DIY: FX-R 3.0 Retrofit Into 2nd Gen Legacy/ Liberty BD BG BK JDM Headlights

[Hinyo]

FX-R 3.0 Retrofit Guide

Sorry for Potato Camera will upload better quality when I get them from a friend

Before

HID's in stock Housings

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20141205_000352_zpseb5a4360-1.jpg

After

Low Beam

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150207_211212_zpsebf2635b-1.jpg

High Beam

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150207_211221_zpsc5272a15-1.jpg

Time Estimate

ALOT this is no small task.

Difficulty

:help:

1st Step

Order a set of FX-R's (http://www.theretrofitsource.com/complete-retrofit-kits/bi-xenon-pnp-upgrade-kit.html#.VNf-xZ04Zzo)

2nd Step

Remove Projectors from Vehicle Remove all bulbs and Clean projector housing

AVOID TOUCHING THE BULBS!!!!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0708_zpsb944b3cb-1.jpg

3rd Step

Locate silver clamps/clips and remove from Headlight with a flathead screw driver

Should be a total of 5 clips.

Place in Plastic baggies for safe keeping

3 on top

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0711_zpsb10fe208-1.jpg

2 on the bottom

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0712_zps637eea59-1.jpg

Should look like this when finished

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0714_zpsddd524d3-1.jpg

4th Step

Remove Screw holding in projector to housing with a Phillips screw driver and place in baggies.

Differs depending on model year some have 2 screws some have 1

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0713_zpsf143dd52-1.jpg

5th Step

Cut out cardboard a bit bigger than projector

Place Projector in oven preheated to 250 bake for 5-7 minutes

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0715_zps55f87d92-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0716_zps60641ed0-1.jpg

5th Step

Hard to do any take pictures of but pry SLOWLY at these points to remove Lens from housing.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0718_zps549b8c4f-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0717_zps96944484-1.jpg


6th Step


Tip Projector forward using 8mm deep socket and unscrew projector from bracket.

WARNING!!!! IF rusted ball and socket can be removed with 10mm instead so that bolt heads can be cut off!!!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0732_zps78602b2f-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/7217a6bff8224e02806a993370cbc961_zpsf3b8-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150205_215909_zpse3287201-1.jpg



7th Step

And this is where the fun begins

Select desired metal thickness

Remove backing for projector and trace

SAVE THESE PLASTIC ADJUSTMENT CLIPS

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0734_zps4820d9f6-1.jpg

here was my process... I can email you a PDF of the plate that i scanned as a template cut out print and copy onto metal

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0695_zps48fb55e4-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150106_204450_zps0b400cc8-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150110_131928_zpse29395a2-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150112_141651_zpsb246c4cc-1.jpg

Copy Template to make for other side

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150112_135645_zps7cfdac0d-1.jpg

8th Step

Trim Projector for adjustment screw clearnace

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150112_125350_zps114532cc-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150112_140043_zps365a2c44-1.jpg

9th Step

Check Rotational leveling and check for lens clearance

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150124_191823_zpsb7a4ce7c-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150124_192030_zps753bf502-1.jpg

10th Step

Once happy with leveling

Mark holes and bolt projector to mounting bracket

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150205_211657_zps5d178a34-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/10446302_10205976231795095_4361460662942-1.jpg

11th Step

Reassembly is the reverse of diassembly

IMPORTANT

RESEAL WITH BUTYL RUBBER BEFORE ATTACHING LENS!!!

sorry hard to take pictures and wrestle with lens

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/unnamed_zps13ce13db-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150206_165706_zpsa89e141e-1.jpg

12th Step

Wire them up

Here is some inspiration

I used OEM Nissan Matasushita ballasts and D2S: Osram Xenarc 66240 with Straight adapters. Also amp to DS2 adapter to keep OEM look and cover sealed with silicone. made a mounting bracket from spare steel and attached to 4th unused OEM bolt location for non JDM headlights. I can add more pictures of my setup if people are interested.

Hope this inspires or helps someones whose on the fence.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0740_zps1e05176a-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/DSCN0738_zpse5cf1709-1.jpg


https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150124_205319_zps95c67322-1.jpg

85

86

87



ENJOY YOUR HEADLIGHTS!!!!

Extra Potato Outputshots

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150207_211042_zpsa8c81ad7-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150207_211009_zps1ff02245-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150207_211017_zpsc58a82b6-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/20150207_211030_zps7627ee7e-1.jpg


:happy1::happy1::happy1::happy1::happy1::happy1:

[WPEC]

Dat' dope man! Yo
I love that custom brackets , I can save my times on FX-r instead of a Murano if I have your template.
I will send you pm real quixk

[86bratman]

Looks awesome man, what gauge/type of metal did you use for the adapter plates?

[Hinyo]

Looks awesome man, what gauge/type of metal did you use for the adapter plates?

uhm I remade them at a friends house. I think it was steel he said aliminum lol. but it was probably between 14 Gauge and 1/8 inch because the gauge i was using for the first bracket was just TOOOO thin not enough rigidity and adding the flap at the top really helps to add strength

[HeresMyMind]

I'm super glad that people are doing proper retrofits!

I did FXrs in my TSX in my firs tpair of jdms, then FXrs in my 2nd set , then S2000s in my 3rd set.

Your rotation looks great. but you need to lower the right headlight a bit.

the steps should look like this:
*** ____ ____
___/ ____/

NOT this:
*********** _______
***** _____/
_____/


-B

[Hinyo]

I'm super glad that people are doing proper retrofits!

I did FXrs in my TSX in my firs tpair of jdms, then FXrs in my 2nd set , then S2000s in my 3rd set.

Your rotation looks great. but you need to lower the right headlight a bit.

the steps should look like this:
*** ____ ____
___/ ____/

NOT this:
*********** _______
***** _____/
_____/


-B

Believe it or not. you are and were one of my biggest inspirations to tackle this =) ive loved all your headlight builds. And thank you for the tip. Will do

[86bratman]

Did you link the wrong projectors or did you use the high/low kit for your retrofit?

[Hinyo]

Did you link the wrong projectors or did you use the high/low kit for your retrofit?

No those are the right projectors. The FXR is a bi xenon projector and I wired the solenoid in with the 12v for the high beams. So i have both the factory high beams and the x3non high beams. They are mind blowing. My pictures dont do them justice. See video posted on fb though ull hear the solenoid going up and down

[86bratman]

I know very little about this side of the car modding stuff, I tend to stay under the hood lol.

[98legwag]

I got to see his car Saturday after this was done. They are VERY bright in person. He was also behind me at one point on the road and flicking the high beams on and off. They were very bright down the road, but surprisingly not too blinding in my mirrors.

[WPEC]

He will build a new project soon!!!!! >>> Fun ha

[Hobo Joe]

Which size lense did you use with the FX-R? I saw 2.5" and 3" being a option and just wanted to clarify before I order. Thank you for a great DIY!!

[Hinyo]

Which size lense did you use with the FX-R? I saw 2.5" and 3" being a option and just wanted to clarify before I order. Thank you for a great DIY!!

3" 2.5" fits but doesnt fill the gap. Glad you like it =)

[Hobo Joe]

3" 2.5" fits but doesnt fill the gap. Glad you like it =)

Thank you very much! Ive been researching for over a year or 2 and most of the conversions are very over whelming and complicated. This DIY is very straight forward and manageable. If you happen to have any pictures of the rear of the light that you could share I would greatly appreciate it.

[Hinyo]

Thank you very much! Ive been researching for over a year or 2 and most of the conversions are very over whelming and complicated. This DIY is very straight forward and manageable. If you happen to have any pictures of the rear of the light that you could share I would greatly appreciate it.


Ill try to get some tomarrow if i dont have them by over the weekend please remind me they are very much worth uploading. But if you want a descriptiomni ended up using an amp to d2s straight adapter than a ds2 to amp to bring it back to oem style plug. bought a dust cover from the retrofit source for the adapter and cut a hole in the dust cover but was able to reuse it just like factory. Pulled the high beam wire through the rubber cover. Than wired it all with thr jdm plug and 9006 connector. Sound complex but pictures will help im sure

[lord flashheart]

Very nice diy I need to get some JDM headlights.

[Thomistopheles]

I have a set of FX-Rs, Denso ballasts, and Osram CBIs that need a home... Could you send me the drawing/dimensions/whatnot for that plate? Making brackets ahead of time would greatly diminish my car's downtime. I can message you my email if you need it

[98LegacyGTwagon]

This is a great step by step instruction. One thing I dont understand is why you had to replace the projector piece. Is there not an hid kit for the H1 and H3 bulbs? I know I saw a kit for H3 on Theretrofitstore.com

I just got my jdm headlights and hope to get some hids soon.

[Hinyo]

This is a great step by step instruction. One thing I dont understand is why you had to replace the projector piece. Is there not an hid kit for the H1 and H3 bulbs? I know I saw a kit for H3 on Theretrofitstore.com


I just got my jdm headlights and hope to get some hids soon.
98LegacyGTwagon

COOL!!!! Hopefully I can explain some of this.

Glad that you asked. This question will be asked time and time again. here a link to some good information already on the forum on this exact subject Here (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/showthread.php?3714-BD-BG-JDM-Projector-Retrofit-HID) but to put it simply. You do not want an HID in the h3 bulb reflector location. No aftermarket kit will fire quick enough to be usable as a high beam in the h3 location and the "flash to pass" will kill the life of the h3 high beam HID bulb as they aren't meant for doing that. So Ill start with that.

Now onto putting HID's into the h1 location. I did this at first and it was great!!! We each have our own level of satisfaction and after a while, I just wasn't satisfied with having HID's in my projectors. First ill highlight that that projector that is used in the jdm projector is made for a halogen bulb. Its reflects light well but isn't meant for the intensity that an HID creates it comes down heavily to the bowl design. An HID in a haloden projector scatters light and creates glare for oncoming drivers. Its better controlled than say putting an HID into a PURE reflective housing but needs bulb and lens work(Bulb spacers and or a clear lens) to really get the most out of the HID system. Thomistopheles did some work in that department. At this point trying to optimize and system that is already down seems minimally effective. If you have the entire headlight apart to do this work why not just replace the projector with one that can take full advantage of an HID? The projector I replaced this with adds great light intensity, crisp cut off, the USE of OEM bulbs and ballasts for reliability and quick start-up. No waiting for full light intensity. Also having a BI-xenon projector means that I can now not only take advantage of the HID in a low beam configuration but also as a high beam along with my factory halogen high beam. DUAL HIGH BEAMS FOR THE WIN!!!! and lastly and most importantly... just because I wanted to. Its something you have to want. If you are satisfied with the HID's than by all means go for it but at some point as with many mods you just want more so i went for it =)

Hopes this helps!!! message me anytime if you ever want anymore help!!!


STOCK PHOTO OUTPUT SHOTS NOT MINE!!!

This is just 1 projector btw... much wider with 2 and more intense also consider that there is already light in this picture and how brightly the light still shines through

Low Beam

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/05/DSC_0657h-1.jpg

High Beam

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/05/DSC_1536h-1.jpg

[98LegacyGTwagon]

Thank you very much for that Explination. Again you have helped a lot. Do you have any recomendations for the jdm foglights? I was thinking of just finding some LED bulbs for for the outer bulb and eventually HID for the projectors. Only problem is I dont know who makes good high output LED bulbs. Ive been using bulbs for my interior dome lights from superbrightled.com but the advertised lumen output for their headight bulbs seems to be....well crap.

Plus I have been trying to find DIY for properly cutting the bumper and mounts to get them to fit but it seems this website changed the way you post links so I cant find the right DIY.
Sorry to be a new person nuisance

[Hinyo]

98LegacyGTwagon

Dont worry about it in the slightest. I was in your position one day and im glad to help spread knowledge Here (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/showthread.php?1576-DIY-JDM-foglight-install&highlight=JDM+FOGLIGHT+install) is the DIY you are looking for.

In terms of JDM fogs. I would ask 98legwag about it as I do not have a set myself. I have something quite a bit crazier in my foglights LOL. I have Lexus RX330 headlights in my foglights with yellow d2s bulbs. For a while I had lexus es300 foglights before that and before that I put HIDs in my USDM fogs which was well... not the smartest but looked awesome lol. In terms of LED's its really hit or miss... Depends on what you want. Some of the issues with LED's are their longevity at full brightness. Their brightness teeters off inversely as time increases to an "acceptable level" but not as bright as on start-up. Also PNP leds aren't created equal. Personally I really LIKE CREE/SMT hybrid STYLE LED's but really what matters is the quality of the diode not the style of the LED. Also consider that LED's may never be as good as a halogen in the same application they require different reflectors in order to maximize output but can still do a pretty good job if used correctly to take advantage of the halogen reflector design.

[98legwag]

The turn assist bulb on the JDM fogs is an 1156. I tried LEDs in them and the light out put was a joke. I went back to halogen, but I got yellow bulbs.

[98LegacyGTwagon]

What brand of halogen bulbs would you recommend?

[Hinyo]

What brand of halogen bulbs would you recommend?

98legwag
98LegacyGTwagon

I'm pretty sure he has Osram night breakers

Personally I like Phillips Diamond Vision a little less Lumens but very white

[98legwag]

My wagon has all different types of bulbs. I think the lows are Philips Diamond Vision, highs are Osram Night Brakers, projector fogs are mixed matched, and I think the yellow side assist bulbs are Nokya Hyper Yellow. It should all be somewhere in MR1 thread for that car.

[Michelle]

I recently had a small accident in my '99 Postal Wagon. Enough so that I am in the market for new headlights once I replace the core support, radiator and condenser. JDM headlights have always been on my list, but you've just solidified this with an easy-to-follow DIY.

Also, to 98LegacyGTwagon, another reason you should retrofit any(most) JDM headlight that you get is because the cut-offs that are designed into those headlights are set up for a RHD arrangement. In my case, my car is RHD, but since I'm driving on LHD streets here in the US I should apply to that convention. So, in further attempts to not blind oncoming drivers, you should retrofit them with LHD projectors before installing. Most people won't because of the added effort and expense, arguing that you can just adjust them to aim lower on the left side. Personally, I'd much rather do it the right way.

[WPEC]

Would update mine
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/5bd54709f0da94980565a8bb3387c9e9-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/e0fceee49d38bcb290d016366906dbef-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/a260ada29e057b96851520d41e093b9e-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/24112f155d2b1ce9e43ca496cc844789-1.jpghttps://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/29705a3449aebae521d8534baebd8080-1.jpg

Im tryna figure out why solenoids stuck open
Will update again after reinstall.

[98LegacyGTwagon]

Did you make those brackets? They look like they were machined. How or where can I get a pair?

[WPEC]

Did you make those brackets? They look like they were machined. How or where can I get a pair?

Those brackets were designed by CAD and built by Laser cut.

I still have the other pair left , but I'd keep them
Otherwise, you can ask Hinyo first because He made mine and he has few sets ready.

[WPEC]

Would update mine
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/5bd54709f0da94980565a8bb3387c9e9-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/e0fceee49d38bcb290d016366906dbef-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/a260ada29e057b96851520d41e093b9e-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/24112f155d2b1ce9e43ca496cc844789-1.jpghttps://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/29705a3449aebae521d8534baebd8080-1.jpg

Im tryna figure out why solenoids stuck open
Will update again after reinstall.

6 month later , FX-R's been working like a charm.
Those pair of bracket would help retrofitter reduce time consuming on doing FX-R swapped into JDM headlights.

[Tylerhartman]

talk about bringing back an old thread :P

Big thanks to Hinyo for figuring and writing this up and providing brackets for us to make this as easy as possible, only thing I'm bummed about is I didn't do it sooner, I can't believe how much of a difference all this has made


One thing that wasn't totally missed but wasn't clear was if I needed to remount the ball cup since it wasn't listed, it's an important step I figure I should update for anyone looking to do this themselves

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2019/03/oopZZ7a-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2019/03/fAKN1Bc-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2019/03/m76rehc-1.jpg

Stock on the Low beam on the Left, FX-R 5500K 35W on the right
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2019/03/m5j7SIg-1.jpg

Also removed the orange reflector bowl for turn signal while I had them apart
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2019/03/DYtD7P3-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2019/03/aOmbmsg-1.jpg

[SLW-SVT]

Also, what to do about the igniter wiring sticking out the back? This is the best i could do lol

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2019/04/sYhGr1COQ6aI9LuPzC4cKQ-1.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/eocullins/media/1998%20Outback/sYhGr1COQ6aI9LuPzC4cKQ.jpg.html)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2019/04/MLdggI2vQEiySGWj8UJSIw-1.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/eocullins/media/1998%20Outback/MLdggI2vQEiySGWj8UJSIw.jpg.html)