I know this thread has been going for a long time. I'm interested in these lights for my C5. Any discussion on what these might sell for? I'm seeing a lot of import projector light kits on eBay for the C5. Some appear to replace the pop-up headlamp. Anyone have any feedback on them? It seems to give the car more of a C6 look. I'm not sure I want to make my car a "wannabe" C6.

 

Thanks for your interest!
We can't answer your question entirely as I'm waiting on a few things and they're final cost.
I'm currently waiting on the delivery of the balance of projectors (hi beams; ordered early August) which are due any day as well as the first set of production shrouds, also due any day.
I have everything else on hand to cover immediate delivery of any/all ordered sets. When I can reasonably guarantee a delivery date I will get with JW.
I anticipate this will dramatically decrease delivery time frames from the normal group purchase wait (8-10 weeks last time).

I'm afraid I don't personally have any input on fixed headlight systems other than to encourage upgrading to anything that improves the output over OEM!!
I really like the C5 pop-ups so my work has been toward developing something that works in concert with the OEM system but upgrades both the performance as well as adding to or enhancing the OEM styling and esthetics.


Hi Lou, Hoping for the first production set any time to verify quality and fit. We're off and running after that...

 

Any new news on the shrouds ?

 

In production.
Hoping to have the first sets in my hands this weekend.

 

Anything?

 

 

Very interested in seeing the finished product. Has pricing been set yet ?

 

Ttt

 

Frustratingly quiet from the shroud fabricator right now. Really wish I had more to report. All I know is they are working hard on them...

 

Greetings All
I know folks have been waiting years for these shrouds and I can't state enough how much I appreciate your patience.
Early this summer, after several years of halting, two steps forward and one step back efforts, I provided the prototype shroud to <another> experienced fabricator who was eager to help us get them made and in doing so help build his fledgling carbon fiber business. I chose this individual because they took the time to look at our project and was excited to help. I fully understood he was just starting and my money would be partially utilized to help him grow. I was and am still good with that. I believe in all probability that in his eagerness to both help us and secure the work he underestimated the time and work involved. I am confident in this company's ability to complete our project and intend to stay the course but at this time uncertain how long it will take.
I will be talking with the owner of the company this evening. I hope to report back his estimate on a timeframe for shroud completion and delivery. <fingers crossed>

On a different note; I've received multiple requests for the best way to clean these Hella DE projectors as well as a procedure for removing the bezel for painting or powdercoating. It turns out they're one in the same so I thought I'd share my recent efforts to crack open the projectors for inspection and cleaning.

Basically you grab them like you would when your spouse asks you to open that really hard to open jar of pickles. The silver bezel twists off in a counter-clockwise direction. I felt the locking indents "click" free once I figured out how to grip the entire projector. Fresh set of latex mechanics gloves was the only way I could generate the grip by hand without risking a vise and/or filter wrench...

Bezel separated from the housing...






Good shots of the cutoff shield before removal...




Good exploded views...




Once I had the projector apart I used a new micro fiber towel to clean everything thoroughly before reassembly. I didn't use any cleaner not wanting to risk a reaction with the reflector bowl, lens or seals. Also, I'm not sure how the foam/rubber seal between the bezel and housing will hold up to being opened repeatedly for cleaning so that is a future question to watch for but to date I have well over 40k miles and 4+ years of use on my original set with no sign of degradation in the rubber yet...

I will be doing more HID R/D this winter on improving the shield cutoff for SunGun owners now that I'm comfortable opening these up.

 

Great info! I want to take mine apart, clean and paint the housing torch red!

 

Thanks, Michael! I'll be taking mine apart for cleaning, but not until Spring, as hibernation has set in. I love the Sun Guns and can wait until the shrouds are done right. These still look and perform great without them. Carry on!

 

Why is there a need to be taking apart and cleaning the projector lights? Are they not sealed from the elements, or are you just improving on the way they left the factory? Perhaps I don't have a good understanding of how these lights are designed and/or function....

 

Good stuff Big Kahuna! I don't think any of us that have the Sun Guns would want another set of headlights even if there weren't shrouds made. Having said that, thanks for all your time and effort to get them done the way you want them.

 

That will look so sweet with the carbon fiber! A lot of choices for color combinations now that we know we can access the bezel.

Thank YOU Mike! ...wish I could have had the shrouds to you (and everyone else) before the winter. I owe you a phone call and if it's ok we'll revisit things when I have your shrouds in hand.

Thanks Wayne, yes the need is/was to access the internal part of the projector for cleaning and improving performance. I would add for aesthetics, too.
I would answer no and yes to your question(s).
No, the lo beams are not sealed. The hi's are.
Yes, I am experimenting with the cutoff to improve output for myself and those with these lights that are inclined to do so... (and ultimately because modding my lights is what I do... )
Aesthetically I have many scratches on my silver bezels from endless shroud fitting and re-fitting. I wanted to correct that and (like MrGary) repaint them once the shrouds are done.


Mahalo my structure brother.
They do look sweet on your awesome ride.

 

Damn - now I have to decide if I want to PC them another color or not.

 

...how durable is hydrocarbon/hydrographic-ing?
Might be a cool option too, color matching chrome, polished aluminum or other styling cues...

 

I have had hydrocarbon engine covers and wiper cowl for 5 years and they still look new. If it can endure underhood temps and the UV of Florida for many years I would say highly durable.

 

Uggghh I want these!!!! When??!!!!!!

 

Any progress on the shrouds at all?