Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > General Topics > The Pub

The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 20-07-2024, 01:27 PM   #1
falcon_bandit
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 638
Default LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

I want to....

* Ditch the yellow for white
* Have better low beam visibility
* Have them last longer than 7 months
* ....and I want them at a reasonable price

Am I asking too much? What specs/brands/features am I looking for?
falcon_bandit is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-07-2024, 01:31 PM   #2
LG17
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
LG17's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Taromeo
Posts: 10,584
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

My son fitted the STEDI brand to my dual cab.
I have nothing but praise for them so far.
LG17 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 21-07-2024, 03:01 PM   #3
Dr Smith
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Melb.
Posts: 4,458
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

I've often wondered if you fit LED's to a vehicle never originally fitted with them does the reflectors within the headlight make any difference?

@ Lg17, Just looked up your referral to Stedi and there's a page dedicated to SZII Territory
https://www.stedi.com.au/upgrades/fo...ls-sz-mk2/2015
Dr Smith is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-07-2024, 03:07 PM   #4
Franco Cozzo
Thailand Specials
 
Franco Cozzo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,433
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

Don't think any of these retrofit kits meet ADRs
Franco Cozzo is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
5 users like this post:
Old 21-07-2024, 07:56 PM   #5
falcon_bandit
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 638
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

Neither do half the parts fitted to everyone's car here. Engine, exhaust, noise etc

Further to that, there are no Australian design rules to approve aftermarket led lights against. All the legislation says if replacing a bulb, then it must have a filament.

Any half decent led upgrade has a beam cutoff at least, such as stedi/Narva etc.
falcon_bandit is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-07-2024, 08:22 PM   #6
EBSXR6
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,547
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

Quote:
Originally Posted by falcon_bandit View Post
I want to....

* Ditch the yellow for white
* Have better low beam visibility
* Have them last longer than 7 months
* ....and I want them at a reasonable price

Am I asking too much? What specs/brands/features am I looking for?
There have some member posts in AFF of getting in trouble with the Police after fitting LED headlight bulbs.
As I understand the situation the car maybe issued with a defect notice.
I last one I recall was from a Territory owner who was going to go back to standard lights.
EBSXR6 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 21-07-2024, 08:28 PM   #7
falcon_bandit
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 638
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

In that case I won't worry bout it. I might as well strip the tint off my windows tomorrow, and stick the factory exhaust back on. Oh and the intake amongst other things.

Death on wheels
falcon_bandit is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-07-2024, 09:33 PM   #8
Metdevil
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 440
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

Quote:
Originally Posted by falcon_bandit View Post
I want to....

* Ditch the yellow for white
* Have better low beam visibility
* Have them last longer than 7 months
* ....and I want them at a reasonable price

Am I asking too much? What specs/brands/features am I looking for?
Man, I feel that. I bought a Narva kit about a year ago, but couldn't be bothered to install it until only a few months ago when yet another bulb blew only weeks after getting a warrant.

I believe there are kits which are designed for Falcons now which are ready to install, but the generic kit I got didn't come with any adapters required for the install. They're only a few dollars from Aliexpress though, you've just got to take a few measurements to make sure you get the right ones.

I, unfortunately, did not get those measurements right and had to bend the tabs a little bit to get them to fit.
They're in now, have been in for a while now, and so far I think they're great. They were really easy to adjust for height and angle, so they're not blinding.

Only issue with the install is getting my hands in there. Ford do not want you changing these bulbs, apparently.
The dust boots also couldn't go back on because of the size of the heatsink, and then the canbus/ballast thing has to be tucked away too.

Overall though, I would totally recommend it and I might have to look into doing the other bulbs now too.
Metdevil is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-07-2024, 09:41 PM   #9
Citroënbender
DIY Tragic
 
Citroënbender's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 22,353
Chairman's Award: Chairman's Award - Issue reason: Your outstanding contributions to this community have not gone unnoticed. IN my view you are a worthy recipient of the (rarely used) Chairman's Award. 
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

I’d be fairly confident that any negative interactions with police over headlight globes, started off with the person attracting attention for something else.

That aside, I don’t think the better LED globes are that cheap. Stedi are definitely not budget items.

These guys gave me the hard sell recently when buying new headlights, including a self made demo vid. Unfortunately I didn’t need globes, else I might have given them a crack. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/125937697807
Citroënbender is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
2 users like this post:
Old 21-07-2024, 09:52 PM   #10
EBSXR6
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,547
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

Quote:
Originally Posted by Citroënbender View Post
I’d be fairly confident that any negative interactions with police over headlight globes, started off with the person attracting attention for something else.
Link to the Territory thread.

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showth...09#post6879509
EBSXR6 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-07-2024, 10:03 PM   #11
Metdevil
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 440
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

Quote:
Originally Posted by EBSXR6 View Post
I think cops in NZ are just happy to see light being emitted from roughly the front of your car at all.
Non-standard/defected vehicle stickers for car modifications are pretty rare here, and usually reserved for those driving about with cracked windscreens.
Metdevil is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-07-2024, 10:04 PM   #12
Adamz Ghia
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Adamz Ghia's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Geelong
Posts: 1,726
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

I bought Narva Gen II LED headlight replacement bulbs for our cars from Repco for $90 each a few weeks ago, they’ve been brilliant. Not sure on the longevity but the reviews I read on these and 1st Gen have been positive.
Adamz Ghia is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 21-07-2024, 10:55 PM   #13
falcon_bandit
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 638
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

Quote:
Originally Posted by Adamz Ghia View Post
I bought Narva Gen II LED headlight replacement bulbs for our cars from Repco for $90 each a few weeks ago, they’ve been brilliant. Not sure on the longevity but the reviews I read on these and 1st Gen have been positive.
Were those the "surefit"?

Sale ended on those yesterday at Supercheap, was tempted, but ended up ordering stedi as they also had decent fogs & parkers to match
falcon_bandit is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 22-07-2024, 01:15 AM   #14
Metdevil
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 440
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

Quote:
Originally Posted by falcon_bandit View Post
Were those the "surefit"?

Sale ended on those yesterday at Supercheap, was tempted, but ended up ordering stedi as they also had decent fogs & parkers to match
Looks like the Stedi kits come with the adapters that you need anyway, so would probably save you some headache there.
Metdevil is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 22-07-2024, 06:16 AM   #15
cs123
Donating Member
Donating Member3
 
cs123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Morayfield
Posts: 28,089
Community Builder: In recognition of those who have helped build the AFF community. - Issue reason: Can't think of anyone more deserving. Russ Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: For all the technical support behind the scenes. Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Technical submission 
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

I fitted some JW Speaker H4 LED replacements to my BA.

Since that time I have had a number of cars from the oncoming direction flashing their lights at me.

I found the high beam too bright. Lots of reflected light from street signs, especially in road works. I found the white light too strong in rain with same problem of reflected light.

Bought some Tungsram H4 bulbs and replaced them back to standard 55/65
__________________
I love Holdens....
cs123 is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 22-07-2024, 07:19 AM   #16
Toiler
Donating Member
Donating Member3
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 433
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

Quote:
Originally Posted by Metdevil View Post
Looks like the Stedi kits come with the adapters that you need anyway, so would probably save you some headache there.
Be aware that the Stedi "adapters" will not orient the globes correctly in projector headlights (Territory SZII) despite being claimed to suit the car. Massive black spots in front of the car and glare above the low beam cutoff line to oncoming drivers. You will need to remove the location screws on the globe holder that fixes the rotation options to 90 degree steps and free rotate the globes to get the best / safest non glaring beam pattern then rely on the copper cooling braids to hold the globe in that position. Not optimal but works.
__________________
Ford Territory 2016 SZII TX diesel 17" rims
Escape 2022 ST-Line AWD (wife's car)
Mercedes SLK280 (toy car)
Toiler is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 22-07-2024, 07:47 AM   #17
LG17
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
LG17's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Taromeo
Posts: 10,584
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

I paid $100 for mine.
They came with everything necessary to fit them.
There's no black spots and the orientation is perfect.
Maybe it depends on who fits them and takes the time to get it right.
LG17 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 22-07-2024, 09:52 AM   #18
falcon_bandit
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 638
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

*** Ford Forums wish you luck in finding a more suitable platform to suit your posting style.

Last edited by Captain Stubing; 22-07-2024 at 10:20 AM.
falcon_bandit is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 22-07-2024, 09:54 AM   #19
Citroënbender
DIY Tragic
 
Citroënbender's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 22,353
Chairman's Award: Chairman's Award - Issue reason: Your outstanding contributions to this community have not gone unnoticed. IN my view you are a worthy recipient of the (rarely used) Chairman's Award. 
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

I hope you find your way through it all.
Citroënbender is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 22-07-2024, 09:59 AM   #20
Itsme
Experienced Member
 
Itsme's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Australasia
Posts: 7,657
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

Quote:
Originally Posted by Citroënbender View Post
I’d be fairly confident that any negative interactions with police over headlight globes, started off with the person attracting attention for something else.

That aside, I don’t think the better LED globes are that cheap. Stedi are definitely not budget items.

These guys gave me the hard sell recently when buying new headlights, including a self made demo vid. Unfortunately I didn’t need globes, else I might have given them a crack. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/125937697807
I looked at the Stedi globes for my ranger as I knew they were good; however, I purchased a set from 4wd supacentre and found them to be excellent for half the price of Stedi.
Itsme is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 22-07-2024, 04:46 PM   #21
DK30RB
Regular Member
 
DK30RB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NSW
Posts: 418
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

In my area, every clapped out hilux/ranger/patrol/(insert any other older 4wd) have these LED bulbs installed. All blind oncoming drivers. You can pick them from far. Its dangerous. The headlight reflector isn't designed for it.
__________________
2023 F150 Platinum v8..
MY18 Mustang GT Magnetic...
2023 BMW 530D
DK30RB is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 22-07-2024, 08:25 PM   #22
Franco Cozzo
Thailand Specials
 
Franco Cozzo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,433
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

Quote:
Originally Posted by DK30RB View Post
In my area, every clapped out hilux/ranger/patrol/(insert any other older 4wd) have these LED bulbs installed. All blind oncoming drivers. You can pick them from far. Its dangerous. The headlight reflector isn't designed for it.
and we have a WINNER!



You get this wrong (see LED or HID retrofit) and you end up with light in someone elses eyes.

The filament has to sit in a certain point within the reflector (focal point), and also its designed for a globe with a filament rather than an LED which projects light in a different way to a filament globe.

I have astigmatism, this is what normal headlights look like to me at night, before people start playing funny buggers with LED/HID retrofits:



If you play funny buggers with retofits and I'm getting glare in my eyes from your shit headlights, then I'm pretty much driving blind coming towards you, so I wish you luck

Last edited by Franco Cozzo; 22-07-2024 at 08:42 PM.
Franco Cozzo is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 22-07-2024, 08:32 PM   #23
Citroënbender
DIY Tragic
 
Citroënbender's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 22,353
Chairman's Award: Chairman's Award - Issue reason: Your outstanding contributions to this community have not gone unnoticed. IN my view you are a worthy recipient of the (rarely used) Chairman's Award. 
Default Re: LED Headlight upgrade on a budget

On the whole, I’m more vexed by peoples’ driving behaviour than their dipped headlight beams.
Citroënbender is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Reply


Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 02:05 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL