Changing RX 300 headlamps
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 188
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From: Colorado
Changing headlamps
I'm working on replacing my 99 headlamps with the newer design (all chrome with green tint). I just purchased one for the driver's side and am keeping my eye out for the matching passenger's side headlamp.
Anybody have any information on this subject? Anybody try or accomplish upgrading their headlights in this manner? I'm not trying to install HID, unless necessary. I'm not sure if the new style lights require HID or not. The headlights look the same on the front (except for minor differences), meaning the lights are all in the same place, etc... So what's the big difference between a set of '99 headlamps and 01/02 headlamps?
BTW, my old 99 sets look awful.. They've developed an ugly haze and are blurry when you look at them at night with the lights on.
Thanks for any help.
Hando
Anybody have any information on this subject? Anybody try or accomplish upgrading their headlights in this manner? I'm not trying to install HID, unless necessary. I'm not sure if the new style lights require HID or not. The headlights look the same on the front (except for minor differences), meaning the lights are all in the same place, etc... So what's the big difference between a set of '99 headlamps and 01/02 headlamps?
BTW, my old 99 sets look awful.. They've developed an ugly haze and are blurry when you look at them at night with the lights on.
Thanks for any help.
Hando
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Here is a link to the headlight I bought... it has a picture of the back of the light... hope this is ok, moderators. It's a closed auction that I won. I have the headlight and it is gorgeous. Wish me luck in getting the right side match.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...850657782&rd=1
Anyway, from the looks of it, what do you guys think? I called the parts dept for Lexus and they said pretty much the same thing. They also added that RX300's don't have any sense-levelling devices.
The auction says "IT IS HI". Can anyone on this board confirm this is HID just from the picture of the back? If it is HID, is there anything I can do to hook it up to the regular stock Halogen wiring I have in my 99 RX?
If it is HID, and I DO have to buy additional equipment, any idea on prices to make this work? I'm working slow and steady to make sure I get this upgrade done right.
Thanks,
Hando
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...850657782&rd=1
Anyway, from the looks of it, what do you guys think? I called the parts dept for Lexus and they said pretty much the same thing. They also added that RX300's don't have any sense-levelling devices.
The auction says "IT IS HI". Can anyone on this board confirm this is HID just from the picture of the back? If it is HID, is there anything I can do to hook it up to the regular stock Halogen wiring I have in my 99 RX?
If it is HID, and I DO have to buy additional equipment, any idea on prices to make this work? I'm working slow and steady to make sure I get this upgrade done right.
Thanks,
Hando
RX 300 & 350Z Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
I am 99% sure that housing is an HID RX housing. I can tell from the design of the low-beam reflector and the cover back of the housing where the low-beam HID would go; it covers parts #4, 11, 14, 15, and maybe some others.
Last edited by LexRX; Sep 3, 2002 at 11:43 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 367
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From: TEXAS
i did this mod a while back ago along with removing the amber lenses...........there should be a thread on the directions with pictures...........do a search and you should find some helpful tips and pics. if you have any questions let me know.
i also got mine off of ebay but only paid 100$ for both. if you have any probs finding another one i have a source in arkansas that rebuilds rx300's and has tons of parts laying around.
i also got mine off of ebay but only paid 100$ for both. if you have any probs finding another one i have a source in arkansas that rebuilds rx300's and has tons of parts laying around.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I took 'er apart yesterday and yes it is the HID model. I haven't been able to get a straight answer on what it will take to install these headlamps into my 99RX.
I'm wondering if there's anymore hardware I need to buy or if they'll drop right in...
Is the HID hardware built into the headlamps?
I'm wondering if there's anymore hardware I need to buy or if they'll drop right in...
Is the HID hardware built into the headlamps?
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RX 300 & 350Z Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,256
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From: Georgia
Everything you need is not built into the housings for HID's and you will need to buy some additional parts to complete the conversion. What exactly, I'm not sure. You will need ballasts and a plug for the HID bulb (need the bulbs too) to connect the bulb to the ballast. Also, the ballast needs to be connected to a power source - like where your Halogen bulb received it's power.
That's the gist of it. I have though of doing the conversion but could never get a straight answer myslef on what exactly I would need to do. That is all I know. Sincerely, good luck getting it done!
That's the gist of it. I have though of doing the conversion but could never get a straight answer myslef on what exactly I would need to do. That is all I know. Sincerely, good luck getting it done!
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
The HID bulbs are there, thankfully... Maybe I'll be able to take it to a shop here that has done conversions. Unfortunately this isn't too common of an occurance so the local Lexus dealership has been no help at all...
RX 300 & 350Z Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Dealerships are not going to be much help. They don't want to take part in modifications such as this. I was almost treated like I had the plague when I asked the dealership about changing to a 2001 steering wheel and airbag.
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