HID and LED Lights Install - GMT-400

[nubuilder]

What I bought:
TYC Elegante headlights
from StylinTrucks.com

DDM Tuning Apexcone
9006 35w 5k = lows
9005 55w 5k = highs

Optronics Thinline LED lights
from Advance Auto (here)


I scouted out where the ballasts will go.
The lows will be mounted on the inside of the fender (same as 700 Sportsman (Tyler) did; click here for pics - see post #4).
The highs will be mounted on the front of the radiator core support (only spot with room and that is close enough).

I've come up with an idea as to how to mount the LED lights, but I'm concentrating on the HIDs first. They are my priority right now.


Special thanks to Bernie for all his advice on how to wire everything up and using relays. (I've never done much automotive wiring, let alone using relays)

For more information on some of the stuff I had questions on, see my "Need Light Placement Input" thread.


PICS !!!

Neoprene pads I cut for between the ballasts and the body.

Neoprene for between the ballasts and brackets.

Brackets (made out of 3/4 in. galvanized pipe hanging material)

Passenger Side Low Beam Ballast

Driver Side Low Beam Ballast

Passenger Side High Beam Ballast

Driver Side High Beam Ballast

Relay Rack

Shot of the lows on

Here is my video I took really quick.
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I'll get more pics of the wiring some other time. Might not be until the weekend.

 

[Mcdiver]

I will be watching this. I really like what NCSUFX4 did with his, and was wondering when someone would do it to a gmt400

 

[nubuilder]

I will be watching this. I really like what NCSUFX4 did with his, and was wondering when someone would do it to a gmt400

700 Sportsman (Tyler) already did the lows for our trucks. The only difference between his and mine is that I'm doing the highs too and making my own relay harnesses for both the highs and the lows.

Just so you know, I'm not using projectors either. TYC makes the Elegante in both projectors and regular with the glare shield (what I bought). I don't think you can get their projector version for our trucks.

 

[700 sportsman]

Good luck with the install, let me know if you have any questions.

At least try to get some pics of where you mount the other ballasts, and your "relay rack".

 

[nubuilder]

Well, I finally got the HIDs in and done at about 11:30pm (Central time). I bet I have 10 to 12 hours into this. And I still have to tidy up the wiring.

These things are amazing!!!!

My only issue right now is that when I turn on my highs, my lows loose power for a split second and turn a slight yellow hue. Anyone have any idea how to avoid this?


I'll have pics and details tomorrow. Right now I have to get to bed.


EDIT: posted pics in 1st post.

 

[drperry]

Well, I finally got the HIDs in and done at about 11:30pm (Central time). I bet I have 10 to 12 hours into this. And I still have to tidy up the wiring.

These things are amazing!!!!

My only issue right now is that when I turn on my highs, my lows loose power for a split second and turn a slight yellow hue. Anyone have any idea how to avoid this?


I'll have pics and details tomorrow. Right now I have to get to bed.

This is after the quad beam mod?

The highbeam switch is probably too slow...

The funny color is from a hot re-strike...

I'm not sure if there's a way to fix that issue

 

[nubuilder]

This is after the quad beam mod? -- YES

The highbeam switch is probably too slow... -- DAMNIT!!!

The funny color is from a hot re-strike... -- Will this be hard on my bulbs?

I'm not sure if there's a way to fix that issue

I don't know how to correct your issue, I just want to see the peektures.

I know, I know.

6 hours of sleep just doesn't do it for me.

I'll get all the pics I have right now (non of where I ran my wires, but that is easier to explain anyways) and maybe a video up in like 4 hours.


What is the best way to get moisture out of lenses? - The only way I've found is to take the bulbs out and let them sit in the sun.

Anyone got a good way of aiming headlights? - I've just been using the garage door.

 

[nubuilder]

Damn it J-rod, you're always reading while I'm posting!!!


But seriously though, can anyone help me with my two questions?

What is the best way to get moisture out of lenses? - The only way I've found is to take the bulbs out and let them sit in the sun.

Anyone got a good way of aiming headlights? Is there a specific height/distance I should be going for? - I've just been using the garage door.

 

[Bigredmariner]

I'm all over the place.

Moisture: That's about the only way I know of.

Aiming: Take a look at this, it might help. http://www.truckmodcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2986&page=8

 

[Bernie]

That passenger side high-beam ballast is awfully close to that a/c line... If you get enough vibration, and it slips in the bracket, I think there's a real danger of it rubbing against the line. You might want to consider moving it a little. Also, I'm not seeing any of that neoprene you cut to insulate the ballasts from vibration.

Other than those two things I think you did an outstanding job!