GT Racing Headlight Conversion

[shikzachaser]

Anybody tried one of these yet? I just got mine and can't believe what I see. I spent 2 hours taking my old system out and another 4 trying to get these POS to fit. The "complete" kit had no instructions, no / none / nada screw, bolt, or even an electrical adaptor for the Sylvania bulb. Even the lexan covers are not predrilled. I am a mechanical engineer by trade and I freaked out when I saw the quality of this stuff. And after that I get the things in only to realize that the hood won't close as the metal brackets are too tall. On top of that the fibeglass is so thin it bends to conform to the opening. Oh yeah, when you look down on them the entire Sylvania bulb is visible to include the cheap chrome trim ring. I now have almost a day in putting the stock assembly back in plus I just busted a knuckle and am dirty and pissed to boot. I should have left well enough alone. Hopefully I can get some of my money back on a return. If not I guess I'll just post them on ebay with a severe warning. Unbelievable for $470. And to think I almost ordered a couple European bumpers. Jeez.\\ I understand minor adjustment but when something is advertised as a "COMPLETE" kit it should at least allow closing the hood. I have a street car, maybe if all I wanted to do was track it and didn't care how it looked, fitted, worked, it would be different. Oh yeah, adjusting the lights, take it apart if you want to do that.

I am now changing my name to "dumbererer" after this fiasco.

[Izzy]

Take it back! It looks stupid anyways, and I am also not a fan of charging that much for something that requires end-user fabrication and engineering.

[shikzachaser]

Agreed. it was my inability to leave well enough alone. That and something that is totally useless to anyone wanting to keep from going to Home Depot 4 times to retro a supposed "complete" kit.
Hopefully I can return them for only a 15% restocking fee plus shipping both ways. Hey that's not a bad way to market something, just keep reselling it and charging for restocking. I may have to look into that, wait a minute, we design buildings.

[Razorback1980]

Where did you buy this kit? I want to make sure I don't pick one up! I also tend to ask people on the forum what they run BEFORE I buy it so I know if it's a good idea or not. Sometimes I get some good information and sometimes I'm the one posting because I didn't. Just a thought for future "can't leave well enough alone" projects. I have many of them too.

[shikzachaser]

Hopefully your projects were not so painful.
Purchased direct from the "mfg" ($482 including freight). Hopefully I can return them and only lose a hundred or so plus my time, otherwise they go on ebay w/ a major disclaimer. The worst part is putting all the stock stuff back in, the actuator that connects the two headlights is really a drag to a novice. Took me almost 4 hours to reinstall everything. Oh well, maybe Porsche had it right in the first place.

Steve
_______________________

1984 944 bought new, now w/ 80K miles and original headlights again
1991 C4 Targa
1998 BMW M3 (wife's driver / 4D auto w/ baby seat)
1989 BMW Dinan 535 5-sp/ too much stuff on it to list / extremely fast
2000 Durango
2005 Aprillia

[livewirevoodoo]

Damn... I was eyeing the headlight conversion as something maybe "far down the road" because I like the cars that I've seen with it.

After hearing of your experience i've decided to stay away.

Has anyone else done this conversion? Similar experiences with the kit?

[bryanthompson]

Several guys on the hybrid board have done the kit. www.560sec.com/bulletinboard

[aribop]

There are many threads that speak to the 'non-quality' of this particular kit. It's a shame because no one makes anything remotely usable that has any kind of quality in this area.

[shikzachaser]

Unfortunately I am fairly new to the forum and did not do my homework. I am not new to the cars as I have had in order:
73 BMW 2002, 76 BMW 320i, 76 BMW Alpina B9 (bought in Europe and fedralized for US), 77 BMW323 Alpina, 83 911 (bought new), 83 Audi Sport Quattro (the turbo group b one) (bought new), 71 911 e, Audi 5000 Quattro, 84 944 (bought new w/ European delivery), 89 BMW 535 (ton of Dinan stuff), 94 Jag XJ6, 91 C4 Targa, 86 Carrera Targa, 98 BMW M3. That does not include misc Triumphs, Healeys, MGs, 65 GTO, bunch of other domestic crap, assorted bikes : 71 Norton, 67 BMW R60 w/ Steib Sidecar, Kawasaki 750 two stroke, 69 Triumph 650, new 05 Aprillia Scarebeo 50. Plus kids cars: various VWs, old 325e, Audi 4000, Geo Tracker. Basicly I'm not a neophyte, just stupid in this purchase.

[Razorback1980]

There was a guy from latin or south america that made some for his and showed the pictures on this board somewhere. He appeared to do a pretty good job with his...maybe he could make a set for you as well. I'll look and see if I can find the post....anyone remember who that was?

[fast924S]

Has anyone ever contacted GT racing and *****ed about the HEad light kit. I Bet if alot of people did they would look into it.

[ilikemy944]

Their kit is for race cars. The fitment is for race cars...
It wasn't ever designed to be a show piece, I don't think *****in about it will fix that.

That's my thought.

[fast924S]

Very good point

[Dave L]

Race car part sure, but why not make a "show piece" as well. They could capture a much bigger market and probably make a few more bucks. that is if they CAN manufacturer a true show quality kit.

I think it is worth an email, they dont cost much to send the last time I checked.

[helowrench]

hey guys,
there is a very nice writeup with plenty of pictures/hints/tips on how to do this yourself over on the 924.org forums takes a while to read through but is very worth the time.


Rob