Yellow Hi-Beams?

[barrypt5]

This question I guess would be directed mainly at the Aussie members or those who have been down under. In many of the photos I have seen, primarily 80 series, the high beams emit an amber/yellow color, obviously opposed to the normal white lights of the US. Does anyone know why they use this? Are there any benefits? And lastly of course are they legal for road use in the US? Thank you everyone for your comments
Barrypt5

 

[MoJ]

Like this?

 

[mot]

This question I guess would be directed mainly at the Aussie members or those who have been down under. In many of the photos I have seen, primarily 80 series, the high beams emit an amber/yellow color, obviously opposed to the normal white lights of the US. Does anyone know why they use this? Are there any benefits? And lastly of course are they legal for road use in the US? Thank you everyone for your comments
Barrypt5

I'm not down under, but can answer the question.

The yellow hi-beams you are speaking of are actually fogs. The Aussie, Japanese, spec models have an outer H4 (hi/low) beams and inner fogs.

I believe some uses fogs because, to some, it is easier to see things in foul weather like rain and snow with yellow light. Don't know if they are legal in the US, but if they are OK for fog and low beams (in Japan I've seen people running with yellow lows), then I don't see why they would be illegal on highs (being used primarily when there are not many on-coming vehicles).

I think I have seen them in the 9005 or 6(?) as well.

HTH.

Mot

 

[barrypt5]

So then on a US Spec 80 Series you would have to do a conversion to where your low beams only were changed to low/hi beams and have an auxilary switch for your hi beams that are now fogs? Ever heard of anyone doing this? Come to think of it i have not seen many aftermarket foglights that are yellow? Does everyone else know something that we don't? To tell you the truth I just think they look cool!

Thanks for your replies!

 

[Big_Moose]

Mot,

Do you know if the JD headlights would fit into the USA cruiser?
What is the going price for these w/H4 in the land of the rising sun?
Availability?

Thanks

Joe

 

[mot]

Barry/Joe,

The lens cut are different, so it is more than just swapping bulbs, harnesses, etc... (hope that answers you question).

The JDM headlights "should" fit the US spec model(s), as long as they are from the same era (91-94) and (95-97). I have seen some guys here running the US spec headlights, but in order for them to pass inspections (at least here) you would have to crank the adjusting dials on them so they would aim somewhat close to where they are supposed to on the other side of the road than they were designed for.

As for the yellow fogs, do you mean the aux. ones, too? They are fairly common here. The most recent Toyotas I've seen with them are Prado (both clear and yellow) and RAV4 (yellow multi-reflector one like this one: Is that the part number on the box there? ):

http://page10.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/m5865306

Let me know if I can answer anymore questions.

Mot

 

[Big_Moose]

Mot,

Considering a swap to the JDM headlight units like your previously posted picture......how much does the headlight unit housing run in JDM market?

Joe

 

[mot]

Mot,

Considering a swap to the JDM headlight units like your previously posted picture......how much does the headlight unit housing run in JDM market?

Joe

Joe,

Do you mean the pic by MoJ (headlights) or me (fog)?

The fog I posted the link for is currently going for about $30 (only one available on the auction) but retails close to $100, if I understand correctly (IIUC? )

The headlight units with yellow fog inside (RHD config only, AFAIK) I have seen them go for anywhere between $30 for poor condition one (each) to over $200 a pair (nice condition).

HTH.

Mot

 

[Big_Moose]

Joe,

The headlight units with yellow fog inside (RHD config only, AFAIK) I have seen them go for anywhere between $30 for poor condition one (each) to over $200 a pair (nice condition).

HTH.

Mot

Mot

I mean't the picture posted by Moj.

Do you have listings for the headlight units (with yellow fog inside) on the Japanese Yahoo?

I want to swap the US units for these in my 80, to get the benefit of the H4's. I'm also assuming that these are a glass light housing rather then the plastic housing we get in the US, to handle the heat generated from the H4's

Joe

 

[Montana Cruiser]

Mot - Is there a seperate external housing those OEM yellow H4's would fit? In other words, something we could mount on the bumper?

 

[hudson19]

Joe,

-Im not sure if this is what you are looking for, but i run yellow bulbs in my high beems, just aftermarket 9005 yellow bulbs. the light emited is extremely bright and they work great in the fog and snow. When the lights are off, the housing stays a yellowish color due to natural light reflecting off the bulb.

In my opinion, the yellow bulbs in the high beams are fantastic. Like i mentioned, they are great for snow and fog.


-Richard

 

[Gold Finger]

I think, correct me if I am wrong, that Japanese vehicles are RHD and the H4 head lamps are a similar spec to those in the UK, and will not have the correct dip beem pattern for the US, as the V shaped cut off will dasle on coming vehicles.

 

[Big_Moose]

Richard,

Thanks for the suggestion I'm more interested in the ability to run H4's for the Hi & lo, since I run the H4s in my other cruisers at 130w HI / 90w Low. The 80 lighting is not the greatest, even with the premium 05/06 bulbs - just my opinion.

Joe

Joe,

-Im not sure if this is what you are looking for, but i run yellow bulbs in my high beems, just aftermarket 9005 yellow bulbs. the light emited is extremely bright and they work great in the fog and snow. When the lights are off, the housing stays a yellowish color due to natural light reflecting off the bulb.

In my opinion, the yellow bulbs in the high beams are fantastic. Like i mentioned, they are great for snow and fog.


-Richard

 

[TFS55]

i can source out for you OEM headlights for LHD vehicles with H4 hi/lo outer beam and H1 inner beam. some wire the inner beam together with the high beams, others as a seperate light.

and yes the lens are made of glass.

the OEM will run around 650 USD, and we have replacements that will run 150 USD. shipping not included.

likewise for bling bling effect we also have white lens signal lights below the lights, in the fender and red white rear tail lamps.

if you want an aussie spec lights we also have four headlamp set-up.

there are yellow lens aux lights available from Hella, PIAA, IPF, Bosch among others, you can also buy IPF aux lights with fog/driving combination, it houses a H4 bulb great for all around use.

 

[Big_Moose]

T,

Where are you located - Australia?

Do you have pictures of the $150USD replacements? What about quality issues? certifications (Aussie Dept. of Transportation, etc)? Are the replacment housings - glass like OEM?

TIA

Joe

i can source out for you OEM headlights for LHD vehicles with H4 hi/lo outer beam and H1 inner beam. some wire the inner beam together with the high beams, others as a seperate light.

and yes the lens are made of glass.

the OEM will run around 650 USD, and we have replacements that will run 150 USD. shipping not included.

likewise for bling bling effect we also have white lens signal lights below the lights, in the fender and red white rear tail lamps.

if you want an aussie spec lights we also have four headlamp set-up.

there are yellow lens aux lights available from Hella, PIAA, IPF, Bosch among others, you can also buy IPF aux lights with fog/driving combination, it houses a H4 bulb great for all around use.

 

[TFS55]

from the P.I.

yes the replacements are made of glass, its class A replacement we call it here there are other replacements but the lens coating is too dull. we have fitted it to two LC's we usually fit the OEM ones. BTW, you have the option to add white park lights but has no reflector.

 

[mot]

Mot

Do you have listings for the headlight units (with yellow fog inside) on the Japanese Yahoo?

I want to swap the US units for these in my 80, to get the benefit of the H4's. I'm also assuming that these are a glass light housing rather then the plastic housing we get in the US, to handle the heat generated from the H4's

Joe

Joe,

I know at least there is one, if not both, used headlights with the "yellow" fog (as it's been discussed before, it actually has an yellow sphere(?) that goes over (not wrapped around) the regular clear bulbs in the housing, if that makes sense). Some people have broken them and taken them out to gain more brightness. But the H4 they have is pretty ample on its own.

I'll see if I can post them over lunch when my boss is out for a little while He's due back any minute.

I'll scroll down and see what else has been posted. Perhaps I shoud have done so sooner.

Oh, as I said, the lens cut/texture is for LHD(left-hand-drive as in Japan and England, Austraria) so depending on your local regulations it may not be too cool with the authorities.

Mot

 

[mot]

Mot - Is there a seperate external housing those OEM yellow H4's would fit? In other words, something we could mount on the bumper?

Errrrrr,

The H4's are not yellow and altnough I'm not sure exactly what you are talking about, but if I am getting it somewhat close, I don't think there is such a thing, unless you just buy aux. fog lights with yellow lenses or bulbs.

Was I even close?

 

[mot]

i can source out for you OEM headlights for LHD vehicles with H4 hi/lo outer beam and H1 inner beam. some wire the inner beam together with the high beams, others as a seperate light.

the OEM will run around 650 USD, and we have replacements that will run 150 USD. shipping not included.

if you want an aussie spec lights we also have four headlamp set-up.

Hey,

Are your prices each or a pair (assuming pair, but wanted to make sure).

Also how much for the Aussie-spec lights, with matching OEM clear corner lenses (different than those for regular JDM/Aussie ones).

And finally what's the P.I.? Pacific Islands?

TIA!

Mot

 

[cary]

You CANNOT use the Japan/Australian/UK spec H4/Fog lamp assembly in the US for a couple of reasons:

1) The beam pattern is incorrect. US and Euro lights will have the beam rising toward the right. The Japan spec lights which mimic the Euro pattern will be flat on the right and rise toward the left of the car. This will cause road signs to not be illuminated, and more importantantly, you will blind other drivers.

2) The wiring is incompatable. You will need to cut out the 9006/9005 connectors and create a harness that causes the low beams to switch off when the high beams come on (relays and a diode). Given that you sound like you want a lot of light, running 80/100 or 90/130 H4 bulbs will not work with both filimants illuminated (to much heat).

Finally, have you tried the HIR bulbs, they offer a significant upgrade. If you have and they are not cutting it, I would suggest the following. Take a look at these hella units that are Dot and ECE approved. They are used for many hi end retrofits and race cars. Their output is unreal and they can be purchased in HID fitmants if you want to go nuts. Best part, they are fully legal, crap all over H4 lamps. Worst part, you will have to fabricate the mounting brackets/assembly.

Check this link for parts:

http://www.rallylights.com/hella/90mm_modules.asp

Here is a link showing how they look at night from a car as well as detailed instructions on how the guy retrofitted:

http://bellsouthpwp.net/m/u/mulgeary/Hella90/

These links for information about retrofiting:

http://faq.auto.light.tripod.com/

Finally there are a lot of guys retrofiting things like BMW projectors to their cars. I would go with the Hella's, they are cheaper and work as well. Here is a site with tons of retrofit information.

http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/


BTW, if you did the Hella retrofit, and can fab up the parts in a kit form, you could probably make some decent money selling the kits. They aren't that complicated to make, just take time. The parts cost for the lamps is a very reasonable $240 and there is no way the H4 lamps will even come close, that is assuming they were the correct fitmant which they are not (I have run Hella and Cibie H4 and 4 lamps systems for years, I know how they are).

Cary