Has anyone installed clear lenses on their CX-5?

[sound_man]

I'm interested in purchasing clear lenses from The Retrofit Store and wanted to see if anyone has purchased these before. And if you have where can I find instructions to install them? I've searched absolutely everywhere. Do I need to take the full headlight out then put it in an oven? Thanks.

 

[tibimakai]

I have an extra (scratched) headlight, which it was the original headlight of my car, before the accident.
I have not opened it up yet, but I remember seeing some screws on it. I can look at it, when I get home.
I don't remember, anybody doing this mod yet, on this forum.
Not everybody is familiar with this mod, could you please describe it a bit and what are the benefits, costs, etc..

 

[vroom]

Most headlight retrofits involving anything more than bulbs usually also involve baking your headlights. I don't have near enough courage to do such a thing on my 35000$ car... Any particular reason why you would want clear lenses? The beam pattern with a simple HID bulb retrofit is quite nice on the CX-5 whithout the need for such drastic measures... See: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123842433-Morimoto-HID-kit-from-TRS-review

 

[sound_man]

I have an extra (scratched) headlight, which it was the original headlight of my car, before the accident.
I have not opened it up yet, but I remember seeing some screws on it. I can look at it, when I get home.
I don't remember, anybody doing this mod yet, on this forum.
Not everybody is familiar with this mod, could you please describe it a bit and what are the benefits, costs, etc..

I have done some research and found the clear lens that replaces the OEM projector unit makes a finer cute-off at the top of the light. Halogen projectors leak a little light above the light for signs and once installing HID's can sometimes be blinding for drivers up-ahead. Clear lens doesn't have that leak above.

 

[vroom]

The lens is only part of the optical system. The reflector and a metal piece behind the lens are also responsible for the sharpness of the cutoff. So you will only get a partial improvement if any. Also, you still need a little light up there to see road signs. As I said, and reviewed in the link I posted, the cutoff is very sharp with the OEM lens, and any leak above is no brighter than the mainly decorative fog lights.

In the end it's your money, and you can do whatever you want with it. I only suggest doing the bulb swap using the great TRS kit and seeing for yourself if any further improvement is needed.... It might save you cash and trouble.

 

[tibimakai]

It has some kind of black sealant and screws, so my guess is that it needs to be backed.
If I would go for this job, I would replace the whole projector, with something better.

 

[vroom]

If I would go for this job, I would replace the whole projector, with something better.

Agree. I would only put clear lenses on an OEM HID projector to push its capability to their max. Like a politician once said, putting clear lenses on a non-hid projector is like putting lipstick on a pig... Of course at the time he was talking of a female opponent which made the remark way more funny.

 

[sound_man]

Agree. I would only put clear lenses on an OEM HID projector to push its capability to their max. Like a politician once said, putting clear lenses on a non-hid projector is like putting lipstick on a pig... Of course at the time he was talking of a female opponent which made the remark way more funny.

That's my plan. To put the clear lens with HID's, not leave them halogen.

 

[tibimakai]

I would replace the whole projector housing, if I would open up my headlight. Put a Lexus, Acura or BMW projector in there.

 

[waggs]

I have an extra (scratched) headlight, which it was the original headlight of my car, before the accident.
I have not opened it up yet, but I remember seeing some screws on it. I can look at it, when I get home.
I don't remember, anybody doing this mod yet, on this forum.
Not everybody is familiar with this mod, could you please describe it a bit and what are the benefits, costs, etc..

Would you be interested in selling the scratched light? I'm looking for a damaged one not to use but just to take apart and see how everything is setup.

 

[tibimakai]

I would, but not just yet. The accident case, is still not over and I was asked by the body shop, to hold it just in case until the case is over.
How much would you pay for it?

 

[waggs]

I would, but not just yet. The accident case, is still not over and I was asked by the body shop, to hold it just in case until the case is over.
How much would you pay for it?

Sent you a pm. I think it went through but not sure?