Re: Hello / Headlight Restoration (Update 9-10)
Thanks for the info. I have V.2 but wanted to get the new V.5 to install on the spare OEM headlights I have sitting in the closet. Unfortunately, I don't think we will ever get 20 members on this forum for a group buy for this.
Sad. With this in mind though, I recommend that anyone unhappy with the lighting output of the stock 9006 bulbs consider this option. The amount of focused light output is incredible compared to the stock bulbs. 9012 bulbs are also an option as they are ~50% brighter than standard 9006.....but consider this:
9006 (standard bulb): 1000 lumens @ 55W, Rated at 1000 hours, Pair = $15
9006 (Silver star or similiar): ~1100-1200 lumens @ 55W, Usually rated at 200-300 hours, Pair = $30-$40
9012 (HIR Bulb): ~1800 lumens @ 55 W, Rated 1000+ hours, Pair = $40-$50
MH1 Retrofit: ~3000 lumens (focused) @ 35 W, components rated at 2000 hours, $217 for a kit if you get a group buy.
If you're buying silverstars and driving alot at night, the light output and life expectancy of the HID kit over those bulbs will pay for itself quite quickly. And if/when and HID bulb burns out, TRS sells pairs of the base H1 bulbs for $30.
Second best option is 9012 bulbs. Had those on the car for a while and they worked well, just nothing like the HID kit.
If anyone wants to see the kit in person, let me know. I am currently in Carson City, NV for extended work (car is here with me), but usually live in Oshkosh, WI.
I recommend lurking on
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/group-buys/] then. They have group buys from TRS every 6 months or so. I was part of the most recent one, group buy #9. Don't even own a Tacoma, but that didn't seem to bother them much. At the end of #9, people were posting that they had missed it and were looking forward to the next one, so it sounds like there is interest.