Rep Power: 716

Change your stock 93-97 headlights to High Performance Sealed Beams!

This procedure is for anyone who can't afford to buy New Seal Beam Headlights, a conversion kit, or just anyone who chooses to change thier own. I was able to convert mine for less than $30.00 and a couple hours of time.

Before we get started, I want to make one thing clear...this could break your current housing if your not careful, as they're made of glass! So, in order for you to upgrade to aftermarket bulbs, a little work is going to be required to get the old bulbs out of the stock housings. This will include breaking the seal on the stock housing, which is only siliconed in. So just remember to be gentle, and work slowly, and you should be fine!

(Note: Being impatient and prying too hard on the stock housing, will only result in breaking the glass base, which isn't cheap by the way. I suggest doing this on a soft surface, like laying down a towl on a work bench, or on your lap on the couch, as I did.)

Tools Needed:
~ #15 Torx Driver (One with a magnetic tip is very helpful)
~ Flat Head Screwdriver
~ Needlenose Pliers (Not required, but very helpful)

(Note: If you do not have a magnetic driver, try to find a very stong magnet. By placing it against the driver should magnetize it. Trust me, you don't want to drop any screws down into the front facia.)

Parts Needed:
~ 2 Aftermarket Gas-Charged bulbs 9006 (low beams)
~ 2 Aftermarket Gas-Charged Bulbs 9005 (high beams)
~ Clear RTV Silicone (Doesn't have to be clear, but clear is the highest temp silicone.)

(Note: I bought my bulbs off eBay for $19.99 shipped.(9006 only) They're not true HID's, but they do have a 7000K rating which is a very bright white, with a blueish tint. When choosing a 9006-9005 Gas-Charged bulb, make sure they will fit you stock plug.)

STEP 1
Using the #15 Torx Driver, remove the two screws on the headlight retainer. This will loosen the retainer, which swings out, and then pulls out. After the retainer is out, remove the headlight from the bucket and unplug it. Repeat this process for all the headlights, as they are all the same.

(Tip: If you are having trouble getting to the bottom screw on the retainer, stick a smooth wedge into the bottom to push the plastic down, and bring the headlight up. Just be careful.)

STEP 2
With the headlight out of the bucket, you should now see how the old bulb is in the base. It is very wise at this point to "Mark" which direction the plug is facing, directly on the housing with a felt-pen, or piece of tape. You will need to place the new bulb into the lamp, in the same direction. (I failed to do this simple task and ended up with one of my low beams upside down.) Now for the Fun part that will require some Patience. Take the flat head screwdriver....and stick it in-between the base of the lamp...and the plastic ring of the bulb. Slowly twist the screwdriver, and apply pressure in equal increments, working it all the way around the lamp. It took me between 3 and 4 minutes to pry it loose. You'll know when you get close, as the bulb will start to move freely from the lamp. Repeat this process for all the lights.

(Tip: PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE! Also....if at anytime you want to reuse the old bulbs,..."Do Not Touch them"! The oil from your fingers can cause them to burst! Same goes for the New ones, as I'm sure you've already heard.)

STEP 3
Clean off any old silicone from the opening of the base, that may be left from the old bulb. Take the new bulb, again DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS BULB WITH YOUR FINGERS,...and place a small bead of silicone around the base of the bulb, where the rubber o-ring is. Smooth it around with your finger; making sure you have a nice smooth bead around the base. Wipe the excess from your finger onto the outside opening of the lamp. Now carefully insert the new bulb into the base, "Making Sure" you install them the same direction the old ones came out. Push down on the bulb, gently rocking it back and forth to make sure it's seated all the way, and to get a good seal. Then smooth the excess silicone from the sides around the entire seal with your finger. Double check all the way around the seal, making sure there are no holes or any places that moisture can get in! This is going to take at least an hour for the silicone to set, or harden all the way. Make sure you do this procedure in a warm dry area,....preferably 70 degrees or warmer.

(Tip: I recommend letting them set over night, but if doing this on an afternoon, I would suggest using a hair-dryer to help speed the process of drying. The silicone "Should" set in an hour, but if doing this during the rainy season, I highly recommend a longer drying period. At least a couple hours to be safe.)

Step 4
To install your new Sealed Beam lamps, reverse the process of Step 1. Make sure you plug each lamp in and test it first before going through the whole re-installation process. Installing the lamps and retainers back into the buckets can be very annoying, so take your time. If you only do the low beams (9006) like I did, when you turn on all the lights, you should notice a huge difference in the look of new aftermarket bulbs. I live in the city and rarely use my high beams, so I didn't see the need to change them. If you do use yours on a regular basis, I recommend changing them so that they're all the same color.

Well,...that's it. I hope you enjoy your New High Performance Lighting! If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at: www.chevyman66@comcast.net, or you can join us here at ProjectCamaro.com, and send me a Private message.





Originally posted by: "titter". Thank you for the info.

 
Rep Power: 910

ive done this...very easy with good results. i'd do it to my TA if i knew the bulb number.

 
Rep Power: 716

Nice example photos Caleb, "Thank you" for posting them. Unfortunately my digital camera is junk, so the photos I have of mine are useless. They don't show that brite white bluish look to them like your pics do. My foglights are true HID 8500K Krypton bulbs, but still the photos don't do them justice.

Heres an example.........

 
Rep Power: 895

Removing all of the posts minus the original, then locking and moving this to the tutorial forum. This is a good informational post..