ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

You could but you'd have to run a new +12V lead from the battery or fuse box. IMO the oem wiring for the reverse light wouldn't be adequate for an HID lamp, just a relay to turn it on.

rockthebeef

I couldn't find the parts anywhere, so I just picked up an H8 on eBay for $12 with free shipping. It's got a nice white color to it: http://tinyurl.com/c4gor2

I guess I'll have to get the harness online too. If I end up with a two-pack I'll offer the extra one up here.

ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

I finally got around to those 7440 vs H8 photos. Thanks for your patience, it wasn't as easy as it should have been thanks to work and weather. Then when I tried to remove the 7440 bulb it fell out into the housing and to remove it I had to remove the housing again. I felt like the monkey with his hand stuck in a cookie jar trying to fish the bulb out with a fat finger...

7440


H8


7440


H8

CIONIDE

iTrader: (1)

Looks so much better with the H8, thanks for your efforts Bonzo.

ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

It's the least I could do given how much help I've received from SL and really completes the DIY. IMO this solution is less than optimal but may be ideal for many when cost and time are factored. I'd rather have a 50W H11 or HID back there but that entails a lot of extra work due to the inadequate oem wiring.

1GreeKtC

iTrader: (3)

love your updated pics man!
this is sick!
i might be stealing this
thanks again man! you rock!

jingjing

i got my h8 bulb ordered. cant wait to install it.

rockthebeef

My harness came in the mail yesterday but they sent an H13 harness. The "company" I bought from seems to have the same SKU# for both the H8 and H13 harness. They're totally different! Hopefully they can get their heads out of their asses and fix their catalog. I should have just special ordered from Autozone. I've got everything but the harness ready to go. Can't wait to try this mod already.

ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

Bummer... You may be rockinthebeef but I'm rockintheH8!

Sorry, I'm feeling a little silly ATM... I'm really anxious to hear some feedback from others on this DIY mod.

DAILYXB-TYPE-R

great diy
i'll try this later
looks great

renegade4x4

Where is the cheapest place to get the h8 harness? Cool mod i want to try it!

ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

The H8, H11 and some other bulbs accept the same plug. The cheapest source is probably a local auto parts store to avoid shipping charges but you can find them online at Amazon and many other stores for under $10. I saw them at Autozone for $10 but I used one of the plugs that came with my ebay fogs.

rockthebeef

I ordered mine from superhid.com. They were the cheapest that I have found, but they f*cked up my order so I'm still in the process of waiting to get it all straightened out...

renegade4x4

Thanks for the info! I will check autozone

TrevorS

iTrader: (1)

Hi Fred,

This is the second DIY I've seen of yours (also TB porting) -- you're an adventurous guy ! Nice idea, I find the OE rear illumination pretty weak and I'm very sensitive to the idea of running into something behind me (especially on the passenger side when pulling out of my driveway, it's black back there at night -- guess I need a flood light )! I'm sure I'll be making use of this idea!

Thanks !

ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Trevor.

If you really want a flood light, you could run a 12V fused lead from the battery or fuse panel to a relay and put a 35W HID in there instead. The H8 and H11 are similar enough that either should fit just as well after some trimming. I may do that at some point but this works pretty well for now. I'm glad you like it.

jingjing

got it installed the other day. seems be alot brighter now. well worth buying the bulb. used a utility knife to cut the edges on the light to make the bulb fit. luckily i had a spare hid harness for the bulb and paid $7 for the bulb. great mod!!!

ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

Excellent! So it went pretty smoothly? Good deal on the H8.

jingjing

yup everything went good. easy mod for anyone to do.

ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

Cool. I'm glad it worked out well for you. This was my first attempt at a DIY so it's good to know that it worked for someone else.

It's too bad that a single H8 sheds only about as much light as the more common dual 21-27W BU light arrangement but at least it's twice as much light as we started with. If I ever get around to it, I may try installing a 55-65w halogen with a relay and dedicated +12v lead. I had considered using a HID but it doesn't make much sense for this application considering the warm-up time required.