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View Full Version : DIY: Depo Headlight Projectors 04-05. 56K dont approach!



Danielsle
10-28-2011, 10:09 PM
I got some Depo Projectors from Moonsi here:

http://www.ephatch.com/forum/showthread.php?66531-Depo-CTR-style-Projectors-Yellow-Fog-lights

Great purchase IMO. Great quality, fast shipping, and came with instructions.

Now if you have 02-03 then you dont need this thread. This is for the 04-05. Now Moonsi did provide me with some installation steps but I thought I'd make a thread for you guys that need more than paper.

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2254.jpg
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2255.jpg
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2256.jpg

First, take off your bumper! You'll have to take off your bumper clips, here:
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2156.jpg

A screw under the fender liner
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2266.jpg

Several screws under the bumper
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2267.jpg

And when you do that, just pop the bumper off. You dont have to necessarily take the whole bumper off. Mine was just on the floor, connected by my side bumper markers and my fogs.
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2268.jpg

Now lets take off those nasty OEM headlights! You'll need to remove the panel here by two honda clips. Pull up in the center, and remove the clips.
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2269.jpg

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2270.jpg

Remove the screw and 10mm bolt here
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2271.jpg

And under the headlight is another bolt
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2273.jpg

*****Now I dont know why but I forgot to take a picture of this. But theres another screw on the side. Remove also.
This part of the headlight gets bolted there.
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2284.jpg

After that, remove the bulbs. If you're like me, it took some work to unclip the wires, so I disconnected all the bulbs from the headlight first then removed the wires. Stupid 7 year dirt.
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2281.jpg
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2280.jpg
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2275.jpg
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2276.jpg

You're going to disconnect all bulbs except for the turn signal here.
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2279.jpg
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2277.jpg

Next get your DEPO headlight, flip it over and remove these two harnesses
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2257.jpg

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2259.jpg
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2260.jpg

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2261.jpg
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2262.jpg


Get your DEPO headlight and install! Now everything should wire correctly. The only trouble I had was that my city light wasnt long enough to stretch from my HIGH beam to my CITY light. So I had to cut the harness JUST A LITTLE BIT. I didnt cut any wires. Just the harness cover.
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2282.jpg
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2286.jpg

Then put the headlight on, bolt on all 4 bolts/screw. Put back everything the way to took it off and make sure your lights work!

City lights
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2288.jpg

Headlights
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2289.jpg

Turn signals
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2293.jpg

High beams
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2290.jpg

Now adjust your headlights so they dont blind people (I've yet to do that and found it out on the way home!)

Enjoy! I hope I covered everything.

apexracing
10-28-2011, 10:25 PM
haha give me your oem lights?

Danielsle
10-28-2011, 10:37 PM
haha give me your oem lights?

They're so bad! So old, I tried restoring them but baaaad! The driver side has small amount of condensation inside.

apexracing
10-28-2011, 10:39 PM
i've been trying to find a set forever tho haha.

Danielsle
10-28-2011, 10:43 PM
i've been trying to find a set forever tho haha.

I can sell you them ... >.>

moonsi
10-29-2011, 01:55 AM
awesome write up! :)

junevtec
10-29-2011, 07:47 AM
nice im gonna order these for my bucket.

Danielsle
10-29-2011, 09:44 PM
awesome write up! :)

Thanks for the awesome product!

Now I dont know if this is necessary, but I've been doing this forever long with my headlights. I put some sealant on the edges to ensure no leakage. Just something I do. I dont think it's necessary.

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2278.jpg

junevtec
10-29-2011, 09:54 PM
Thanks for the awesome product!

Now I dont know if this is necessary, but I've been doing this forever long with my headlights. I put some sealant on the edges to ensure no leakage. Just something I do. I dont think it's necessary.

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2278.jpgDude im digging the sandals lol

junevtec
10-29-2011, 09:57 PM
Does moonsi have these in the gunmetal instead of black housing?

Danielsle
10-29-2011, 10:41 PM
Does moonsi have these in the gunmetal instead of black housing?

Not that I know of. His original post was only these and the fogs. I'm sure he might be able to find some? ... do they even make DEPO without black housings? Ionno! PM him.

moonsi
10-30-2011, 02:29 AM
Does moonsi have these in the gunmetal instead of black housing?

unfortunately they do not make gunmetal housing

junevtec
10-30-2011, 09:37 AM
unfortunately they do not make gunmetal housingWhomp whomp lol thanks for the reply

smykhaisouk
10-31-2011, 08:59 AM
i see you're down fo whateva!!! you must know Pai and them from the saginaw area then right??? if so, thats where i stay and i drive the white ep w black wheels. chunk the deuces if you see me on the road

Danielsle
10-31-2011, 09:53 AM
i see you're down fo whateva!!! you must know Pai and them from the saginaw area then right??? if so, thats where i stay and i drive the white ep w black wheels. chunk the deuces if you see me on the road

I think I've actually seen you driving before. I try to make it to where I know most all the EPs in the area but I didn't know who you were. Theres like two other EP3s I wish I knew. I guess I know you now, but I've seen a VBP EP3 in the area. The only VBP EP I've ever seen in person. I dont know who drives that. Also, the first EP3 I ever saw at CCM6-7? It's black with white rims. Thats where I got my inspiration from.

lemonhead228
10-31-2011, 10:41 AM
Ima get me a set in January and do the tsx retrofit. I hate broke season lol

Danielsle
10-31-2011, 10:55 AM
Ima get me a set in January and do the tsx retrofit. I hate broke season lol

You should purchase them before christmas shopping. You can always retrofit later.

StimulisRK
10-31-2011, 05:34 PM
Thanks for the awesome product!

Now I dont know if this is necessary, but I've been doing this forever long with my headlights. I put some sealant on the edges to ensure no leakage. Just something I do. I dont think it's necessary.

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/Danielsle/IMG_2278.jpg

I also think its probably not necessary, but you definitely seem like me where you go over the top ahead of time so you don't gotta worry at all haha. What type of sealant did you use? And does anyone else got opinions on whether or not this really needs to be done? I'm getting mine friday and I want them to look good for a long time!

Danielsle
10-31-2011, 08:30 PM
I also think its probably not necessary, but you definitely seem like me where you go over the top ahead of time so you don't gotta worry at all haha. What type of sealant did you use? And does anyone else got opinions on whether or not this really needs to be done? I'm getting mine friday and I want them to look good for a long time!

Yeah I wanted to stop anything from ever starting. I used a tub and sink sealant for the restroom. Figured if water cant get through my tub and sink, it wont get into my headlights. As far as necessity wise, I'd like to know other peoples opinions on it. See if anyone else does it.

Draw7Seven
11-01-2011, 09:39 AM
Ima get me a set in January and do the tsx retrofit. I hate broke season lol

PM me if you end up with any questions, I'll try to help.

usedep3
11-01-2011, 10:57 AM
great write up.

just two minor, general things.. you dont have to remove all 8 bumper clips that are on the top. as far as bumper clips, you really only need to remove the top 4 and the 4 on the bottom. also, you might want to wipe down all the bulbs before installing them. if there's any chance there oils/grease from your skin they can cause the bulbs to burn unevenly and possibly blow up/out.

Danielsle
11-01-2011, 11:05 AM
great write up.

just two minor, general things.. you dont have to remove all 8 bumper clips that are on the top. as far as bumper clips, you really only need to remove the top 4 and the 4 on the bottom. also, you might want to wipe down all the bulbs before installing them. if there's any chance there oils/grease from your skin they can cause the bulbs to burn unevenly and possibly blow up/out.

Thanks! I think I figured the 8 clips part out when I took off the bumper. I was like, "... these other 4 are for the grill!". But thanks for the input. Do you seal up your headlights before you install? We were talking about it earlier and wanted to know if other people do it or if we're just weird.

Draw7Seven
11-01-2011, 11:41 AM
Thanks! I think I figured the 8 clips part out when I took off the bumper. I was like, "... these other 4 are for the grill!". But thanks for the input. Do you seal up your headlights before you install? We were talking about it earlier and wanted to know if other people do it or if we're just weird.

It's definitely not a bad thing to do. Another future-proofing I've seen done is tossing in a silica gel pack or two into the back of the housing (out of view) to soak up moisture and prevent condensation forming.

cvicep3
11-01-2011, 12:15 PM
Great DIY, I definitely seal it before put it on.

rsnickell
11-02-2011, 07:42 PM
Great DIY, I definitely seal it before put it on.
I am guessing they are using he clear silicon sealant and not the white. I plan on ordering my depos in a few days and I'm thinking about sealing them as well.

Draw7Seven
11-02-2011, 08:38 PM
After a year of owning a set without sealing them, I had no condensation. I don't want people to read this thread and think they're doing it wrong if they don't add more sealant to a brand new headlamp. This is sort of an obsessive compulsive, "before I go putting them on the car" thing to do.

usedep3
11-02-2011, 09:47 PM
It's definitely not a bad thing to do. Another future-proofing I've seen done is tossing in a silica gel pack or two into the back of the housing (out of view) to soak up moisture and prevent condensation forming.

agreed. extra rtv sealant around the edge/perimeter can't hurt. as mentioned, i recommended adding silica packets. they actually help remove condensation

Danielsle
11-02-2011, 09:52 PM
agreed. extra rtv sealant around the edge/perimeter can't hurt. as mentioned, i recommended adding silica packets. they actually help remove condensation

Where can we go and obtain the packets?

usedep3
11-03-2011, 07:32 AM
you can find them in shoe boxes, packaging for clothing esp leather goods. when i bought a brand new oem ebrake from honda, it came with 2 huge silica packets. they are usually packed along with things where moisture is a concern.

where in dallas are you located? i have a few to spare

Danielsle
11-04-2011, 07:23 PM
you can find them in shoe boxes, packaging for clothing esp leather goods. when i bought a brand new oem ebrake from honda, it came with 2 huge silica packets. they are usually packed along with things where moisture is a concern.

where in dallas are you located? i have a few to spare

Oh... so thats what those packets were for. You know I've always wondered what those "DO NOT EAT" packets were. Haha! I'm in Arlington, next to the Cowboys Stadium.

StimulisRK
11-04-2011, 10:20 PM
agreed. extra rtv sealant around the edge/perimeter can't hurt. as mentioned, i recommended adding silica packets. they actually help remove condensation

Where exactly do I put the packet?

Draw7Seven
11-05-2011, 01:19 AM
Where exactly do I put the packet?

Anywhere in the headlight housing that's not viewable to the outside public. All it's doing is soaking up moisture in the headlight housing.

usedep3
11-05-2011, 02:22 AM
Oh... so thats what those packets were for. You know I've always wondered what those "DO NOT EAT" packets were. Haha! I'm in Arlington, next to the Cowboys Stadium.

if you can meet me off of N Cooper St and I-30, the packets are yours.




Where exactly do I put the packet?


Anywhere in the headlight housing that's not viewable to the outside public. All it's doing is soaking up moisture in the headlight housing.

^this.

the headlight is made of 3 layers. (1) the clear cover, (2) the middle layer that the blubs/projectors attach to, and (3) the back cover w/ gaskets. you can slip the packets into the headlight between the #2 & #3 layer. hope that makes sense

StimulisRK
11-05-2011, 07:35 AM
Ok, I see what you guys are saying. I wasn't thinking of those gaskets back there. Thanks!

Danielsle
11-06-2011, 01:10 PM
if you can meet me off of N Cooper St and I-30, the packets are yours.

PMed.

andyman97
11-06-2011, 07:27 PM
I love the 56k references people put in their thread titles. Is there even 56k anymore?

Danielsle
11-06-2011, 08:36 PM
I love the 56k references people put in their thread titles. Is there even 56k anymore?

Yes. Or just slow with internet. Sometimes my laptop doesnt get good internet connections and crashes when i try and get on some of these threads. I could simply resize my images, but it gets time consuming and im lazy

hyu
11-06-2011, 11:39 PM
I love the 56k references people put in their thread titles. Is there even 56k anymore?

There's about 7million people still on dialup/dsl...

Sent from my autocorrect butchering device

eternal780
11-12-2011, 04:23 PM
awesome

Silvercard
11-12-2011, 06:20 PM
Let me know when the clear ones are obtained

McTaggart34
11-18-2011, 10:13 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbDeKBf_h4U&feature=feedu

StimulisRK
11-21-2011, 02:41 PM
does anyone know if theres anything different in the 02-03 bumpers? I removed all the same clips and screws but its still not coming off. It seems to be pretty tight where you remove that screw from the wheel well.

Any ideas?

cvicep3
11-21-2011, 03:00 PM
does anyone know if theres anything different in the 02-03 bumpers? I removed all the same clips and screws but its still not coming off. It seems to be pretty tight where you remove that screw from the wheel well.

Any ideas?

Pretty much the same. You can turn the wheel to left or right for more room.

StimulisRK
11-21-2011, 03:22 PM
thats what I thought. Everything was the same, I even checked the service manual, I have everything out - i'm pulling on the bumper with my legs pushing on the tire and it wont come off; right at that circular part by the headlight, there is something keeping the bumper on. Everything else is loose and is ready to come off, just that little area on each side, feels like its bolted on tight. And yes, I took the screws out up top there.

This is driving me nuts.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6059/6379310899_b8a71f6aaf_z.jpg

cvicep3
11-21-2011, 03:46 PM
There's only one screw holding that area which is in between the wheel and fender. Just pull it out and then toward to the front.

StimulisRK
11-21-2011, 03:59 PM
I got it out. Hard to explain, but those black braces(on the inside of the bumper that snap into the actual frame of the car) snapped in order to get it off - the plastic had expanded to big to fit out of the holes they originally went in to. Good to go now, just gotta superglue those black braces to the bumper.

StimulisRK
11-21-2011, 06:04 PM
Has anyone here done an install for these on an 02-03? PM me

apexracing
11-21-2011, 06:11 PM
Yup grab the corner your removed the screw from and pull it away from
The body. Continue to pull out around the headlights. Then the bumper should pop loose. These areas have clips that help keep the bumper up in place.

PatrickJamesYu
11-22-2011, 04:10 AM
does anyone know if theres anything different in the 02-03 bumpers? I removed all the same clips and screws but its still not coming off. It seems to be pretty tight where you remove that screw from the wheel well.

Any ideas?

Just man up and pull on it.
The first bumper removal is pretty rough.
It's been sitting there, bolted on once, and weathered for about 8-9 years.
It's not a high precision piece out of a metal, it's plastic which changes quite a lot through the heat, and cold.

Pull on it!

StimulisRK
11-22-2011, 08:22 AM
Weathering was definitely a big part of it, there was 2 of us pulling on that thing! I ended up going in through the wheel well and hammering out those black supports. Going out to put the bumper back on now

Danielsle
11-22-2011, 02:25 PM
Remove screws under bumper and the undercarriage liner. Then the clips on the bumper. That should be it really. Pull the side of the bumper out towards you, should come off with a little force. If it's stuck on something try and figure out what it is and remove it.

StimulisRK
11-22-2011, 03:24 PM
Got it. I ended up having to go in through the wheel well and break off those black plastic braces that the bumper snaps into - that led to a bunch of other problems, but anyways heres a pic!

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6098/6385562997_65c7ff5a3a_z.jpg

Draw7Seven
11-22-2011, 09:08 PM
Nice work! Are you running halogens for now or what? The hard part is the retrofit...

Marc-111
11-22-2011, 09:22 PM
nice DIY here!

StimulisRK
11-22-2011, 09:31 PM
Nice work! Are you running halogens for now or what? The hard part is the retrofit...

I just kept the bulbs it came with in. I'd like to get an HID kit in the future - is that what you mean by retrofit? Kinda new to all this...I thought retrofitting was just a general term for modding the stock housing.

StockTexasEP3
11-23-2011, 10:15 PM
I think I've actually seen you driving before. I try to make it to where I know most all the EPs in the area but I didn't know who you were. Theres like two other EP3s I wish I knew. I guess I know you now, but I've seen a VBP EP3 in the area. The only VBP EP I've ever seen in person. I dont know who drives that. Also, the first EP3 I ever saw at CCM6-7? It's black with white rims. Thats where I got my inspiration from.

Where are the dallas EP's?

Danielsle
11-24-2011, 03:17 AM
Where are the dallas EP's?

Everywhere! Arlington, Euless, Irving, Dallas, Fort Worth. Just in the general area.

StockTexasEP3
11-24-2011, 06:43 PM
ha yea I see them around everyonce in a while but I thought you were talking more about a meet up.

ep32424
11-24-2011, 09:42 PM
Pm'd

Danielsle
11-26-2011, 12:04 PM
ha yea I see them around everyonce in a while but I thought you were talking more about a meet up.


Generally, Ben will set up a meet. We've only had one meet so far though for the DFW EP3s.

ep32424
11-30-2011, 09:14 PM
Great DIY

civictype_r04
12-20-2011, 07:49 PM
Can't wait to get mine!!!

tribalsi
12-21-2011, 03:50 PM
thanks for the diy! i just installed mine today

kincito
12-21-2011, 06:36 PM
I just installed my Depo projector headlights into my ep3 and it does not fit well like my oem headlights.


Is this normal??

nowhales
12-21-2011, 07:19 PM
I just installed my Depo projector headlights into my ep3 and it does not fit well like my oem headlights.


Is this normal??

aftermarket is going to have some variances, not always but likely to happen.

tribalsi
12-21-2011, 11:33 PM
My depos didnt fit well at first either. Just try to get the fitment between the headlight and the fender to be as flush as possible. then tighten the bolt on the bottom of the bracket and the last bolt on top

McTaggart34
12-23-2011, 07:19 PM
nice Diy !!
what watch is that? Looks kinda like a Rolex submariner :mbiggrin:

Danielsle
01-24-2012, 01:25 PM
nice Diy !!
what watch is that? Looks kinda like a Rolex submariner :mbiggrin:

Just one of my Fossil watches. I dont care for high class watches, only high class bitches and high class cars. ;)

KaeDu
04-18-2012, 01:56 PM
Are these the DEPO halogen or the DEPO HID? I know that both are projectors but from what I have read there is a difference. Could someone please chime in....highly interested.

bluedemonep3
04-18-2012, 08:01 PM
Are these the DEPO halogen or the DEPO HID? I know that both are projectors but from what I have read there is a difference. Could someone please chime in....highly interested.

these are halogen.Could upgrade to HID with no problems

Draw7Seven
04-18-2012, 09:12 PM
Are these the DEPO halogen or the DEPO HID? I know that both are projectors but from what I have read there is a difference. Could someone please chime in....highly interested.

Depo does not make an HID projector. They sell you this headlamp as a halogen projector but it happens to be very similar to the dimensions of the TSX HID projector internals (for example) so it makes for a retrofit that ends up costing a couple hundred dollars less than CTR HID's. Depo halogen projectors can also simply be retrofitted with "plug and play" HID's, which is outlined in other threads. The cutoff on the lights won't be as nice as TSX, but the work involved is far less tedious.

bluedemonep3
04-18-2012, 09:24 PM
Depo does not make an HID projector. They sell you this headlamp as a halogen projector but it happens to be very similar to the dimensions of the TSX HID projector internals (for example) so it makes for a retrofit that ends up costing a couple hundred dollars less than CTR HID's. Depo halogen projectors can also simply be retrofitted with "plug and play" HID's, which is what is outlined in this thread. The cutoff on the lights won't be as nice as TSX, but the work involved is far less tedious.


took the words right out of my mouth lol

Draw7Seven
04-18-2012, 09:54 PM
Corrected my previous post, this thread shows how to install the lights but other DIY's can be found on PnP HID kits into the housings (not difficult at all).

fdnyjon
06-04-2012, 07:46 PM
good idea on the sealant

Waldo129
02-18-2013, 01:29 PM
I wonder how these would look on a tw ep...?

Danielsle
02-27-2013, 06:13 PM
I wonder how these would look on a tw ep...?

Several members have them on their TW eps. Looks nice!

alaehp3
03-19-2014, 11:00 PM
unfortunately they do not make gunmetal housing
moonsi hope u can help me i bought the depo projector from u couple of months and i just install it my problem is theirs a big gap from the fender to headlight6693 heres the photo of the gap ,hope u can help me

Ubeyo
04-07-2014, 08:35 PM
Are your headlight allignment pins in tact? If so are they in the holes? Also are the holes they go into on the fender bent?