GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Lighting Differences?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-22-16, 06:55 PM
  #1  
Organized Garage Status
Former Sponsor
Thread Starter
 
Organized Garage Status's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: CA
Posts: 540
Received 53 Likes on 43 Posts
Default Lighting Differences?

Good PM guys!

We're a vendor here in CL that specializes in custom headlights and permanent headlight restoration. We're currently building a custom set, but we can't seem to find a complete guide/list for the 2nd gen GS differences through its years. We were hoping some people can answer a few questions we have so we can finish up the wiring.

What are the differences in the tints through the years? We see clear, black chrome and green? Any specific years/models they came out?

Are there any specific differences in appearance, shape or size? Will each fit any year GS?

Which bulb is the daytime running light? Is it the the small peanut bulb in the high beams? Or is it the high beam itself controlled by a module to appear dimmer in the morning?

Thanks in advance!

Here are a few sample photos we have of GS headlights we have restored in the past for reference of our work as well. Please visit our website or social media for more information on any of our services. Thank you!

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25856085312/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4787"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1702/25856085312_e758a8479f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4787"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25856083152/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4788"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1651/25856083152_2d307dff04_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4788"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25856058142/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4798"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1544/25856058142_ee553545c6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4798"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25881927931/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4792"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1476/25881927931_4637518a79_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4792"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25856055352/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4799"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1714/25856055352_b6de74e8db_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4799"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25881927931/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4792"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1476/25881927931_4637518a79_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4792"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25676300260/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4800"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1499/25676300260_bb202ea95a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4800"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25976866945/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4794"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1478/25976866945_9d2d287a2a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4794"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25976843165/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4801"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1459/25976843165_5b523f70ab_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4801"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25881915061/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4796"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1512/25881915061_ec6626ea6c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4796"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25950965846/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4795"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1559/25950965846_b9072b3753_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4795"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25881895131/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4802"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1591/25881895131_a3a4e8ea85_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4802"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25856061282/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4797"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1652/25856061282_7432b981eb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4797"></a>
Old 03-22-16, 07:39 PM
  #2  
firelizard
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
firelizard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,010
Received 422 Likes on 337 Posts
Default

The green housings were 01-05, while the smoke housings are from Sport Design models.

All years are interchangeable. The only functional differences are the HID and non-HID headlamps. The HID lamps also have automatic leveling.

Last edited by firelizard; 03-24-16 at 05:50 PM. Reason: damn, I was way off, what was I thinking
Old 03-22-16, 09:27 PM
  #3  
Debonair
iModerate
 
Debonair's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: 408 NOR CAL
Posts: 3,397
Received 39 Likes on 27 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by firelizard
Yes, the 194 bulb in the inner lamp is the DRL for North American models.
Incorrect. The 194 is a "city light" aka marker. The highbeams at reduced voltage are NA DRL's.
Old 03-23-16, 08:36 AM
  #4  
sakataj
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (182)
 
sakataj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: tenn
Posts: 17,247
Received 72 Likes on 71 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Organized Garage Status
Good PM guys!

We're a vendor here in CL that specializes in custom headlights and permanent headlight restoration. We're currently building a custom set, but we can't seem to find a complete guide/list for the 2nd gen GS differences through its years. We were hoping some people can answer a few questions we have so we can finish up the wiring.

What are the differences in the tints through the years? We see clear, black chrome and green? Any specific years/models they came out?

Are there any specific differences in appearance, shape or size? Will each fit any year GS?

Which bulb is the daytime running light? Is it the the small peanut bulb in the high beams? Or is it the high beam itself controlled by a module to appear dimmer in the morning?
all 2nd Gen Gs headlights will interchange physically

you have the skills to retro a set but cant figure out what bulb does what (by looking) at them OR search to find this info? your selling me on your skills already

Originally Posted by firelizard
The green housings were 01-04, while the smoke housings are from Sport Design models.
green housings were 01-05, NOT ALL SD's got the "gun metaL" i think it was starting in 2002
Old 03-23-16, 01:07 PM
  #5  
SoCal Cyco
Pole Position
iTrader: (20)
 
SoCal Cyco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,117
Received 36 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

those lights pictured above look super cloudy? Please tell me those are the before pics?
Old 03-23-16, 03:13 PM
  #6  
Organized Garage Status
Former Sponsor
Thread Starter
 
Organized Garage Status's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: CA
Posts: 540
Received 53 Likes on 43 Posts
Default

Thank you for the reply guys, we truly appreciate the information!

Can we please get a second opinion since we're getting conflicting information? The reason we ask this, is because we would like to pre-wire the headlights to work for any year model for future customers.

We can't figure out the wiring because we only have the headlights. It would be extremely impractical for the customer to send us his entire car from the East Coast just so we can figure out the wiring.

Those headlights are as clear as they can be. The cloudiness is permanent damage to the plastic as a result of clear coating the headlights and God knows what else the previous owner did to it before.

Here are the before shots for reference:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25713232360/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4777"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1505/25713232360_a92f2aa294_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4777"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25713259320/in/album-72157666062787852/" title="IMG_4768"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1545/25713259320_4f339411c4_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4768"></a>
Old 03-23-16, 05:36 PM
  #7  
Debonair
iModerate
 
Debonair's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: 408 NOR CAL
Posts: 3,397
Received 39 Likes on 27 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Organized Garage Status
Can we please get a second opinion since we're getting conflicting information?
You can search the forum for "DRL" and see the many threads that cover the topic. It's been discussed at length as people attempted to disable them since halogen bulbs at reduced wattage have a rather unsightly color.

2012
Originally Posted by SorrGwa
DRL use your stock 9005 bulb @ 6V's
High bean use your stock 9005 @ 12V
parking light is the mini wedge bulb 168/192 that sits in the high beam housing.
2006
Originally Posted by BossGS4
Daytime Running Light = High Beam Lamp @ half voltage

The smaller bulb you see in the High beam housing is what's commonly referred to as the wedge light or city light . This small bulb only comes on with your low beams.
Old 03-24-16, 08:10 AM
  #8  
SoCal Cyco
Pole Position
iTrader: (20)
 
SoCal Cyco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,117
Received 36 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

for a vendor I would think they would be better/clearer....I would just buy new.
Old 03-24-16, 08:39 AM
  #9  
ThomasGS4
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (19)
 
ThomasGS4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: TX
Posts: 9,491
Received 373 Likes on 218 Posts
Default

Without any disrespect, ClubLexus is "organized" as well, with search tools to boot.
Old 03-24-16, 09:10 AM
  #10  
sakataj
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (182)
 
sakataj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: tenn
Posts: 17,247
Received 72 Likes on 71 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by SoCal Cyco
for a vendor I would think they would be better/clearer....I would just buy new.
they do appear a little "milky" but i wonder if its cause they are surrounded by a white cloth. i wonder if he took a pic on the car or on a desk i think they would look much better. i think

OP im partially just giving you a hard time earlier and partially being serious, any pics of some retros you have done for the 2nd gen gs preferrably?
Old 03-24-16, 09:25 AM
  #11  
Advil4u
Lead Lap
 
Advil4u's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ca
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

as stated b4 the drl bulbs are the actual high beam bulb (9005) powered only at 6v when they lights and high beams are turned on they get the full 12v making them much brighter then in the drl state. the green tint is not on the glas its actually the bezel chrome tinted lightly. all light are interchangable and will bolt right up the only major diffrence is the auto level feature they will still bolt up to a non leveling model gs just the auto level wont work and the balast plug for hid is diffrent than the 9006 low beam plug used on non auto level gs models.
Old 03-24-16, 09:33 AM
  #12  
Organized Garage Status
Former Sponsor
Thread Starter
 
Organized Garage Status's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: CA
Posts: 540
Received 53 Likes on 43 Posts
Default

Please refer to our OP to figure out our original question rather than saying use the search button. We have personally been a member of CL for 5 years, prior to becoming a vendor. We know how to use the search button, and we expect to be given a hard time when you're the new "kid" on the block. Please visit our website if you would like to see more of our work, thank you.

Just for reference, here's how our work would look if they weren't damaged by clear coating or whatever chemical based headlight restoration kits.

ISF with Painted Reflectors and Upgraded Projector Lens

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/24938982386/in/album-72157663987664240/" title="IMG_3651"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1661/24938982386_ae88dc044f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_3651"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/24338431423/in/album-72157663987664240/" title="IMG_3652"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1661/24338431423_9bc0fecc13_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_3652"></a>

IS350 F Sport with Upgraded Projector Lens

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/22585171169/in/album-72157660365810497/" title="IMG_2355"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/691/22585171169_f413565712_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_2355"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/22988445801/in/album-72157660365810497/" title="IMG_2363"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5765/22988445801_d1342554a6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_2363"></a>

SC300/SC400

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25266478953/in/album-72157663766445014/" title="IMG_4765"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1480/25266478953_fd872795b0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4765"></a>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/organizedgaragestatus/25800271251/in/album-72157663766445014/" title="IMG_4762"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1478/25800271251_8deeb53f07_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_4762"></a>
Old 03-24-16, 12:03 PM
  #13  
SoCal Cyco
Pole Position
iTrader: (20)
 
SoCal Cyco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,117
Received 36 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

much nicer pics, those sc lights look great too
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
anish3232
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
4
04-04-18 08:13 AM
Gundown64
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
14
07-14-13 08:12 PM
sUpErMaNGS
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
18
03-05-09 09:47 AM
RRocket
Lighting
5
06-18-04 12:39 PM
12volt
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
4
03-20-02 03:02 PM



Quick Reply: Lighting Differences?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:54 PM.