Got an early start today installing my HID kit. Went really smooth at first, thought I'd be writting about now anouncing I had set a world record for 300zx headlamp removal and HID installation! That was until I got to the last two bolts under the wheel arches that took me an twenty minutes each... Well everythings out now and I am cleaning the lights as reccomended. I noticed on each of the dipped beams there is a piece of sheet metal that sits between the bulb and the lens and covers the bottom half of the lens, it seems to me that this is blocking a good part of the light. Is it wise to remove this bit or will it cause some problem with the way the light refracts or make the HID's dazzle other drivers?

Bump

Having just looked at my spare set of lamps, I see what you are talking about :D At a guess, as I don't know for certain, I would say that it could be there to reflect out any light that is reflected back into the the area by the focusing lens, if you see what I mean.

 

BTW, don't forget to clean the focusing lens as well as the main lens, both inside and out. And, if you've got any, put some of those silica gel packs that you find in new shoe boxes etc, good for getting rid of moisture in the lamp unit.

 

What are you using for sealing the glass back with? Silicon sealant is OK, but could be a bugger if you ever need to open it up again, I'd suggest grey mastic, much better and plyable.

 

HTH

 

Dave

I know! I know! It is to correct the beam pattern so your car will pass its MOT. It does indeed block part of the light but only on dipped beam. Without it your lights may indeed be brighter but every bugger you drove towards would be only too keen to point this out!

Thanks mates,

I waited around for an hour after I posted the question then went back at it. I figured Nissan knew what they were doing when they built the 300zx so I left them alone. I used silicone to seal them back up but didn't have any silica packs to keep them dry. Good tip though. Hopefully I wont have to open them up again. Cant believe the difference the HID's made, has to be the best Z upgrade possible for the money.

I was blind but now I see... Hallelujah! :nana2:

Was it a straightforward job overall?

 

I had a Rover 620 (nee Honda Accord) which had GREAT night vision and now I'm driving a around in a Nissan supercar and having to squint all the time!

I noticed on each of the dipped beams there is a piece of sheet metal that sits between the bulb and the lens and covers the bottom half of the lens, it seems to me that this is blocking a good part of the light.

 

These bits of metal are there to define the beam pattern. Without these the lights will project a huge oval shape. Have a look at the pattern projected on a wall. You'll see that the top of the light pattern is practically flat - that's because of the metal bits ...

 

Is it wise to remove this bit or will it cause some problem with the way the light refracts or make the HID's dazzle other drivers?

 

Don't remove them - you'll fail the MOT and dazzle oncomers.

 

HTH

 

Dan