Thinking about C4 Headlight Project
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 379
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From: Kingsland GA
Thinking about C4 Headlight Project
I am debating whether to work on a new headlight project. I know many people like the flip headlights, but want better performance. Hella now makes a DOT Bi-halogen headlamp that I believe will work in place of the original headlamp unit. It will take a little modifying, but I believe the project time will be minimal. I have a couple options for the retrofit.
A: Build a complete new unit with a sleeker cover - very expensive, probably $1000++
B: Build a retrofit kit with a insert cover - Moderate price - $500-700
C: Build just a bracket with lights - Medium price $450-550 but not as finished in appearance
Here are some pictures of the headlamp I am considering. It is made by Hella and very high in performance. There is also a DOT HID version of this headlamp, but I am not sure if it is worth the price:
A: Build a complete new unit with a sleeker cover - very expensive, probably $1000++
B: Build a retrofit kit with a insert cover - Moderate price - $500-700
C: Build just a bracket with lights - Medium price $450-550 but not as finished in appearance
Here are some pictures of the headlamp I am considering. It is made by Hella and very high in performance. There is also a DOT HID version of this headlamp, but I am not sure if it is worth the price:
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Greenwood Indiana
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: charlottesville Virginia
One headlight idea that I have been messing with, but wont have the overhead to produce multiple units for a long time, is to make a lower opening headlight like a forum member is doing for the C5 http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...hread-3-a.html
Instead of having a flat top to them like on the C5, I was going to use the same shape from the current cover or even curve it to the lights themselves. My personal plan of attack is to find the lights I am going to use, "chop" the covers, create a fiberglass bezel to hold them together and make that a solid piece. Then use the existing headlight motor to operate it. With your connections and materials you may be able to accomplish something similar at a relatively low cost.
Instead of having a flat top to them like on the C5, I was going to use the same shape from the current cover or even curve it to the lights themselves. My personal plan of attack is to find the lights I am going to use, "chop" the covers, create a fiberglass bezel to hold them together and make that a solid piece. Then use the existing headlight motor to operate it. With your connections and materials you may be able to accomplish something similar at a relatively low cost.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Larry
__________
not easily impressed....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Kingsland GA
One headlight idea that I have been messing with, but wont have the overhead to produce multiple units for a long time, is to make a lower opening headlight like a forum member is doing for the C5 http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...hread-3-a.html
Instead of having a flat top to them like on the C5, I was going to use the same shape from the current cover or even curve it to the lights themselves. My personal plan of attack is to find the lights I am going to use, "chop" the covers, create a fiberglass bezel to hold them together and make that a solid piece. Then use the existing headlight motor to operate it. With your connections and materials you may be able to accomplish something similar at a relatively low cost.
Instead of having a flat top to them like on the C5, I was going to use the same shape from the current cover or even curve it to the lights themselves. My personal plan of attack is to find the lights I am going to use, "chop" the covers, create a fiberglass bezel to hold them together and make that a solid piece. Then use the existing headlight motor to operate it. With your connections and materials you may be able to accomplish something similar at a relatively low cost.
As for the Hella H4s, they are better than stock, but I would not place them in the same category as the Hella projector models.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
In that case, the easiest way to good performance is a set of Hella H4 headlights with 100/80W Philips H4 bulbs. Not very exotic, and you won't get many oohs and ahhs at the next Vette group gathering, but they put out some great lighting.
Larry
__________
not easily impressed....
Larry
__________
not easily impressed....
Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 725
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From: N.W. Georgia
Back in the late '90s when I was still driving my '96 semi-regularly, I had a set of Cibie H4 Euro-housings in the car and they made all the difference in the world. When I stored the car, I removed them and put the stock "candles" back in. Now, with the readily-available whiter H4 bulbs...I'm considering re-installing them. The stock units just seem useless, now that I'm used to the H.I.D.s in my other vehicles.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: N.W. Georgia
Are these the ones that you're referring to?
http://www.myhellalights.com/index.p...90mm-bi-xenon/
This will be quite a project, but the results will be worth it, even if you stop at just the one set for yourself...
http://www.myhellalights.com/index.p...90mm-bi-xenon/
This will be quite a project, but the results will be worth it, even if you stop at just the one set for yourself...
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 275
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
I have 55watt hi/lo HID lights with the H4 holders that fit the H4 headlight in my vette, they are fantastic 
a quick simple upgrade and you get to keep the flip up lights .
a quick simple upgrade and you get to keep the flip up lights .
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Kingsland GA
Are these the ones that you're referring to?
http://www.myhellalights.com/index.p...90mm-bi-xenon/
This will be quite a project, but the results will be worth it, even if you stop at just the one set for yourself...
http://www.myhellalights.com/index.p...90mm-bi-xenon/
This will be quite a project, but the results will be worth it, even if you stop at just the one set for yourself...
The main item for discussion is how to change the housings and cover. The goal is to improve looks and performance while keeping the cost low. I already designed a fixed position kit for those that don't like flip lights. A new, more streamlined cover is easy(I can actually have that finished fast enough to embarrass most companies). The real question, is what changes to make to the structure that allow for the new headlamps and cover while also keeping the cost low. I don't want to go over $600 for the kit, $700 HID and it must be profitable in low numbers. What makes things difficult is that the 90mm Bi-halogen lights are more expensive than the 60mm single beams($300 vs $200).
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 12,597
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From: Bartlett Illinois
Would you be making the Light bucket slim so it is not sticking up as high when the lights are on?
CorvettetHID Offers a projector basically in an OEM sized housing. so something slim would be cool
I also see CorvetteHID sells your first design
CorvettetHID Offers a projector basically in an OEM sized housing. so something slim would be cool
I also see CorvetteHID sells your first design
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 379
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From: Kingsland GA
As you can see, the frame is in two parts, the main frame that rotates and an additional support section to hold the flat cover. Modifying the support section to be lower profile would be simple. Modifying the main frame is the difficult part because it is a mechanical portion of the system. I could completely redesign the entire system, but that would be expensive due to mold costs. I am leaning toward designing a new mounting section and an upgraded slimer cover. It would require cutting the original frame, but I think most people are capable.
A few mentioned adjusting the rotation like some of the C5 designs, but that will not work due to the way the C4 system rotates. Reducing the degrees of rotation would cause the back section to remain above the hood line.
If most people are happy with the stock cover and would be good with just a simple coverplate over the lights, I could probably keep the cost below $500 Halogen and $600 HID.
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From: Oklahoma City
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'19,'22
One headlight idea that I have been messing with, but wont have the overhead to produce multiple units for a long time, is to make a lower opening headlight like a forum member is doing for the C5 http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...hread-3-a.html
Instead of having a flat top to them like on the C5, I was going to use the same shape from the current cover or even curve it to the lights themselves. My personal plan of attack is to find the lights I am going to use, "chop" the covers, create a fiberglass bezel to hold them together and make that a solid piece. Then use the existing headlight motor to operate it. With your connections and materials you may be able to accomplish something similar at a relatively low cost.
Instead of having a flat top to them like on the C5, I was going to use the same shape from the current cover or even curve it to the lights themselves. My personal plan of attack is to find the lights I am going to use, "chop" the covers, create a fiberglass bezel to hold them together and make that a solid piece. Then use the existing headlight motor to operate it. With your connections and materials you may be able to accomplish something similar at a relatively low cost.
Oh yeah we make those
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 379
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From: Kingsland GA
Great as an idea, but not so much in practice. Do you actually have engineers. A quick inspection shows that the C4 and C5 have different methods of operation. The C5 raises and lowers making a range adjustment simple. I am considering making a light upgrade for the C5 setup in the next couple months and it will be well below the $800 mark. The C4 rotates about 180 degrees. To make a lower opening design would cause the rear portion to stick up.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: N.W. Georgia
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,751
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From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
I have been driving with these for some months day and night and they are also aimed slightly down so as to not blind other motorists. I have never been "flashed" by other drivers as the normal beam does not shine that high (will only partly illuminate the bumper of a car in front).
Yes i do agree if unwary people install them "removing the special cut outs" they can be a problem especially in 4x4 type vehicles. There are warnings on the kit to check your headlight aim.
If removing those cut outs then you will need a projector type light so you don't blind people.
