I've looked at the Forum before but decided to join up and learn what I can. Not a true gearhead but have been driving since 1967 and enjoy few things more than a good car and an open road. Currently driving an '04 GTP that we bought slightly used in '05 and has a bit over 105k on the odometer after my latest road trip. Right now I'm investigating a headlight upgrade as my eyes aren't getting any younger and Montana has the second highest number of wildlife collisions in the U.S., so will be looking to see what has worked well for other members.
New Member - Long time GTP owner
- Thread starter Corsair2
- Start date
Scottydoggs
Killa Bee
your best bet would be retro's, thats projectors installed in your stock head lights. theres a how to or two here if your up to some diy action.
Thats what my research so far is showing also. I'm looking at Classy Retrofits which was linked from the forum. 20 years ago I'd have done it myself, but arthritis and fibromyalgia have decreased my hand strength and dexterity to the point that it's worth it to me to spring for a pro job.
Nice ride by-the-way! I've owned and/or driven several Buicks over nearly 50 years and have a lot of fond memories. Favorite was a '62 Le Sabre that belonged to my best friend in high school. We took it on a cross country trip after graduation in '69, before we went to Navy boot camp together. Montana didn't have a daytime speed limit back then and that big 425 (if memory serves) V8 would just purr along at 90+. He later knocked off the exhaust crossover in a parking lot, then it was more like twin .50 caliber M-2 Brownings underfoot!
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WarStryker13
I break things.
Classy's does great work, and they have very fair pricing.
While you're waiting on them to come in though, if you can find someone (young family member, perhaps?) that needs a few extra bucks, you could have him/her sand down the stock headlight housings and remove all of the old oxidation and haze... Then a little bit of plastic polishing compound and they'll look brand new, a wipe-down with some diluted spar urethane and you've got better than stock housings.
Of course if you order from Classy's, they'll use brand new OEM housings, and they'll include all of the hardware and harnesses, including instructions for the install. With having a 2004, you have different headlights than the previous 97-03 generation of GPs, there's two separate bulbs and circuits for high and low beams. If you get just low beams retrofitted with HIDs and projectors, the high beams will seem more like low beams. And if you get just high beam HIDs, low beams will seem even more low beam. Quad retrofits are kinda pricey, just because they have twice as many parts, but you'll have no problems whatsoever seeing at night.
Just a heads up, so you can make an informed decision.
good luck and welcome, if nobody's said it already.
While you're waiting on them to come in though, if you can find someone (young family member, perhaps?) that needs a few extra bucks, you could have him/her sand down the stock headlight housings and remove all of the old oxidation and haze... Then a little bit of plastic polishing compound and they'll look brand new, a wipe-down with some diluted spar urethane and you've got better than stock housings.
Of course if you order from Classy's, they'll use brand new OEM housings, and they'll include all of the hardware and harnesses, including instructions for the install. With having a 2004, you have different headlights than the previous 97-03 generation of GPs, there's two separate bulbs and circuits for high and low beams. If you get just low beams retrofitted with HIDs and projectors, the high beams will seem more like low beams. And if you get just high beam HIDs, low beams will seem even more low beam. Quad retrofits are kinda pricey, just because they have twice as many parts, but you'll have no problems whatsoever seeing at night.
Just a heads up, so you can make an informed decision.
good luck and welcome, if nobody's said it already.
spazzz
New member
If you are willing to spend the money having Classy doing it you will be happy you spent the money.
I am going to tell you what you need and that is the end of the story.
Of course he will use new headlight assemblies.
By the time you get the order in the new Morimoto D2S 4.0s will be here......those are what you want and nothing else.....NO mini h1 7.0 or anything else.
They will be Bi-Xenon, meaning they will be low until you click high beams which drop the cutoff shield. They do both high & low and fit in the low beam position.
Get XB4500 or XB5500 bulbs and XB55 ballasts. Don't settle for 35 watt ballasts.
I used AMP igniters with a 90degree amp>d2s adapter for more play getting it hooked up.
And of course a TRS wiring harness.
Now the scary part.
Are you good with tools or know someone? You will have to do a little carving behind the headlight in the radiator support(plastic behind headlight) and a little metal carving on the fender supports.
some thoughts to get you started.
I am going to tell you what you need and that is the end of the story.
Of course he will use new headlight assemblies.
By the time you get the order in the new Morimoto D2S 4.0s will be here......those are what you want and nothing else.....NO mini h1 7.0 or anything else.
They will be Bi-Xenon, meaning they will be low until you click high beams which drop the cutoff shield. They do both high & low and fit in the low beam position.
Get XB4500 or XB5500 bulbs and XB55 ballasts. Don't settle for 35 watt ballasts.
I used AMP igniters with a 90degree amp>d2s adapter for more play getting it hooked up.
And of course a TRS wiring harness.
Now the scary part.
Are you good with tools or know someone? You will have to do a little carving behind the headlight in the radiator support(plastic behind headlight) and a little metal carving on the fender supports.
some thoughts to get you started.
Appreciate the advice. Wirings not a problem, been playing with electronics for fun and profit since the mid sixties, just trying to avoid a lot of work requiring hand strength, especially in places that require a lot of contortion as flexible I'm not these days. What do you know about the LED lamp modules? I've used xenon bulbs in both tactical lights and under counter lighting, and while they're bright as all get out they can also fail at the most inconvenient times. The quality ones look to set me back about $200 for a pair, but they will likely still be shining when I'm gone, and I have no plans to sell this car.
spazzz
New member
In our cars LEDs wont do squat. HID or bust. 55watt ballast with the the new mini h1 installed will give you big time light.
It will cost some money but you will be able to see again at night.
other option>>If you are in the middle of nowhere get a plug and play HID kit with a 55 watt ballasts.
It will cost some money but you will be able to see again at night.
other option>>If you are in the middle of nowhere get a plug and play HID kit with a 55 watt ballasts.