Headlight Bulb Replacement - DIY

Headlights and Other Lights
Post Reply
User avatar
JohnBoyZA
Site Admin
Posts: 1339
Joined: 02 Apr 2009 14:34
Full Name: John Murray
Nickname: John Boy
Home Town: Bloubergstrand
Current 4x4: Patrol GRX 4.8
Home Language: Afrikaans/English
Location: Big Bay, Cape Town
Has thanked: 1046 times
Been thanked: 230 times

Headlight Bulb Replacement - DIY

Post by JohnBoyZA »

Hi Guys

Did a quick DIY on my headlights last night and thought I'd share the experience. After my bad HID experience a few years ago I was reluctant to tackle this upgrade, but after cheking a few posts on the forum and advice from Ant (thank you), I ordered an LED replacement kit from 4x4 direct (H4 LED headlight kit).

1. Firstly, I used a bit of brasso and buff on the lenses to clear up the cloudiness. 10 min job. This made a big difference, see below.
2. Secondly I replaced the bulbs. Was very straight forward, except the 5 minute job turned into 10 minutes because the heatsink is so large it's difficult to get clips back, but I managed to to it with 2 screwdrivers after a few attempts. So, no need to remove the headlight.

In summary, after my first drive early this morning, I'm very happy. The light pattern mimics the orginal as shown in the pics.
Attachments
Slide2.JPG
Slide2.JPG (63.39 KiB) Viewed 3475 times
Slide1.JPG
Slide1.JPG (106.69 KiB) Viewed 3475 times
Nissan Patrol, GRX, 4.8 (GU Y61)
MPG50
Junior Member
Junior Member
Posts: 12
Joined: 12 Feb 2022 17:04
Full Name: Marthin Greyling
Nickname: Marthin
Home Town: Sandton
Current 4x4: Toyota Land Cruiser 200 VX 4.5 D-4D
Nissan Patrol GRX 4.8
Home Language: Afrikaans
Has thanked: 18 times
Been thanked: 12 times

Re: Headlight Bulb Replacement - DIY

Post by MPG50 »

Hi John Boy

The difference looks amazing. Definitely an upgrade I am considering. Please keep us updated with your experience using the LED bulbs on the road.

Thanks
MPG50
Junior Member
Junior Member
Posts: 12
Joined: 12 Feb 2022 17:04
Full Name: Marthin Greyling
Nickname: Marthin
Home Town: Sandton
Current 4x4: Toyota Land Cruiser 200 VX 4.5 D-4D
Nissan Patrol GRX 4.8
Home Language: Afrikaans
Has thanked: 18 times
Been thanked: 12 times

Re: Headlight Bulb Replacement - DIY

Post by MPG50 »

Anthony replaced my Patrol’s halogen bulbs with LED. Great upgrade. Thanks Anthony. :clap:
User avatar
ChristoSlang
Patrolman
Patrolman
Posts: 851
Joined: 07 Apr 2009 16:54
Full Name: Christo van Rensburg
Nickname: ChristoSlang
Home Town: Pretoria, ZA
Current 4x4: Nissan 4.2 GL Patrol
Home Language: Afrikaans
Location: Garsfontein, Pretoria
Has thanked: 17 times
Been thanked: 116 times

Re: Headlight Bulb Replacement - DIY

Post by ChristoSlang »

I replaced mine with LEDs a few years back. It required some fine-tuning afterwards (downwards adjustment, mostly), but it does make a big difference.
Christo (the snake man)
1998 4.2 GL Patrol (Chuck Norris)
2007 350Z twin-turbo coupe (Batmobile)
Image
User avatar
ricster
Patrolman 1000+
Patrolman 1000+
Posts: 5850
Joined: 13 Jan 2010 11:16
Full Name: Cedric Warner
Nickname: Cedric
Home Town: Alberton Gauteng
Current 4x4: '99 Nissan Patrol 4.2 Turbo Diesel
Home Language: English
Location: LA..... No not Los Angles ..... Lower Alberton, Gauteng
Has thanked: 591 times
Been thanked: 468 times

Re: Headlight Bulb Replacement - DIY

Post by ricster »

Yeah, it took a little time to find the right globes, and the to set the beam levels took a little time, but it definitely makes a big difference. What I really like though is when I put my brights on, with my halogen KC spots you get a nice mix of white light and yellow from the halogen. These 2 colours actually compliment each other making visibility exceptional.

I just wish the guys with the golfs and other platkarre, would get the correct globes so that it doesn't blind oncoming traffic. I can actually understand why the Namibian police fine you for having LED's, cause it looks like a A380 Airbus coming towards you, only to find out its a little golfie with his dims on
Regards
Cedric
Nissan Patrol GL 4.2 Diesel Turbo (Iron Maiden)
Nissan SANI 3.0 V6 4x4 (SOLD)
Isuzu KB 280 DT 2x4 ('ol Smokey) - SOLD
Suzuki TL 1000R "V twin" (Growler) - SOLD
Post Reply

Return to “13c. Headlights and Replacement Lights”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests