MSG C5

I completed a full HID/LED light conversion on my 2004 MSG vert last month. I've finally loaded up some pics to share. First let me thank JWM Motoring for setting me up with the majority of the lighting equipment and his technical support and guidance. I also want to thank Patches for his previous write-up and installation tips that I also used as a installation guide as well as Pewter 99 for his previous write-up and installation tips for the front corner lights.

Overall, the project wasn't too difficult, however since it was my first time tackling this type of mod, it did take longer than anticipated (about 2 weekends). I re-read the instructions and test fitted everything and really took my time. It was fun, however the only problems I ran into were the "stupid" things like dropping the 3rd and final screw from the front light assembly into the light well and having to remove the housing or remove the lower panel in order to get it. I also swapped out my battery and had to run out and buy an extended socket to get over the OEM bolt. Of course, this was at 11PM on Saturday night and I had to wait until the next day. However, by far the biggest PITA moment came when I was reverse engineering my Euro tail lights. As most of you know, when Euros are installed, you need to cut the white brake light wire underneath the dashboard. When I went to reconnect and crimp the wire back together I had less than 1/2 an inch to work with as the wire was not cut in the middle, rather up near the top of the wiring harness. A few F-bombs were dropped during that little fiasco. However, everything came out great and I'm very pleased that my HP will not outrun my lights anymore. JWM set me up with 4300 temp HID fogs and lows and I swapped out the Halogen highs with Silverstars (not that I will ever need them). The lights really light up the road!

My "Kit of Goodies":



I taped off the corners with painters tape and used some microfiber wash towels to help prevent any dings from dropped tools, bolts, etc. You can't be too careful.





I installed both the Fog and HID Low Beam ballasts on the back wall of the light well. I marked them and secured them with double sided 3M tape squares. I also self-tapped two top screws for added security and then replaced the screws with a bolt and lock nut.





OK, this is where I got creative. I didn't like the idea of the long driver's side HID lighting harness being seen in the engine bay since I had to run it from the battery. Instead of securing it over the air intake and securing it with twist ties to the factory push clips as recommended, I used a coat hanger to run it through the triangle-shaped aluminum nose reinforcement. I can't believe it worked and I don't see the harness when I open up the hood!



Results:











These mods were sponsored by Michelob Ultra and some classic/prog rock!

BigTattooMan

Looks great, I love those halos

dobewillie

Congrats greats looks great

peter pan

Very nice mods and like the detailed write up

ronssito

Nice job ...

That Moving Pictures cd takes me back to "The Camera Eye" ... my favorite song on the album.

I had the LP, no cd's in '81.

MSG C5

You need to go see Rush this summer on tour. They are playing "Moving Pictures" in it's entirety. It's been a long time since they played "The Camera Eye" live.

209TIME!!!

Nice...

91LSMAN

Very Nice.

yaknow

Very nice, I am anticipating doing the same, only I was considering 3000's for the fogs, any benefit with going with the 4300's?

JW Motorsports

Looks good Al.

I've never heard of anyone taping the car off like that to install lights

Good job though. No scratched paint

MSG C5

I know it seemed like overkill, however I did whack the sides of the light housings a few times with the wrench when removing the stock light housing so between the tape and the MF towel I moved around, depending on what side I was working on, no paint damage. Plus, I was afraid I would have a brain fart and drop something.

MSG C5

Check out this link to a thread from last year. It was an excellent write-up that went over the various HID light temps. I live in an area of SW Florida that has many back roads that are long, well-paved and flat so I regularly outran my stock headlights. I wanted to make sure I had the purest white HIDs as I wanted them to be very functional and not just look cool.

Check with JWM as he can guide you through the purchase with suggestions for matching fogs, head lights, etc.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...300k-pics.html

0Z06Joe@AutoBuffs

Looks great!!! So you bought all the front lights (headlights, fogs, markers) from JW??

JW Motorsports

minus the housings. We don't sell that version.

MSG C5

I bought everything but the front corner housings and Adjure backup and side markers from JWM. I don't think he carried them at the time, however you might want to check with him in case he added them. He set me up with the ACA Housings, Front Fogs, Halo LEDs and various other LED bulbs to complete the conversion.

Robomick

Looks great!

MSG C5

Here's the tour information...

http://www.rush.com/v4.html

BHRZ06

Great mods looks awesome

karateboi87

First time I saw those ACA style projectors on a MSG! I'm definitely buying them as soon as I get my pay check this month

Yella01C5

GO SOX!