Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
Just like safe/legal/proper lights except they probably aren't.
Clever design they've employed but it doesn't mean that it complies with the law.
HID replacement headlights for Jeep Wrangler?
- Thread starter nwoods
- Start date
Clever design they've employed but it doesn't mean that it complies with the law.
winkosmosis
Explorer
Hella or IPF e-code housings + relayed harness + higher wattage bulbs = win. No need for HID.
Actually I learned the other day that HID bulbs emit a lot of UV, and lenses must be made out of a special glass that filters UV (regular glass only blocks UVB). With a regular e-code housing, there's no filtering.
Actually I learned the other day that HID bulbs emit a lot of UV, and lenses must be made out of a special glass that filters UV (regular glass only blocks UVB). With a regular e-code housing, there's no filtering.
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
The IPFs haven't been tested to meet ECE code standards; that's part of my diatribe. They have a bogus "E" with a circle around it to imply that they meet ECE criteria.
I never saw anything in Standard 108 about UV filtration...
winkosmosis
Explorer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_discharge_lamp
Most HID lamps produce significant UV radiation, and require UV-blocking filters to prevent UV-induced degradation of lamp fixture components and fading of dyed items illuminated by the lamp. Exposure to HID lamps operating with faulty or absent UV-blocking filters causes injury to humans and animals, such as sunburn and arc eye. Many HID lamps are designed so as to quickly extinguish if their outer UV-shielding glass envelope is broken.
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
I looked at them; pretty pricey for a plastic lens and made in China, isn't it?
A couple of bucks more and you could get a real Cibie and have proven performance... ...something that won't melt or warp with overwattage bulbs...
And I hate when they say "DOT approved". The DOT doesn't approve or disapprove of any product. There's a law and it's incumbent upon the manufacturer to have their product independently tested to make sure it complies with the law; why can't they just say that it complies with FMVSS No. 108?
Superior? Really?KC said:
Let's see the test scores and I'll show the scores from a Cibie Z-beam and a Marchal.
WMac
Adventurer
Well let me say this: I didn't share how I converted my lights to be part of an argument or debate on the legality of such, but I will say this.
I spend more time in my jeep than I do at my desk. And starting a few years ago we have had a huge influx in HID light conversions showing up in traffic.
Most of which are in clear violation, and blinding to oncoming traffic and well as in the rear view mirror. So without dissecting the FMCSA part 571.
And then applying the State of Oregon ORS subchapter to get a Real Legal answer. Again I will simply say this:
The KC lens as constructed, with the Hi/Low Hid I installed into them. Provide a very distinct cutoff line as prescribed in subchapter 571.108.
My point here is side by side. This set up "as far as what is being output to the street" and other traffic. Is as close to "Legal" as one could possibly hope for.
If I park both my Range Rover hse sport and the wife's Lexus side by side and turn on the lights. They are tit for tat to each other on the performance and output. I'm talking amount of light, the cutoff on lo beam. Etc.
No if I park my jeep next to her Lexus, (as I did) again they are a match.
So my only point here was to simply share some info of a combined product. The KC's and the HID lights. Those simply perform as close to something that rolled off the showroom as you can get.
Now weather they are tested and approved by whatever authority, or have a DOT, FMVSS 108 certification to me is a moot point.
What I care about first and foremost is that by doing HID in my jeep that,
look like, act like (don't blind others) real HID headlights that come from the factory.
Oregon does not have a vehicle inspection program like many other states, and because they perform like a stock set, I probably don't have to worry much about being pulled over and sited.
And I stand corrected they are H4 and manufactured by ITA.
I purchased / ordered the light set from a local parts store.
All the best.
nwoods
Expedition Leader
I have the IPF replacement lens and the IPF H4 Fat Boy low beam headlamps. They are excellent, but they are NOT anything like HID's. Got my set up, including an ARB plug-n-play wiring/relay harness from Sierra Expeditions
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
I apologize for being a party pooper when it comes to lights. I started off enthusiastic about it all too; I even bought a few of the products that I rag about now.
Then I learned the hard way that they didn't work well.
Not legal, of course. And the light is poorly focused and blinds other drivers.
Does the website at least warn that it's for offroad use only? He's a nice guy and I'd hate to see him involved in punitive actions in the future.
Then I learned the hard way that they didn't work well.
Yeah, that IPF reflector and bulb combo is pretty bright.
Not legal, of course. And the light is poorly focused and blinds other drivers.
Does the website at least warn that it's for offroad use only? He's a nice guy and I'd hate to see him involved in punitive actions in the future.