headlight conversion from HID to halogen

[mhinchley]

Recently I had a headlight go out and was shocked to find it cost $700 per head light to replace. However I converted it to use regular 9005 halogen headlamps for under $40. You need to catch the wires right infront of EACH headlamp at the junction on the radiator support, BEFORE THEY GO INTO THE HIGH VOLTAGE POWER INVERTER (this is very important to prevent something really BAD from happening, ie- high voltage electrecution, burnig up your wiring, blowing bulbs, etc....). Go to the junkyard and get the pigtails for the 9005's (which are actually a "bright" headlamp), but since it is covered in the bucket by that envelope
you need to use the bright vs the dim. It works out well...and is not brighter in this car than a 9006 dim in another car without the envelope. You will need to get a piece of thin metal, I used brass and some somewhat thick rubber....maybe 1/8 inch. Cut the rubber like a washer so you can insert the 9005 bulb in it. Then put it in the socket. You will need to cut the metal stock (1" x 4")so it will lap over top of the bulb and hold it in. Then drill one hole on each end of the metal and the plastic housing around the headlamp bucket and bolt it in. Then connect the wires...they are red and black so it is easy. Questions? email me.

[This message has been edited by mhinchley (edited September 12, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by mhinchley (edited September 12, 2000).]

[Mike 09MKS]

Interesting, most want to put the HID in a 1st Gen Car! Reverse Polish Notation? http://www.lincolnsonline.com/ubb/wink.gif



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Mike 98LSC
TS Silver Frost Metallic/Graphite

[breastroker]

My 97 Mark VIII has had nothing but problems with the head lights. Drivers side replaced in late 1999, then a new "upgrade made to passenger side in June 2000. Cost $404.00
Then both low beams failed at once this December, out of warranty and after a service visit. I was mad, Lincoln dealer had car one week. Finally only charged me 20% of repair costs = $100. Maybe the newer replacement ballast and bulbs will be better, but if I had a preference I would go back to NON HID lights, and use better quality halogen bulbs. No way would I ever convert a car to Lincoln HID system!!!

[KenM]

I have a 1997 Mark VIII LSC. I went to fordpartsnet.com to order parts for headlight replacement. There are two kinds of ballast listed (dual and one each for LH and RH). My passenger side needs replacing. Does anyone know which ballast I need? Thanks.