9006 - 9005 convert completed

[87Camry5Speed]

Just swapped out my 9006 lo-beams with 9005's, courtesy of Bluemeanie's handy guide in the Camry FAQ. It was a straightforward procedure, but I took my dear sweet time and it was about a 45 minute operation. I was afraid of breaking the glass on the bulb... and I was suprised to learn how easily cut down the plastic is.

Guys, I oculd plainly see the difference in broad daylight... before if you got down in front of the car and kneeled in daylight with the 9006's, you couldn't really make em out. Now you definitely can! When the sun goes down, I'll adjust the beam. I made sure to clean the bulbs throoughly with rubbing alcohol to avoid a premature death.

For the record I used Sylvania Cool Blues... they don't give up a whole lot to Silverstars and supposedly last longer. Quite a bit cheaper too (yes that's why I got 'em)

ONe note though- the FAQ says use the rubber O-ring off the 9006 and put it on the 9005 to ensure a tight fit- it's not absolutely necessary, my 05's fit snug without the second O-ring.

Steve

[S2B_Blown_3.5]

I didn't put on the O-ring either, I don't think it's that important.

[Durrby]

I did this conversion a few months back. I didn't use the O-ring and have yet to adjust the beam properly.

[BLUEMEANIE]

The O-ring isn't that big a deal. Tho to prevent vibrating the filimant loose causing premature bulb failure you might want to use it, the tighter they are the better.


OT: I just finished my 9005/9006 to 9003 (H4) conversion on my AE102. ...jdm headlamps baby!

[ralfp]

Originally Posted by Durrby

I did this conversion a few months back. I didn't use the O-ring and have yet to adjust the beam properly.

Why is that funny? Are you laughing at the drivers that you are probably blinding?

I did this conversion on a 626 and the beam would have been really annoying to other drivers if I hadn't done the beam adjustment. I tried it out with a friend in another car; it was pretty bad before I fixed the alignment (even though it was fine using 9006s).

[ralfp]

A tip on converting the bulbs (sorry if this is already in the FAQ): use a hot knife. Heat the blade using a gas stove and trim the plastic away. Make sure you have plenty of ventilation (best done outdoors); the smell is really bad.

[Durrby]

Originally Posted by ralfp

Why is that funny? Are you laughing at the drivers that you are probably blinding?

I did this conversion on a 626 and the beam would have been really annoying to other drivers if I hadn't done the beam adjustment. I tried it out with a friend in another car; it was pretty bad before I fixed the alignment (even though it was fine using 9006s).

I haven't done anything because I don't drive at night (I don't drink & drive) plus wherever I hang out is usually in walking distance. Which has me asking myself why did I even buy the Silverstars in the first place? I put the lol smiley there for the fact that I changed the bulbs a while ago and and yet to adjust them. Thats my laziness. Some people really look into things too much in this case smileys. Plus there have been many times in which brand new cars/suv's have had me squinting and damn near closing me eyes due to their H.I.D.'s out of the factory. Even properly aimed lights can hurt/blind you.

[03SILVERXLEV6]

Has anyone had problems doing this converison with that factory wiring? Is everyone using the same wattage but a 9006 instead of a 9005?

[terrastrife]

australias harness is a H4 type capable of 100w, i feel sorry for you guys

[islandboy57]

Originally Posted by 03SILVERXLEV6

Has anyone had problems doing this converison with that factory wiring? Is everyone using the same wattage but a 9006 instead of a 9005?

Other people pointed out here that the harness is the same for both low/high beams - 65w...so it's fine. Just don't use the cheap bulbs that are over 65w, otherwise that's when you'll have problems.

[87Camry5Speed]

^^ Right, anything over 65 watts will obliterate the wiring harness. For the record my Cool Blue's are 65W.

Well I had it out late last night and DAMN!! I was about ten carlengths behind a late-model Trans Am and my low-beams reached all the way to his bumper with perfect clarity. Peripheral vision (you know, out the corners of your eyes) has improved dramatically. So far I haven't pissed anyone off or attracted unwanted attention, that's a good thing. I really can't use the high-beams now unless I'm 100% sure no one else is around besides, I really don't need em 90% of the time now

I'm fairly sure my headlights are now aimed well, but these bulbs throw out so much light that it's hard to make out the beam pattern for correct adjustment. I do know, at least, that they're level with one another.

Steve

[Camry Marc]

I dont know why but I did that conversion yesterday too, I put Sylvania Silverstar too, haha took me 10 minutes And i also put extreme white corner bulb anyways that's funny how much people did this yesterday.

[87Camry5Speed]

^^Yeah it's definitely worthwhile if you have a few bucks to spare on lights. I have night classes 4x a week this semester, so I appreciate having the extra light... some of the roads I'm on are loaded with deer so gotta be careful

Steve

[ralfp]

Originally Posted by islandboy57

Other people pointed out here that the harness is the same for both low/high beams - 65w...so it's fine. Just don't use the cheap bulbs that are over 65w, otherwise that's when you'll have problems.

What I don't get is how using an 80W bulb would be that much worse heat-wise than a 65W bulb (I wouldn't use an 80W bulb out of respect for other drivers; "golden rule").

An 80W bulb produces about 25% more heat than a 65W bulb. One would think that the designers have more than a 25% margin of error on the design of the wires/socket, etc.

[dna59]

After I sell my 9006 xtreme white bulbs I'm gonna try this and switch to 9005 xtreme whites since I have no high beams and need more light.