $2,000 conversion to high intensity headlamps. But, this will also eliminate the high beam option.

I really don't want to stick driving lights into the "holes" in the front beak, what do you think?

Chris

It seems that you are looking for an HID upgrade like what is found in a Mercedes. There are many kits available. The primary concern is a retrofit that is easily available. They consist of two ballasts and bulbs to fit in your exsisting sockets. The problem with standard kits is that the reflector lens around your bulb is designed for halogen and does not have the proper aim and cutoff design therefore casts unfavable light to oncoming traffic that will constantly flash at you to dim which obviously you cannot. This can lead to you not being able to see anyhow.

The correct refrofit would also replace the lens assembly. If you specify the year make and model I can see if it is available. The install is rather simple for most. Finding the right kit, if available is the first step.

Thanks Andy:

I have already upgraded to European headlight lens that accomodate PIA bulbs, that was about 10 to 20% better than stock, but now I want to do the full number. Hence, I should be able to use the French lens now installed. If the kit stick inside holes in the lens, I'll be ok.

Car is a 1996 WS6 (Ram Air) Formula T-top, one of 55 Red automatics made that year. Nearly 90,000 miles on it and I love it still. Why the public prefers driving trucks I'll never understand!

Thanks for taking the trouble to look up kit parts.

Chris