New ACA-type Projector Headlights
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
New ACA-type Projector Headlights
I recently received a set of ACA-type headlights from E-bay. Of course, they come with no instructions. Anybody bought a similar set? I would like to know if there is a way to get some install instructions or is it a logical process with no instructions required? It also some comes with low-beam bulbs and a wire harness which could use info on wiring them. Do the high-beam bulbs fit in the empty socket holes? I plan to install bi-xenon hi-low projectors using the info on Toque's site so right now my main concern is how they mount. They are still in the box, I haven't had time to fully examine them yet. I am not in a rush to get this done, but I'd like to start working on the wiring. One fortunate thing, if anyone has looked at Toque's website, the place where he bought his lights is within a short drive from my house.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 19,980
Likes: 74
Are they the right ones?
I've heard there are 2 types of ACA projector headlights. Expensive ones (where you can remove or "gut" the housing to install what you want) and cheaper ones (you will not be able to remove or "gut" the housings making them essentially useless for a bi-xenon setup).
I don't know how to tell the difference between the two...I'm sure more knowledgeable members can provide further assistance with this though.
I've heard there are 2 types of ACA projector headlights. Expensive ones (where you can remove or "gut" the housing to install what you want) and cheaper ones (you will not be able to remove or "gut" the housings making them essentially useless for a bi-xenon setup).
I don't know how to tell the difference between the two...I'm sure more knowledgeable members can provide further assistance with this though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,522
Likes: 108
I am not going to screw around and be upset by going cheap, these are the ones you want that are totally adjustable, work the best, look the best ( notice the black back ground in lieu of the shinney sliver - YUCK ) and the easiest to install = http://shop.radioflyerinnovations.co...lights-015.htm
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Here's one I did a while back. These are original ACA's when they first came out.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...otsa-pics.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...otsa-pics.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Here's one I did a while back. These are original ACA's when they first came out.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...otsa-pics.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...otsa-pics.html
By far the best set of ACA install instructions on the forum.........
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 120
I am not going to screw around and be upset by going cheap, these are the ones you want that are totally adjustable, work the best, look the best ( notice the black back ground in lieu of the shinney sliver - YUCK ) and the easiest to install = http://shop.radioflyerinnovations.co...lights-015.htm
They are not cheap. But they are worth even more than the full price that I paid.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I don't know if I got a cheaper version or not, but I waited awhile to find these. They do have the black backgrounds and the harnesses look decently made. They seem okay to me. The lenses are nice and clear, there doesn't seem to be any distortion. I just happened to catch them when the vendor put them on sale, I paid half his regular price with free shipping. I really don't like the chrome ones, yuck.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 768
Likes: 27
From: Whittier CA
I am not going to screw around and be upset by going cheap, these are the ones you want that are totally adjustable, work the best, look the best ( notice the black back ground in lieu of the shinney sliver - YUCK ) and the easiest to install = http://shop.radioflyerinnovations.co...lights-015.htm
Made my Z drivable at night. Great mod. also comes with the setup low beam stays on when high beam is turn on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,522
Likes: 108
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 365
From: SF Bay Area
I don't know if I got a cheaper version or not, but I waited awhile to find these. They do have the black backgrounds and the harnesses look decently made. They seem okay to me. The lenses are nice and clear, there doesn't seem to be any distortion. I just happened to catch them when the vendor put them on sale, I paid half his regular price with free shipping. I really don't like the chrome ones, yuck.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
That's what mine look like. Chrome trim around projector, no halo. Black around the entire back. It took awhile to find them, everybody sells the chrome lights, which I didn't want.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 365
From: SF Bay Area
If you're retrofitting HID projectors, I have found that FX-R 3.0 projectors with the 2.5" lens fits almost perfectly. Just need a little trimming at the bottom to fit the solenoid, and then fab up a mount and way to seal it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
There are no "real" ACAs any longer.
The original company went out of business in 07-08. The originals were shipped with Phillips HID bulbs and Phillips 35w ballasts and Phillips wiring harnesses. They offered the headlamp shells with black or chrome interiors. I installed mine back in 08 on my 99.
At least one company managed to buy the molds and there have been ACA style copies around ever since. Quality will vary.
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
I do recall
I think you have one of the first remaining ACA posts on CF General back in 08. And your install posts are the gold standard
Jim
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...te-garage.html
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 67
Likes: 10
From: Lombard, Illinois
Ok, guys, it's been four years since this thread was last tapped, and 13 years since "Patches" awesome write up on the ACA install. (Which I just came across this week as I consider doing this Mod to my '97 Coupe)...Has anything changed? (for the better?) I'm handy, but having to "grind down" the OEM headlight brackets with a Dremel? Yikes! I see some ACA's using the term "plug and play". Does this mod still require grinding/cutting, etc. Have they/any been better designed to fit the C5? Are we still dealing with grinding and "jiggling"" mods to a newly purchased set of ACA's? My '97 is almost all stock, with nothing but "bolt on" mods, but the factory headlights are terrible/awkward/dated...somebody talk me into this. Lol...Thanks for any help, Vern
Last edited by houlismith; Feb 24, 2021 at 09:37 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
I did these many years ago and they were nice.
But I still wanted better lighting so I switched to Sun Guns which have individually adjustable projectors and work a lot better IMO.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...installed.html
But this was ten years ago. Not sure if these are still available but mine are still working just fine.
Take a look at Sharp Light Innovations LLC owned by longtime CF member George Argel
https://sharplightinnovations.com/
He builds great lighting systems and is a really good guy.
Jim
But I still wanted better lighting so I switched to Sun Guns which have individually adjustable projectors and work a lot better IMO.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...installed.html
But this was ten years ago. Not sure if these are still available but mine are still working just fine.
Take a look at Sharp Light Innovations LLC owned by longtime CF member George Argel
https://sharplightinnovations.com/
He builds great lighting systems and is a really good guy.
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,606
Likes: 3,322
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Ok, guys, it's been four years since this thread was last tapped, and 13 years since "Patches" awesome write up on the ACA install. (Which I just came across this week as I consider doing this Mod to my '97 Coupe)...Has anything changed? (for the better?) I'm handy, but having to "grind down" the OEM headlight brackets with a Dremel? Yikes! I see some ACA's using the term "plug and play". Does this mod still require grinding/cutting, etc. Have they/any been better designed to fit the C5? Are we still dealing with grinding and "jiggling"" mods to a newly purchased set of ACA's? My '97 is almost all stock, with nothing but "bolt on" mods, but the factory headlights are terrible/awkward/dated...somebody talk me into this. Lol...Thanks for any help, Vern
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 67
Likes: 10
From: Lombard, Illinois
I already had his website up on my computer. It came up when I searched for "Radio Flyer"... Obviously the most expensive out there, but I also understand you get what you pay for. You say "completely plug and play"...so I'll ask just to clarify, does that mean there are no alterations to the original headlight hardwae ( no grinding, cutting or mutilating)? If there is any, what does it involve? I did not see the need for any on his website, but haven't read through everything that closely.
I've been keeping my vette for many years now, in a state that could easily go back to origiinal/stock. This Mod kinda concerns me in that department. Yes, I doubt anyone would ever go back to the factory headlights, but the other thing is me personally not being comfortable with "griinding" on my car. Also, have they (he) resolved the "jiggling" headlights issue? I know there are "fixes" for this (On "Patches" CF posts), but is this still an issue with these Sharp Light Innovations ACAs?
Thanks all for your info and input, Vern
I've been keeping my vette for many years now, in a state that could easily go back to origiinal/stock. This Mod kinda concerns me in that department. Yes, I doubt anyone would ever go back to the factory headlights, but the other thing is me personally not being comfortable with "griinding" on my car. Also, have they (he) resolved the "jiggling" headlights issue? I know there are "fixes" for this (On "Patches" CF posts), but is this still an issue with these Sharp Light Innovations ACAs?
Thanks all for your info and input, Vern