8 replies to this topic

[crazykn]

I've always wanted to put a proper HID projector into the ABM headlights of my S70 and now after purchasing a set of Audi TT projectors, i've found a way to fit them onto the ABM projector/headlight bracket without major modification. I've simply removed the studs on the bracket from the old halogen projector and bored out the holes. I've inserted some size 8 screws through the holes as the new studs for the Audi TT projector. Then enlarged the holes on the Audi TT projector and drilled another hole for proper fitment. I've yet to test the setup (because I need to order some D2S bulbs and a adapter to use with my HID ballast), but i'm confident this design will work.







I've used a spare bracket to do the testing on, so that I won't ruin the ones on my car if I screw something up. If this test prototype works out, i'll probably post up a DIY when I do the right side headlight. I also need to check if this setup will clear the backing of the headlight assembly, as I'm not 100% it won't rub up against the headlight cap in the back.

Edited by crazykn, 21 December 2011 - 06:39 AM.

[(n)A-GAME]

You should be fine as far as back clearance goes. It will be tight but the TT's are shorter overall than the ABM halogens. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this

[tizio]

Sorry for the "numb' question: what is the difference in between the ABM and AUDI projectors??? ABM do not fit xenon lamps??

[Serge]

tizio, on 22 December 2011 - 05:26 PM, said:

Sorry for the "numb' question: what is the difference in between the ABM and AUDI projectors??? ABM do not fit xenon lamps??

AMB projector = halogen projector, designed for halogen bulbs, used with HIDs by putting in rebased aftermarket bulbs.

Audi's BOSCH AL projector = Xenon projector, designed for Xenon bulbs, uses standard D2S HID bulbs.



Excellent fit on the TT/E46 projector! Looks almost like no modification was necessary.

Curious is that the reason you picked the TT/E46 projector? Is the clearance too tight for something like the FX-R projector?

Edited by Serge, 22 December 2011 - 05:37 PM.

[(n)A-GAME]

TT projectors are by far the closest match in size to the ABMs. TSX's, FX-Rs, E55s...all too big/misshaped.

[tizio]

Thanks Serge, is there any way the FX-R or any of them (xenon or bi-xenon) need to have a transparent glass/plastic in front to work well?
OP: nice work on fitting, look like factory made to me.

[Serge]

tizio, on 22 December 2011 - 06:07 PM, said:

Thanks Serge, is there any way the FX-R or any of them (xenon or bi-xenon) need to have a transparent glass/plastic in front to work well?
OP: nice work on fitting, look like factory made to me.

Clear glass helps A LOT. I had projectors (these same Audi TT/E46/E38) behind stock fluted glass and it killed the quality of the cutoff. Light output was still great, but it wasn't nearly as good as w/o the lens. I ended up getting plastic lenses and defluting a circle in the middle. Ideally, perfectly clear glass is best. Since my plastic is not evenly thick in the defluted area, it's not as good as glass.

[crazykn]

Alright, this is unofficial write up, but this is how I did it:

Remove headlight unit from car:



Carefully remove the clips from the headlight glass (these clips have tension to them, so they may fly away when you pop them loose, WEAR EYE PROTECTION!)



Seperate the glass from the housing:



Carefully remove the ABM face (there are clips on each side of the unit, becareful snapping them off as the plastic clip may snap!):



Lift these clips up to remove the projector bracket:



Now lift the bracket up and out of the housing. There is a ball joint for the vertical adjustment in the back, so lift the bracket straight up and out towards you:



Remove the ABM projector:



Drill out the screw holes where the old projector screw holes were (I used my dremel):



Enlarge the holes to 11/64th or so. You will need some screw to insert through these holes later.



Insert bolts and washers:



This is what it should look like, becareful though, to mount the projector carefully later, you want it as PARALLEL to the bracket as possible to make proper use of the adjustment screws on the housing otherwise it will be difficult to adjust later (I found out the hard way):



Enlarge the holes on the projector:



Through inappropriate use of the my drill bits and my dremel, I managed to make some holes where the bolts on the bracket will fit or sort of:



I then realized I needed to saw of the nub that was on the bracket so it was done:



Remember to mount the project as parallel to the bracket as possible, this will save you from serious alignment problems.



End result:



To be honest i'm not happy that I rushed the passenger side projector job, because the projector is not perfectly level. Later i'll go back in and play with the projector mounting to adjust it.

NOTE: Because of the rear protrusion of the projector, you probably will not be able to get the housing access cap back on, since it sticks out considerably more than the stock projector. I'm still thinking of ways on how to cover up that cap area.

[(n)A-GAME]

To solve that problem of them sticking out the back, I mounted them differently...rather than mounting them flush against the backside of the chrome piece, I mounted them flush against the front of it, giving an additional inch or so. Harder to get straight that way though. Either way nice end result!