So I was doing some research on the different projector generations for our cobalts (yes I know retrofits provide the best lighting but they are also more $ then I would be willing to spend) and i realy like 3rd gen headlights. After doing some more research on those I found A LOT of posts by people who say they started getting cracks in the lights pretty soon after getting them. My question is, do all 4 generations of projectors have a high chance of cracking or is it only certain generations or is it only certain makers of them? Any help would be appreciated

 

bump

 

all depends on where you buy them and the quality of the lens

 

run HIDs in them and you wont have issues

 

Mine are starting to get fucked up. I think I'm going to rip my OEMs apart and just paint them black and then reseal them. I might sell my projectors to someone who wants a set of lights to just fix up.

 

y would running HID prevent them from cracking/breaking?

 

because HIDs dont get as hot as halogen bulbs do. The heat from the stock halogen bulbs is what makes the stress cracks happen

 

true. ive also read that the depo which i have, used to crack but they changed the lens glass and the one i have hasnt cracked yet. i spent about 3 weeks without hids. nothing happened. then got hids and they still havent had any problems. another thing i would recommend that alot of people dont know is make sure you wipe any skin oils off the lens. that mixed with the heat will cause stress cracks.

 

my gen2s are roughly 3 years old and they dont have 1 stress crack on the lense anywhere cuz they've had HIDs in them the whole time, just saying

 

ya im pretty sure your correct. aha its a shame that no company can make a decent lens for our cars that can handle the bulbs that THEY supply with the lamps. haha. but yes u r right. hids use less power, dont get as hot, and are just ******* bright as ****

 

^yahtzee!!!

cant agree with you more

 

oo ok that makes sense. thanks for all the advice guys, really apreciate it. Last thing, what are some websites that sell well made projectors?

 

I picked up a pair of Valeo (Audi A4 projectors) from a Junkyard locally and only paid $30. They are comparable to the Morimoto Mini and Acura Projectors that are $80+ / Pair.

The Valeo's came from an 05 Cadillac CTS with front end damage. I would scour large junkyards with newer models in it maybe 2 times a month to find parts that normally cost a fortune. My Retro build is going to cost me approximately $120 including the 55W HID kit from DDM Tuning.