Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY

Rone811

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This Is A DIY For A Complete Projector Retrofit
I Used D2S 5.0 Universal Kit
Here Is A List Of Items:

-OEM (original equipment manufacture) Projector Headlights
-Morimoto D2S 5.0 Projectors (3-inch lens)
-D2S Universal 4.0 Brackets
-Morimoto Ballast
-Centric Rings (3 inch)
-Butyl Seal
-H11 Wire Harness
-High Beam Splitters 9005/9006
-9006 Extension Cord
-Amp to D2S Ballast Adapter
-Xbox 360 Power Supply
-Rocker Switch
-D2S Bulbs: I bought a few different ones:
-Osram CBB 7000k
-Morimoto XB35 4500k
-Phillips Xtreme Vision 2 4800K
Tools:
-Clamps About 12 to 15 Medium/Large
-Heat Gun
-Plastic Prying Tools
-Sharpie
-Electrical Tape
-Painters Blue Tape
-Duck Tape
-Cooking Thermometer
-Wire Loom
-Dremel (Polishing, Cutting, Drill Bits)
-#8 Washers 100 Count
-#8-32 Stop Nuts 100 Count
-Allen Hex Bolts Stainless Steel (Size 1 1/8) 8 Count
-Lots Of Zip Lock Baggies
-Compressed Air
-Wrench or Power Tools W/Sockets
-Needle Nose Pliers
-Screw Drivers
-Hex Tools
-9 Volt Battery
-Eye Protection
-Mask
-Gloves
Creating A Bench Test System:
I found an easy solution to put together a bench test on Facebook Headlight Junkies that works by using an Xbox 360 power supply.
Directions:
Go to GameStop, buy an Xbox 360 power supply for $5.99 cut off the end. The 4 Yellow wires are power and 4 Black wires are ground. Red and Blue is trigger. Connect it straight to 9006 extension cord** plug for testing. Install a rocker switch** on the red and blue wire for instant on/off. Bonus: Build an adapter with alligator clips for other 12-volt testing.
Best thing about this set up is that it’s enough power for any ballast (35 or 55 watt). It also resets a "fault" instantly which is much better than a computer power supply.
Build time is about an hour. Super easy to do.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY 52629666_10161427587930111_1362249848312561664_o

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY 52823393_10161427587890111_2251705887045451776_o

This is how mine turned out:
Before:

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0662.JPG

After:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_E1317max

If You’re Painting:
-EasyOff (Chrome Remover)
-Rust-Oleum Flat Gray Primer
-Krylon Satin Black Paint
-3000 Sandpaper (Wet Sanding)
Headlight Preparation:
-Before you take apart anything grab 2 zip locks one for the right and one for the left.
-Remove the rubber seals both on high beam and low beam.
-Remove all the bulbs; low beam, high beam and turn signal.
-Remove 2 plastic vent covers there’s one on each side and they have a little bit of foam on the inside. (I used a flat head to gently remove them out)
-Remove 5 screws surrounding the headlights
Baking Headlights In A Box:
Here is a video on how to create a box for baking headlights. I did this in a garage in cold weather and it took a lot longer. I also taped up the edges of the box using duct tape. You may choose other methods to open your headlights for example your kitchen oven or a heat gun. I'll leave that up to you. I baked each light at 200 degrees for approximately 12 minutes.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1051.JPG

I used heat gun on high for 5-7 minutes then turned it to low to maintain the heat:
Once you are maintaining the 200 degrees then you can start the clock for 12 minutes:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1052 (2).JPG

Taking Apart The Headlights:
Put these internals somewhere safe until you are ready to re-install them.
In red I marked the screws you'll remove and put them in a zip lock:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0917_LI

Unpin the DLR from the board and remove it along with the turn signal bowl:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0917_LI (3)

Note:
Be mindful about laying your headlights lens face down on surfaces because they scratch easy.
Don’t touch the chrome with your fingers on areas you want to keep. Chrome wipes off easy. Especially if you put a fingerprint on it and you decide to try to wipe it off.

Removing The Projector Holder From The Headlight Unit:
What I did here was I went to the outside of the headlight behind the headlight unit
Using a power tool with a socket I unscrewed the adjusting bolt until the projector holder is facing upwards. You don’t have to take it out completely, this just makes taking the top 2 fasteners out a little bit easier.
At this point you can grab needle nose pliers and unpin the bottom fastener by squeezing the together in this picture the white tabs but in the oem the fastener is black
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0917_LI (5)

Next will be the upper fasteners, put a finger behind the projector holder and pull forwards as you use your needle nose pliers to squeeze the two popped areas:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0917_LI (4)

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0699.JPG

Finding Your Reference Point:
After taking headlights apart I did an initial test to see where the original projector beam sits so that at the very end of this project the d2s will be aimed approximately in the same spot. I call this bench testing.
I found these videos useful on how to find my reference point.



Bench Testing:
At the edge of a table I laid down some painter’s tape. I clamped the whole projector holder to the table. I then aligned the high beam bowl to the edge of the table. I then marked around the projector or you can mask off the projector with tape. I did this so that every time I do a test I am aligned in the same spot. I did this for my right and left side. Turn on your power supply light and mask off the wall. I was about 5 feet away from the garage door when I did this. You can use any distance.
-In red I marked where you clamp the projector holder
-In blue the high beam bowl lining up with the edge of the table
-In green are the areas that i contoured with a sharpie or you can mask off with tape
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0917_LI (6)

You do this with the original projector and later with the new projector installed.
Making sure that the light cut off matches.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1010 (2).JPG

Removing Shroud:
Next is the taking the shroud out of the front lens to widen and paint. You'll notice that there are no screws and that is held in by some plastic posts. What I did here was take a heat gun and wave it 1 second on/off keep the heat moving as I looked to for the post to bubble up and then I gently lifted the shroud off. I did this 1 at a time until all 5 areas were removed.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1055_LI

Brackets:
I decided on using both the oem and the d2s brackets so that there is no question later about the integrity of strength. The oem bracket is thin and can bend the d2s bracket has a bit of flex. You can use either.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_20180525

OEM Brackets:
Once you remove the oem projector and take it apart you’ll have your original bracket. This will be your guide to creating your perfect custom d2s bracket.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_E0929 (3).JPG

D2S 4.0 Brackets:
Using painters tape mask off the whole d2s square brackets.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_20180525_225800

Directions:
To contour what I did was have the oem bracket on the bottom, moved the d2s bracket over until the lower edges aligned just right then I laid tape on the front so that the oem bracket won’t move out of place. Lifted the brackets up and laid tape on the back where the metal lays against the d2s bracket. I marked the inside of the metal bracket with a sharpie and don’t forget to mark the bolt holes. I then flipped the d2s bracket and contoured around the metal bracket and marked my 3 holes on top and 2 on bottom as well.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0717xx

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY tracin

Cutting The Brackets:
OEM Brackets:

This video will show you how to cut metal especially in tight corners.

To cut the oem brackets I used a Milwaukee compact cut off tool:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY Milwaukee-M12-Fuel-Cut-Off-Tool-at-NPS18

After cutting most of the metal I then followed by using the dremel to polish any metal shards. The reason you want to polish any shards is so that when your putting the bracket over the projector to test fit it you don’t easily scratch the projector.
D2S 4.0 Brackets:
Cutting this is easy! Using a dremel, cut around your marks. Once your all done you can polish it and round off edges. After brackets are done you can test fit it on the projector holder. I found that sometimes just rounding off a few edges makes it fit just right.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY transparent

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0719.JPG

There are a few holes you’ll have to drill on both brackets
On the d2s custom bracket you will just be adding the top 3 holes and 2 lower holes
3rd hole is for the post and varies left and right of bracket.
On the oem bracket you’ll add the 4 holes for the allen screws.
In this picture you'll see I am trying to match all the holes with the d2s 4.0 bracket and that is overkill. I only use the red indicators.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0917_LI (7)

Once I finished my brackets I then mounted using the washer method as seen below.
Washer Method:
+//The research I was doing required this method but current model D2S does not. So, you can skip this part.
The reason I am doing this is to raise the d2s projector back to where the oem light beam sits. This video goes into some detail.

I found this stuff at Ace Hardware:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0986 (2).JPG

I cut 4 washers so that they will fit properly at the bottom of the projector:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1018 (2).JPG

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1001.JPG

Here I used all 8 allen hex screws that measure 1 and 1/18 inches along with 40 washers and 8 locking screws. The bolts are going to be facing out wards. I used a hex key to hold bolts in a fixed position as I screwed in the bolts from the back.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0999.JPG

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1003 (1).JPG

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1004 (1).JPG

Note:
You can tweak the rotation of the or leveling using the washer and bolt method a little bit by tightening the bolts if you need to. I didn’t have to do this.
Widening the projector holder:
You’ll want to do this after you’ve completed the d2s/oem brackets so that when you insert the d2s projector through you can make minor trimming if you need to. For a perfect fit, I found that using centric rings was the easiest way to figure how much to cut.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0712 (2).JPG

Centric Rings:
I put the centric ring on top of the oem projector just like the image below:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY 26806.4

After you have the centric right on top of the projector you will then either use a sharpie or you can use a knife to scrape around the centric ring. Afterwards, you will remove the centric ring, remove the oem projector and start to trim away the new dimension. Try to round off as you go and use compressed air before checking if the new projector fits. This took me about 25 minutes to complete. Its messy so you can vacuum as you polish. Wear a mask, wear safety glasses because there’s a lot of dust and it get all over your clothes.
OEM Projector:
Before:

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0699.JPG

D2S Projector:
After:

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0947.JPG

Bench Testing D2S Projector:
Once you have mounted your projectors and everything fits you can now bench test to see where your reference is on the wall.
If you don't use the washer method expect your beam to be in the red zone:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1009max

Trimming The Shrouds:
Next you have both shrouds out we can mark shroud for cutting. The oem projector is a 2.5-inch diameter and were going to a 3 inch this is where the centric ring comes into play. All you need to do is to lay the centric ring in front of the shroud then tape it into place and begin to dremel high spots.
This is the pic of centric ring on top of shroud and the red marks need to be trimmed so they match the 3-inch ring.
Shroud Before:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0753.JPG

Mount the centric ring on the front of the shroud:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0942.JPG

Areas to cut out or trim away:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0942max

Shroud After:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1024.JPG

Painting:
I decided that I was going to black out the shroud + high beam bowl
I used a product called EasyOff it is an oven cleaner and it works well at taking off chrome. You’ll want to spray this outside using a mask + glasses this stuff works in minutes. Cover the areas of chrome you want to remove leave the spray on for about 3-5 minutes then rinse it off the repeat.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0943.JPG

I then primed and painted
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0944 (2).JPG

Note:
If you get some small runs in the paint no worries just wet sand gently and add another coat of paint. To wet sand, I used 3000 grit and some water.
Re-Installing Shroud:
Next is to put the shroud back into the front lens, start again by trying to heat up the post by constantly moving the heat on and off about 1 second at a time until you see the post bubbles then you gently press down and this time I ended up pushing pin down a little so it holds in place.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1055_LI

Note:
Once you’re done putting back the shroud clear out the lens with some compressed air.
Pin the solenoid to the projector:
I recommend that you pin the solenoid after you have bench tested and your ready to put your headlight back together pre-heat. Make sure the pins inside the solenoid connectors are straight. The solenoid should fit to projector very solid if it comes off easy, you’ll want to really give it a tight squeeze. You don’t want to be having to reconnect this after you’ve put the headlights back together.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1006max

Testing the solenoid:
If everything lines up straight, you'll want to connect your solenoid adapter that is connected to the projector. To test that the solenoid works correctly it is recommended that you test it up to 40 times. You just take the 2 pins and place one on negative and positive of a 9V battery. It works by pulse which means you can place pin on either side of the 9V battery.
Here is a video on how to do it just in case:

Re-installing the projector holder back into the headlight unit:
You can replace the projector holder and line up the 2 upper fasteners making sure they both go in at the same time. Then you can attach the bottom fastener by slowly rotating the adjustment screw until it starts to thread the fastener. Next, you’ll replace the turn signal bowl and then the drl board goes on top. I then re-pinned the DLR making sure its secure. I replace the screws and added some left over washers. Lastly, I placed the butyl seal.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1048.JPG

Note:
I drilled a small hole through the bottom of the headlight unit and ran both wires of the solenoid. I then added the wire loom and secured it with electrical tape and finally pinned the connector. I then used silicone to patch the small hole under the headlight.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0743 (1)

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1070.JPG

After this point I am ready to re-seal my headlights:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1053.JPG

After 30 minutes you can install headlights.
Projectors Results:
Before:

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_0696.JPG

Updated 11/20/2020: Phillips XV2
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY 126521662_681069912604903_6030744652669905485_n

After:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1079 (2).JPG

Updated 11/20/2020: Phillips XV2
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY 126060967_202930571340487_1670429636261597464_n

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1078 (2).JPG

Updated 11/20/2020: Phillips XV2
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY 126254253_3249344795193535_3086709532264494191_n

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1129.JPG

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY RoneSt

After H&R Lowering Springs Were Installed:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY 119683951_2429730830656042_1700315904674814757_n

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1129 (1)

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY 118810263_4237122036405321_5267874551567815242_n

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY 121114265_753887968676890_5897555933393191169_n(1)


Special Thanks To @Seacow for encouraging me to do a diy write up on how to retrofit headlights.

Here is some photos of the retrofit on my 2021 Type R:
Type R requires LED to Halogen adapters so you have to really really want retrofitted headlights to go though all the trouble. In my opinion its 100% worth it!

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY looksgood

Low beam:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY lowlowbeam
Low Beam:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY lowbeam1

High Beam:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY high beam1

Low Beam:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY lowbeam2

High Beam:
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY high beam2
 
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Seacow

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Great write up! Very thorough and The in-depth photos really help anyone that has or hasn’t attempted a retrofit before! The bench testing is really a great idea to perform before sealing it all back up. Really appreciate the time and effort in this DIY! I’m sold on doing a retrofit with the Mini D2S now!
 

Musclebadger

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Glad I found this as well! Been looking at the D2S projectors, now I just need to wait for Black Friday sales to jump on this. Thank you for taking the time with the write up. It helps with my planning. I liked the idea just blacking out everything in side too.
 
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Rone811

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Glad I found this as well! Been looking at the D2S projectors, now I just need to wait for Black Friday sales to jump on this. Thank you for taking the time with the write up. It helps with my planning. I liked the idea just blacking out everything in side too.
You can choose any color you want. This member used bronze
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY 71085671_2528650503824845_6321305481541320704_n

This member chose to keep it looking stock
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY AD4853D9-E589-471D-B976-F61D0D5FDE0A

Just know that once you complete your retrofit the original high beam will be obsolete.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1119.JPG
 

Musclebadger

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You can choose any color you want. This member used bronze
71085671_2528650503824845_6321305481541320704_n.jpg

This member chose to keep it looking stock
AD4853D9-E589-471D-B976-F61D0D5FDE0A.jpeg

Just know that once you complete your retrofit the original high beam will be obsolete.
IMG_1119.JPG
Hmm, I thought i remember seeing on the retrofit source an adapter to be able to run both the high beams and the solenoid on the projector. I have no idea how much extra light if it would be over kill, or just pointless with the HID.
 


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Rone811

Rone811

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Hmm, I thought i remember seeing on the retrofit source an adapter to be able to run both the high beams and the solenoid on the projector. I have no idea how much extra light if it would be over kill, or just pointless with the HID.
yep that’s the one. It’s good to have it and if u don’t like it u just disconnect it.
 

WhoStoleMyVTEC

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@Rone811 Thank you for the amazing write up. After putting it off for years I am finally going to tackle my first retro and if I'm going to do it I want to do it right. I was thing of doing the mini h1 until I came across this. The d2s beam pattern is exactly what I am looking for.

I just had a couple questions to get a better understanding before I get into it.

-When you cut the stock bracket did you cut holes in the corner like the video? If so, do you have to do each one since it's not a square?

-For the centric rings did you use a sanding disc or a cutting wheel on the dremel?

- When you put the headlights back together, what was the reasoning for the extra washers behind the screws? Does it help? And would I put one behind each one? (There should be more than enough in the box just trying to get a better understanding.

That is pretty much all I have for now, hopefully when I crack these open in a couple weeks if I have any questions you can guide me. I am going to end up putting in a RGB DRL while I'm in there as well. Thanks again for the write up and any help in advance!
 
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Rone811

Rone811

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@Rone811 Thank you for the amazing write up. After putting it off for years I am finally going to tackle my first retro and if I'm going to do it I want to do it right. I was thing of doing the mini h1 until I came across this. The d2s beam pattern is exactly what I am looking for.

I just had a couple questions to get a better understanding before I get into it.

-When you cut the stock bracket did you cut holes in the corner like the video? If so, do you have to do each one since it's not a square?

-For the centric rings did you use a sanding disc or a cutting wheel on the dremel?

- When you put the headlights back together, what was the reasoning for the extra washers behind the screws? Does it help? And would I put one behind each one? (There should be more than enough in the box just trying to get a better understanding.

That is pretty much all I have for now, hopefully when I crack these open in a couple weeks if I have any questions you can guide me. I am going to end up putting in a RGB DRL while I'm in there as well. Thanks again for the write up and any help in advance!
@WhoStoleMyVTEC

Hey man I am happy to answer any questions you have. I had so much fun doing the retrofit and the results came out pretty good. My next retrofit will be better then my current.

* Just so you know you don't have to use the stock bracket. I ended up using both because I thought a single bracket would be a little too thin to hold that large projector. Some retrofitters use wood, metal sheets and this is just from my research im not a pro. I want the best in my retrofits.
I was looking into using carbon fiber sheets :D

-Stock Bracket - you don't have to cut the bracket like in the video i showed that for people that maybe unsure how to do it. After I traced it I used that high power tool to cut it, but if I didn't have that tool I would have used a dremel with a disk. Then after you cut middle part be careful because its extremely sharp. Also, it doesn't have to be perfectly cut it just has to clear the projector.

-Washer Method- I'm not sure about other projectors but so far @Seacow has used the Mini H1 and ran into the same issue as I did with my first retrofit. Basically, the projector is aimed low.

-Best way I can describe it is imagine our projectors hit at 0
-Aftermarket projector hits at -3
-If you put those projectors inside our headlights the aim is 0 but the light is -3
-Issue is youre then going to max out your leveler and your light is aimed at the ground
-Adding 4 washers on top and 2 on the bottom gets the aftermarket projector to a 0

Good luck to you and my advice is make sure you don't rush opening headlights and cracking them.

Are you going to paint them?

Also please consider putting on xpel paint protection on headlights that has come in handy 100%
 

WhoStoleMyVTEC

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@WhoStoleMyVTEC

Hey man I am happy to answer any questions you have. I had so much fun doing the retrofit and the results came out pretty good. My next retrofit will be better then my current.

* Just so you know you don't have to use the stock bracket. I ended up using both because I thought a single bracket would be a little too thin to hold that large projector. Some retrofitters use wood, metal sheets and this is just from my research im not a pro. I want the best in my retrofits.
I was looking into using carbon fiber sheets :D

-Stock Bracket - you don't have to cut the bracket like in the video i showed that for people that maybe unsure how to do it. After I traced it I used that high power tool to cut it, but if I didn't have that tool I would have used a dremel with a disk. Then after you cut middle part be careful because its extremely sharp. Also, it doesn't have to be perfectly cut it just has to clear the projector.

-Washer Method- I'm not sure about other projectors but so far @Seacow has used the Mini H1 and ran into the same issue as I did with my first retrofit. Basically, the projector is aimed low.

-Best way I can describe it is imagine our projectors hit at 0
-Aftermarket projector hits at -3
-If you put those projectors inside our headlights the aim is 0 but the light is -3
-Issue is youre then going to max out your leveler and your light is aimed at the ground
-Adding 4 washers on top and 2 on the bottom gets the aftermarket projector to a 0

Good luck to you and my advice is make sure you don't rush opening headlights and cracking them.

Are you going to paint them?

Also please consider putting on xpel paint protection on headlights that has come in handy 100%
@Rone811

Now if everything I read was as straightforward as this I would have attempted my first one years ago. Your lights came out great and if I can achieve comparable output on my first retro I will be more than happy, just going to take my time and make sure I bench test for best results (that Xbox 360 chord is genius, I am definitely going with that setup)

I am going to double up on the brackets as well because you can never have enough support, and the washer method makes complete sense to me now. Thanks for the tip on the XPEL that way I can just put it on before I throw everything back together.

-As far as painting headlights that is actually another question I should have asked. is it necessary? For some reason with the LSM I love the Chrome look of the headlights, however I don't want to sacrifice any light output or introduce any glare.
 
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Rone811

Rone811

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@Rone811

Now if everything I read was as straightforward as this I would have attempted my first one years ago. Your lights came out great and if I can achieve comparable output on my first retro I will be more than happy, just going to take my time and make sure I bench test for best results (that Xbox 360 chord is genius, I am definitely going with that setup)

I am going to double up on the brackets as well because you can never have enough support, and the washer method makes complete sense to me now. Thanks for the tip on the XPEL that way I can just put it on before I throw everything back together.

-As far as painting headlights that is actually another question I should have asked. is it necessary? For some reason with the LSM I love the Chrome look of the headlights, however I don't want to sacrifice any light output or introduce any glare.
Dude, I get the feeling that your going to ace this. You don’t have to paint at all it’s only for looks. Your oem high beam will be obsolete.
Regardless of paint you will have to remove shroud to widen. As for high beams I originally bought a splitter but I’m going to disconnect it because it doesn’t do anything.
Please consider the XV2 D2S’s as your bulbs, they are the highest rated.

when your retrofit is done you’ll only be using ur low beams for hi/low I kept my turn signal stock.
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY 16D0D285-A0F2-4E48-9701-B3419000F2DB

Oem high beam too weak
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY BBCEB4CD-6A14-460A-89C6-9BF0EE10141D

@bay_hatch kept his stock he may be better at answering ur question
 


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@Rone811 Thank you for the amazing write up. After putting it off for years I am finally going to tackle my first retro and if I'm going to do it I want to do it right. I was thing of doing the mini h1 until I came across this. The d2s beam pattern is exactly what I am looking for.

I just had a couple questions to get a better understanding before I get into it.

-When you cut the stock bracket did you cut holes in the corner like the video? If so, do you have to do each one since it's not a square?

-For the centric rings did you use a sanding disc or a cutting wheel on the dremel?

- When you put the headlights back together, what was the reasoning for the extra washers behind the screws? Does it help? And would I put one behind each one? (There should be more than enough in the box just trying to get a better understanding.

That is pretty much all I have for now, hopefully when I crack these open in a couple weeks if I have any questions you can guide me. I am going to end up putting in a RGB DRL while I'm in there as well. Thanks again for the write up and any help in advance!
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY 711AB1AB-8923-4843-ABC9-1057F1837C9C

sorry for the blurry photo but when I used the OEM bracket I traced the inside of the universal bracket and used a dremel tool to cut. Be careful if you are using a dremel tool because it gets really hot to the touch. The stock bracket will retain factory mounting location to the housing, the only thing you’ll have to do is drill 4 holes where the D2S projector will mount (if you zoom in you’ll see 4 sharpie dots) just be 100% sure that the beam pattern will be level. That’s where being able to bench test will help a ton.
 
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@WhoStoleMyVTEC

This is the only thing I felt I could have improved
Straighten the beam pattern
Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY IMG_1010 (2).JPG

Honda Civic 10th gen Halogen Headlight Projector Retrofit 2016-2021 Complete DIY not straight

That's something I could have adjusted by tweaking the bolts
 

WhoStoleMyVTEC

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Dude, I get the feeling that your going to ace this. You don’t have to paint at all it’s only for looks. Your oem high beam will be obsolete.
Regardless of paint you will have to remove shroud to widen. As for high beams I originally bought a splitter but I’m going to disconnect it because it doesn’t do anything.
Please consider the XV2 D2S’s as your bulbs, they are the highest rated.

when your retrofit is done you’ll only be using ur low beams for hi/low I kept my turn signal stock.
16D0D285-A0F2-4E48-9701-B3419000F2DB.jpeg

Oem high beam too weak
BBCEB4CD-6A14-460A-89C6-9BF0EE10141D.jpeg

@bay_hatch kept his stock he may be better at answering ur question
@Rone811 I did have a set of crappy blacked out aftermarket lights and wasn't crazy about the look, but i would have to be flawless on the outside shroud for it to be good in my book. I'll give it a whirl and if not I will be blacking out everything except the turn signal and high beam bulb (I am going to hit that with some Krylon Stained Glass Yellow to match my fogs and my old GSR Integra).

I saw the picture as well about straightening the beam pattern. Thanks a lot for the tip, that would be something I would miss too as long as the steps were correct. Definitely going to be gong with the heat gun method since that is one tool I am used to using a lot lol. Just finished watching Calvin's tutorial on Headlight Junkies, seems like I'm going to try that way out and if not go the box method.

Question: Did you test on car before putting together or is bench test to eliminate all of that?
 
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WhoStoleMyVTEC

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sorry for the blurry photo but when I used the OEM bracket I traced the inside of the universal bracket and used a dremel tool to cut. Be careful if you are using a dremel tool because it gets really hot to the touch. The stock bracket will retain factory mounting location to the housing, the only thing you’ll have to do is drill 4 holes where the D2S projector will mount (if you zoom in you’ll see 4 sharpie dots) just be 100% sure that the beam pattern will be level. That’s where being able to bench test will help a ton.
@bay_hatch Thank you a lot for the tips. That actually had answered a question I was going to ask to clarify the bracket drawing. That works out perfect!

So the stock bracket just gets the 4 mounting holes from the d2s bracket and the d2s bracket will be getting the 5 across the top and the 2 on the bottom to match the stock bracket?

Sorry I am one of those people that wants to have every box checked before I get started so if I have any questions it will be some quick help lol. Hopefully the interaction helps anyone else interested which is why I didn't want to keep it to a private message.

BTW. Love the work flops ?. They are my go-to 99% of the time I am working on my car. Appreciate all the advice!
 

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@bay_hatch Thank you a lot for the tips. That actually had answered a question I was going to ask to clarify the bracket drawing. That works out perfect!

So the stock bracket just gets the 4 mounting holes from the d2s bracket and the d2s bracket will be getting the 5 across the top and the 2 on the bottom to match the stock bracket?

Sorry I am one of those people that wants to have every box checked before I get started so if I have any questions it will be some quick help lol. Hopefully the interaction helps anyone else interested which is why I didn't want to keep it to a private message.

BTW. Love the work flops ?. They are my go-to 99% of the time I am working on my car. Appreciate all the advice!
No worries dude, I was the same with @Rone811 when I did my retrofit. (Nice photo btw xD)

If you are following Rone811's method of using both the universal bracket and stock bracket then all you need to do on the stock bracket is hollow out the inside so the D2S project can fit through it and drill 4 mounting holes. The top 5 holes from factory and the two on the bottom are mounted to the housing. Then for the universal bracket you'd have to drill the 5 holes (realistically it'll only be 3) on top and the two on the bottom.

FYI: I only decided to use the stock bracket because I messed up cutting the universal bracket where one of the mounting holes had nothing attached on one side, which I thought would comprise the structural rigidity. The stock bracket is plenty strong to support the heavier D2S projector with washers without bending.


I give my girlfriend so much crap for wearing socks with birkenstocks but I guess this is no better ?
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