Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**GMCPaul** · 10-14-2011, 07:26 AM

Back in 2008 we posted about the Federal goverment declaring that the HID headlamp conversions were illegal and that clear sidemarkers & taillight lenses were considered illegal also unless they reflected red when unlit in rear and amber when unlit in the front. Starting in 2009 Customs & Border Protection began seizing these at the border and the Federal Goverment has begun pressuring the states to begin enforcement of those owners operating these parts on the streets already so if your running these Watch out. Heres a link to a story on the HID conversions at SEMA about the seizures.
http://www.sema.org/sema-enews/2011/...onversion-kits
The fines for retailers & manufacturers alike can be up to 10 times the value of the parts, not sure what the penalties are for a person operating them on the streets but I just wanted to remind everyone of this as I know some places still sell these retail. These are legal if you only use them off-road or at a show but if you drive on the street beware. Prior to 2008 we used to be able to sell these with the disclaimer that they were for off-road or show vehicle use only not legal for street use but the Fed decided that since the retailer / Manufacturer has no control on their end use that they could no longer be sold this way.
Just wanted to warn you all again you can take it for what its worth in your opinion.
Paul ( Owner ) @ GMCPauls

jtj143 · 10-14-2011, 07:51 AM

HID headlamps are an illegal upgrade? What is the best option for improved headlight performance?

**leddzepp** · 10-14-2011, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtj143

HID headlamps are an illegal upgrade? What is the best option for improved headlight performance?

Here is an idea: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=447836

All I did was swap in some newer headlights for the old T3's in my truck....made a world of difference.

1972RedNeck · 10-15-2011, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtj143

What is the best option for improved headlight performance?

Get a core support/grille for a GMC and then do the relay conversion. I also have some 4 1/2" driving lights on mine. When you flick the brights on, it turns night to day.

domeier · 10-14-2011, 10:41 AM

"...The NHTSA is specifically concerned that HID conversion kits can produce excessive glare to oncoming motorists..."

"Can" produce excessive glare? How about, "do" produce excessive glare? Those things are murder for everyone except the massively inconsiderate driver who's sitting behind them.

GASoline71 · 10-14-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by domeier

"...The NHTSA is specifically concerned that HID conversion kits can produce excessive glare to oncoming motorists..."

"Can" produce excessive glare? How about, "do" produce excessive glare? Those things are murder for everyone except the massively inconsiderate driver who's sitting behind them.

I agree 100%... good riddance to them if you ask me. Sometimes the "blue" glare in the rearview mirros with them behind you is worse than oncoming...

Gary

**Already Gone** · 10-20-2011, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by domeier

"...The NHTSA is specifically concerned that HID conversion kits can produce excessive glare to oncoming motorists..."

"Can" produce excessive glare? How about, "do" produce excessive glare? Those things are murder for everyone except the massively inconsiderate driver who's sitting behind them.

I just back from 3 days on the road driving from California and I agree. Its pretty bad when you flash your high beams at a driver cause you think his/hers high beams are on only to have them flash their high beams at you and momentarily blind you.

*project 67 sub* · 10-14-2011, 02:04 PM

thanks for the warning... and GASoline71 very true.. i just leave my rear view mirror flipped up at night, that and the limo tint helps alot with not having any glare from behind

Dunenutt · 10-14-2011, 02:19 PM

WHOOO HOOOO! I hate those things! Not only are they ungodly bright, most people don't take the time to aim them.

They can blind everyone around them, while I sit on the side of the road getting a ticket for blue dot's

.

shawno72 · 10-14-2011, 02:35 PM

I just installed this kit I bought off ebay for $29 shipped. It is excellent quality and makes a huge difference when it comes to making the headlights brighter. But not inconsiderate bright.

69sixpackbee · 10-14-2011, 02:56 PM

I guess that kit is nothing more than a relay and the wires so you can wire them directly to the battery?
When I installed my Jeep J/K headlights I did that and it makes a noticeable (not huge) difference.

shawno72 · 10-14-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69 1/2 Six Pack Bee

I guess that kit is nothing more than a relay and the wires so you can wire them directly to the battery?
When I installed my Jeep J/K headlights I did that and it makes a noticeable (not huge) difference.

I was so impressed with the difference that it made, I installed on two of my trucks now.

*project 67 sub* · 10-14-2011, 02:31 PM

^^^lol, that sucks..... if they are done correctly, and use the right parts, i wouldn't see a problem with them HID conversions. but probably at least 98% of the people that do the conversions don't do it correctly

shawno72 · 10-14-2011, 03:04 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/Harness-Relay-Ha...sories&vxp=mtr
here is the link.

hatred · 10-14-2011, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawno72

http://cgi.ebay.com/Harness-Relay-Ha...sories&vxp=mtr
here is the link.

This kit the same as the headlight relay upgrade?

hatred · 10-19-2011, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatred

This kit the same as the headlight relay upgrade?

Hello?? This thing on..?

eightbanger · 10-20-2011, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatred

Hello?? This thing on..?

shawno72 · 10-19-2011, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatred

This kit the same as the headlight relay upgrade?

Yes. This is the same kit as a headlight relay upgrade. Just comes all preassembled and the right length. Quick and easy.
Posted via Mobile Device

shawno72 · 10-19-2011, 10:04 PM

Installed in about 15 minutes.
Posted via Mobile Device

hatred · 11-26-2011, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawno72

Installed in about 15 minutes.
Posted via Mobile Device

I got my kit in a couple of days ago. No instructions though (clear ones). I guess the relays mount close to the battery cause of the short hot/ground wires?

webfoot · 10-14-2011, 03:09 PM

That looks like a cool kit. Might have to add that to the list of upgrades.

**StingRay** · 10-14-2011, 03:41 PM

I have them in my 92 in aftermarket housings with the glare shield. They are properly aimed and I have never been flashed for having too bright a light. They are generally more often abused and used incorrectly than they are in a responible manner though.

eightbanger · 10-14-2011, 05:41 PM

I'm in the haters list for HID headlights, they really catch me out especially when the oncoming car is approaching on an incline then it's just like full beam in the face....really dangerous.

Relays & Halogens everytime.

*project 67 sub* · 10-14-2011, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eightbanger

Relays & Halogens everytime.

this will be what i end up doing, a glass lens H4 conversion with silverstar ultra bulbs and relays.

creepdogg · 10-14-2011, 06:26 PM

One of the main reasons these HID lamps are illegal is because when you retro them into a older housing they don't have the ability to adjust up and down automatically like designed too in newer cars. I believe in Europe all their headlamps have to be auto leveling.

I ran a set in my 02 grand prix with projector lenses and had them aimed properly and never once was flashed, when you have these yahoos install them into a halogen reflector housing it just scatters light everywhere, HID lights are meant to be a very focused beam of light. When using projectors you have a cut off inside the projector that keeps the light low and to the right to protect on coming motorist from getting so much glare.

I love HID lights, but they need to be used properly.

10-14-2011, 07:26 AM	#1
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,718	Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights Back in 2008 we posted about the Federal goverment declaring that the HID headlamp conversions were illegal and that clear sidemarkers & taillight lenses were considered illegal also unless they reflected red when unlit in rear and amber when unlit in the front. Starting in 2009 Customs & Border Protection began seizing these at the border and the Federal Goverment has begun pressuring the states to begin enforcement of those owners operating these parts on the streets already so if your running these Watch out. Heres a link to a story on the HID conversions at SEMA about the seizures. http://www.sema.org/sema-enews/2011/...onversion-kits The fines for retailers & manufacturers alike can be up to 10 times the value of the parts, not sure what the penalties are for a person operating them on the streets but I just wanted to remind everyone of this as I know some places still sell these retail. These are legal if you only use them off-road or at a show but if you drive on the street beware. Prior to 2008 we used to be able to sell these with the disclaimer that they were for off-road or show vehicle use only not legal for street use but the Fed decided that since the retailer / Manufacturer has no control on their end use that they could no longer be sold this way. Just wanted to warn you all again you can take it for what its worth in your opinion. Paul ( Owner ) @ GMCPauls __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

10-14-2011, 07:51 AM	#2
jtj143 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dotsonville, Tennessee Posts: 194	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights HID headlamps are an illegal upgrade? What is the best option for improved headlight performance? __________________ '65 GMC Suburban 4X4, '71 GMC 4X4 LWB - The Yellow Eyed Monster, '86 C10 Silverado - Oldest Daughter's Pickup, '88 S15 GMC Work Truck, '95 GMC SLE 4X4 - Second Daughter's Truck, '99 K1500 GMC Suburban Road Trip Machine, 2000 C2500 W/T Utility Bed Work Truck, '03 Silverado - Wife's Grocery Getter

10-14-2011, 10:41 AM	#5
domeier Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 784	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights "...The NHTSA is specifically concerned that HID conversion kits can produce excessive glare to oncoming motorists..." "Can" produce excessive glare? How about, "do" produce excessive glare? Those things are murder for everyone except the massively inconsiderate driver who's sitting behind them.

10-14-2011, 02:04 PM	#8
project 67 sub Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san bernardino ca. everywhere Posts: 3,938	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights thanks for the warning... and GASoline71 very true.. i just leave my rear view mirror flipped up at night, that and the limo tint helps alot with not having any glare from behind

10-14-2011, 02:19 PM	#9
Dunenutt Newbee Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 1,406	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights WHOOO HOOOO! I hate those things! Not only are they ungodly bright, most people don't take the time to aim them. They can blind everyone around them, while I sit on the side of the road getting a ticket for blue dot's. __________________ My Build, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...58#post4464158

10-14-2011, 02:35 PM	#10
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights I just installed this kit I bought off ebay for $29 shipped. It is excellent quality and makes a huge difference when it comes to making the headlights brighter. But not inconsiderate bright. __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

10-14-2011, 02:56 PM	#11
69sixpackbee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Sabinal, Texas Posts: 1,706	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights I guess that kit is nothing more than a relay and the wires so you can wire them directly to the battery? When I installed my Jeep J/K headlights I did that and it makes a noticeable (not huge) difference.

10-14-2011, 02:31 PM	#13
project 67 sub Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san bernardino ca. everywhere Posts: 3,938	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights ^^^lol, that sucks..... if they are done correctly, and use the right parts, i wouldn't see a problem with them HID conversions. but probably at least 98% of the people that do the conversions don't do it correctly

10-14-2011, 03:04 PM	#14
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights http://cgi.ebay.com/Harness-Relay-Ha...sories&vxp=mtr here is the link. __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

10-19-2011, 10:04 PM	#19
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights Installed in about 15 minutes. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

10-14-2011, 03:09 PM	#21
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights That looks like a cool kit. Might have to add that to the list of upgrades. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

10-14-2011, 03:41 PM	#22
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights I have them in my 92 in aftermarket housings with the glare shield. They are properly aimed and I have never been flashed for having too bright a light. They are generally more often abused and used incorrectly than they are in a responible manner though. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

10-14-2011, 05:41 PM	#23
eightbanger 454 MAKES IT ROAR Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Essex, U.K Posts: 2,701	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights I'm in the haters list for HID headlights, they really catch me out especially when the oncoming car is approaching on an incline then it's just like full beam in the face....really dangerous. Relays & Halogens everytime. __________________ Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger

10-14-2011, 06:26 PM	#25
creepdogg Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Ann Arbor Posts: 453	Re: Warning on HID conversion & Clear Side Marker & Taillights One of the main reasons these HID lamps are illegal is because when you retro them into a older housing they don't have the ability to adjust up and down automatically like designed too in newer cars. I believe in Europe all their headlamps have to be auto leveling. I ran a set in my 02 grand prix with projector lenses and had them aimed properly and never once was flashed, when you have these yahoos install them into a halogen reflector housing it just scatters light everywhere, HID lights are meant to be a very focused beam of light. When using projectors you have a cut off inside the projector that keeps the light low and to the right to protect on coming motorist from getting so much glare. I love HID lights, but they need to be used properly.



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