Just installed a 55 watt, 4300K from DDM. Hurry up and get dark so I can try it!
Kevin
Quote from: DB Cooper on October 01, 2011, 02:45:07 PM
Just installed a 55 watt, 4300K from DDM. Hurry up and get dark so I can try it!
Kevin
They take about 60 seconds to warm up to full color temp. Then it is like the sun shooting out front. I love it so much on the FJ I ordered a set for my truck. Easy mod, great results and you can go back to stock in the time it takes to change the bulb.
Agreed about the warm up time. As I was installing all the boxes and relays, I would periodically check that everything was functioning as it should. I would barely turn the key on long enough to get the bulb to start, then off with the key. I didn't realize how bright it got until I accidentally left it on during one of the checks. WOW! I'm really anxious to get out on some dark country roads to give a look see.
Kevin
OK, I'm gonna throw a bucket of water on the DDM weenies. I've had trouble with a set of 55w H4 hi/lo (identical to the FJ unit) bulbs. I had to warranty a ballast ... 2 weeks shipping from China. Then I had to buy a SET of bulbs (they don't sell singles) ... 2 weeks shipping from China.
These folks are no longer stocking the 55w kits, they are drop shipping from Red China. I guess they had a legal "issue", and now ALL 55W kits are MAIL ORDER ONLY! And don't be in a hurry. I'm going to look for another vendor the nest time I'm buying HIDs.
JMHO ... take it FWIW.
Ed
I know what you mean Ed. I was looking at the kits from DDM last winter and I never got around to ordering one. Now when I order, they say "mail order only" (obviously right off the boat), but I said what the hey - for 50.00 I'll give it a go. I do carry a halogen bulb, and I spent extra time and effort to place the connector so I can change the bulb on roadside if I have to. For what it's worth, my buddy who rides a 'wing, ordered a kit from the Goldwing dudes (can't remember the name),and he paid a premium price for his kit. He has tried 6 different bulbs, all 5000k, and he can't get 2 bulbs that are the same color! He is waiting for the next shipment........
Kevin
I've had mine installed for 2 years and almost 30K miles without a hiccup. My friend scoffed at me when I decided to pay $50 for my DDM instead of going and buying a "better" kit for $299. His lasted three weeks longer than the year warranty, so he was S.O.L.
So I guess as with every other thing, YMMV.
So it stopped raining, and I had a chance to take the new HID for run. WOW! is the only way to describe the way it lights up the road. I went up to Gatineau parkway, a local motorcycle haunt that's full of twisties, and is completely pitch black. I'm really happy with the light pattern, and highly recommend this mod.
E Double, so far it's working as it should, hope to get as far as you have with your kit.
Kevin
Quote from: simi_ed on October 03, 2011, 12:18:35 AM
OK, I'm gonna throw a bucket of water on the DDM weenies. I've had trouble with a set of 55w H4 hi/lo (identical to the FJ unit) bulbs. I had to warranty a ballast ... 2 weeks shipping from China. Then I had to buy a SET of bulbs (they don't sell singles) ... 2 weeks shipping from China.
These folks are no longer stocking the 55w kits, they are drop shipping from Red China. I guess they had a legal "issue", and now ALL 55W kits are MAIL ORDER ONLY! And don't be in a hurry. I'm going to look for another vendor the nest time I'm buying HIDs.
JMHO ... take it FWIW.
Ed
I already pulled the trigger on my kit. I got this email from DDM to track my order. As of today it still has not left the shipper.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6223251415_5e2b7b3b11_b.jpg)
(http://www.plurk.com/static/emoticons/platinum/silly_couple.gif)
I'm removing the DDM kit form the FJ today and will likely not put it back in.
Perhaps when I get some extra cash burning a hole in my pocket, I'll try another vendor/brand.
With how much it flickers/vibrates with the engine vibes it is basically useless at night.
Update, my DDM HID arrived for my truck in the mail on Friday, Gonna install this weekend and vaporize all the bugs that used to coat the front of my truck every morning. I am gonna have to get used to the smell of cooked insect in the morning............
Another option to the DDM kit, Motorcycle Gear (AKA: New Enough) offers a kit.... $80 I think I'll order one soon.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/parts/lamp_kits/bike_master/hid_light_kit_for_h4_bulb.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/parts/lamp_kits/bike_master/hid_light_kit_for_h4_bulb.html)