Headlight conversion options 95 XJS
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From: USA
Headlight conversion options 95 XJS
Hello we have a 6cyl 95 conv and we are looking into the options for headlight replacement or conversion.
The car currently has the stock original unified bulbs / lenses, but they are aged and yellow looking. I've read that some people have used the previous generation's double bulb fixtures in the later models. How complicated is this? Is it something the typical home mechanic could do easily on a weekend afternoon with readily available parts, or are considerable and expensive modifications needed? How expensive is it to do it the right way?
Also, what are the options for possibly cleaning up what we have or simply replacing the outer lenses to eliminate the foggy, darkened look the car currently has...
Thanks for your feedback.
The car currently has the stock original unified bulbs / lenses, but they are aged and yellow looking. I've read that some people have used the previous generation's double bulb fixtures in the later models. How complicated is this? Is it something the typical home mechanic could do easily on a weekend afternoon with readily available parts, or are considerable and expensive modifications needed? How expensive is it to do it the right way?
Also, what are the options for possibly cleaning up what we have or simply replacing the outer lenses to eliminate the foggy, darkened look the car currently has...
Thanks for your feedback.
Last edited by 95XJSconv; May 20, 2014 at 08:03 PM. Reason: spelling
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,568
Likes: 3,514
From: Kent, UK
95XJSconv,
A couple of thoughts:
- You can improve the light output considerably just by changing the bulbs. There are a number of options there. In the UK, I use Philips Xtreme bulbs which are very good.
- It's really quite a pain to change just the lens and that's even if you could find new lenses. However, you can polish the outside of the lens (I guess you have plastic lenses over there? using something like Farecla G3 mild cutting paste.
- The biggest cause of deteriorating light output is breakdown of the reflector surfaces. Not a lot you can do about that except replace the whole unit.
- You can now buy twin headlight setups specifically designed for the facelift cars. Try SNG Barratt or David Manners for prices for the kit. It is also technically possible to fit the twin headlights from pre-facelift US cars but you have to do quite a bit of work to get them to fit.
I hope that helps. Although I'm in the UK, I do happen to have a pair of brand new unused USA standard facelift lights which I will be putting on ebay.com soon but I have to say, they won't be cheap!
Good luck with your decision
Paul
A couple of thoughts:
- You can improve the light output considerably just by changing the bulbs. There are a number of options there. In the UK, I use Philips Xtreme bulbs which are very good.
- It's really quite a pain to change just the lens and that's even if you could find new lenses. However, you can polish the outside of the lens (I guess you have plastic lenses over there? using something like Farecla G3 mild cutting paste.
- The biggest cause of deteriorating light output is breakdown of the reflector surfaces. Not a lot you can do about that except replace the whole unit.
- You can now buy twin headlight setups specifically designed for the facelift cars. Try SNG Barratt or David Manners for prices for the kit. It is also technically possible to fit the twin headlights from pre-facelift US cars but you have to do quite a bit of work to get them to fit.
I hope that helps. Although I'm in the UK, I do happen to have a pair of brand new unused USA standard facelift lights which I will be putting on ebay.com soon but I have to say, they won't be cheap!
Good luck with your decision
Paul
Take a look here for our kits:
These are a direct bolt in replacement. Very easy to fit, utilizes original mountings and wiring.
www.sngbarratt.com/PartSearchResults.aspx?partno=SBS9204
These are a direct bolt in replacement. Very easy to fit, utilizes original mountings and wiring.
www.sngbarratt.com/PartSearchResults.aspx?partno=SBS9204
Last edited by SNG Barratt USA; May 21, 2014 at 11:42 AM.
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