Does anyone have any specifics on changing the 1999 headlights out with the newer 2001-2002 all chrome lights. I'm not sure I want to go full HID, can I use the new headlight body with my old bulbs?

The wife just wants the chromed headlight look, doesn't care how bright they are.

Thanks,
badams

 

yes, you can go that route. that is all i did. make sure you buy the regular housings and not the hid model.

 

So the chromed headlights come in HID and Non-HID? I thought it was just the bulbs that made the HID different, not the entire housing?

I've been looking on EBay, how can I tell if one is HID or not? Usually the seller got them from an unknown source and doesn't know the difference either.

Also the dealer told me the taillight wiring on the 1999-2000 model is different than the 2001-2002 model so swapping out taillights isn't a 5 minute job. I did find after market 2001-2002 taillights at www.procarparts.com, but now I don't see them there anymore. Is putting 2001-2002 taillights on easier than the dealer makes is seem?

For all this trouble I should just buy my wife a 2001-2002 RX300 and be done with it all.

Thanks,
badams

 

There you go! Larger gas tank, VSC, HID...Now you're talking.

 

usually they will know if it is HID. most of them that sell on ebay are regular headlights. there is a way of looking at the front lens that you can tell.....forget what it is. i'll have to take a look.

as for the tail lights.......all i did was take the old one out, put the new ones in. you can use your old bulbs and wiring harness. no difference. or you can pop the new wiring harnesses in place. simple job.

 

Thanks for the good advice!

Glad to hear the taillights swapped easy enough!

Thanks again,
badams

 

The HID headlights are pretty easy to tell from the NON-HIDS. The HIDs have caps covering where the lights are. These caps are about 4 or 5 inches in diameter. You can't miss them. Most auctions will take a picture of both the front and back of the lights. If not, ask the seller if you have to remove a large round cap to access the lightbulbs.

The NON-HIDs have lights on the back side that are easily accessible (no cap to unscrew).

I ordered HIDS originally, but turned around and bought a set of NON-HID chrome headlights. Then I sold the HIDS back on ebay and made about $100 profit. Regardless, you'll be very pleased with the newer chrome style headlights. I can't stop looking at them... what a difference!

Best Regards,
Hando

 

Here is a picture of the back of the light. hard for me to tell if it is a 4" to 5" cap or what? Maybe someone who has seen the difference can tell?

Thanks,
badams

 

That is a non-HID headlamp, no doubt. You can see the backs of the main bulb units for the Headlamp and the High Beams.

The HID models have large round caps over where the bulbs are.... hope this was helpful.

Take care,
Hando

 

You are fast!

Thanks for the quick responce!

badams

 

Installed the new lights! Only took an hour and 15 minutes. Got real dirty though. Loosening the plastic wheel well inserts was the messy part. The rest was easy!

Here is the before picture...

badams

 

...here is the after!

badams

 

Did you also do an HID retrofit? Or are you saving that project for another day?

thanks

Jason

 

No, I did not do an HID retro fit, the way I see it, the headlights are bright enough. As it is, I have people flashing their highbeams at me even when I just have the low beams on. I'll save the $400-500 and just not tell people I have HID.

I personally think (and this is just me, I'm not passing judgement) that HID are for the guys (or gals) who have to have the best of everything. Kinda like having the newest Nike shoes or whatever their wearing these days. I've heard that the Sylvania Silverstar bulbs look almost like HID and they only cost $50 at Kragen or Checkers or whatever it is called where you live. I will probably try these bulbs, but no way in hell I'm paying $400 just so I can say I have HID.

I'll take the $400 and buy some stock and retire a few months earlier than the guys with the HID.

My 2 cents!

badams

 

Good thread as I got a 1999 RX for the wife for a heal of a deal and I'm going this route (light f/r) as well!