3rd Gen HID Headlights retrofit

I'm new to this forum but thought Id share some pics of my latest project. I was disappointed to see that there really isnt any projector headlight options out there for the 97-02 Escort Sedans. In fact pretty much the only aftermarket headlight is the black background ones. I picked up a 1100 dollar Escort beater and the headlights were in bad shape. So I decided to create some real HID projectors. I got some very good condition OEM headlights from the junkyard. I purchased a "G3" bi xenon HID projector kit off of ebay for 130 dollars. This kit has the US cut off spec projectors with OEM 4300k HID bulbs and ballasts. Making the headlights was not as simple as I would have liked. The projectors didnt fit like I had hoped, so I ended up having to cut out the back of the headlight reflector quite a bit in order to recess the projector far enough back to put the lens back on. To remove the lens, I baked the headlights in the over at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes and then carefully removed the lens from the housing. After assembly and adjustment, I used adhesive silicon to put the lenses back on. This isnt a write up on how to do it since unfortunately I didnt take any pictures along the way, but if you are pretty creative and are good at customizing you will be able to do the same thing no problem. I mounted the G3 projectors in the housing with epoxy and epoxy putty along with 1 screw per light. I have about 8 hours of work in the project and another couple of hours at night aiming the headlights. The nice thing is you can still use the stock aiming system to adjust these lights.

Looks great,how bout some night shots?

I'll try and get some tonight

Welcome to the forum! The headlights look great. This has been on my list of things to do for a while now but i think i'll finally get around to doing it quite soon

Nice work! I do a little fab work myself. My little brother has been pressuring me to make some retro-fits for his 97 Intrepid. G3 projectors? About what is the diameter of the projector lens?

Sweet. Nice to see someone do it right for a change using projector lenses instead of just swapping bulbs. Looks pro and modern.

Here is some night shots. Not the best photos, but you can see the cut off. Its a decent line. Looks nice out on the road and most importantly, dont blind oncoming drivers.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/G3-2-8-A ... ccessories

This is the "G3" projector HID kit I used. The sizes are listed here

Awesome! Its nice to see somebody actually do an HID retrofit the correct way for a change.

That's great. Looks really gorgeous. That HID kit fits in your car.

I'd love a set where do I sign up

Nice job [84convertablegt] I gave up searching the internet for aftermarket pre-made ones.. I'm not a fab or do I have tools to make it, but I wouldn't mind paying for custom ones :! I'be been dying to get HID on my wagon but don't want to blind people on the road.. I had HIDs on my previous car, 92 Deville, using the stock headlight assembly. It handled light really well, It also had two screws to adjust height and direction of light.. Its cutoff was just as good as these projectors..

I want to be able to see whats in front! lol $50 just on sylvania bulbs is a bit pricy imo.

What size and brand of rims do you have on there? What's the tire size too? They look fricken awesome.

They look like Motegi MR7s.