[Latigo]

Well, since my last series of pictures I posted prior to actually getting to drive my car off the lot, I've added a few things. First and foremost, the dealer installed wheel arch moldings and a clear bra all over the front end of my car. I felt those were good for protection and, at least with the arch moldings, aesthetics. But I still wanted to throw one more thing onto my car -something I'd seen, but couldn't put my finger on.
Fortunately, a picture of bradze's car jarred my memory and I picked up a hood protector today!
I stopped by my buddy's place figuring we could tackle it in about a half hour. Holy mother of god, talk about a miscalculation It took probably 2.5 hours and the car really shows its Japanese roots in those effing instructions. But here it is!

 

[HopePhoto]

Looks nice, Latigo. What did the dealer charge you to install the arch moldings?

 

[OBnube]

And the clear-bra?

 

[Latigo]

I think the clear bra was 699 and the arch moldings 500. I had it all rolled into the purchase price of the car. I bought the hood protector for 90 on a whim today though.

 

[Latigo]

Also, I have 2 sets of 4500k 55w HID's coming in this weekend. Hopefully I can get them in and adjust everything without the headache of the hood deflector.

 

[foxrider68]

I hate it when crap takes 5 times as long as you think it will! Looks good though!!!

 

[seeren]

Both those things look really good. Did you get the clear bra stuff on the front bumper as well?
Looking forward to your report on the HID install & results.

 

[Latigo]

Thanks guys
foxrider: Ain't that the truth!
seeren: Yes. It covers the hood, front bumper, forward section of front fender, and the mirrors.

I'll be taking some comprehensive before/after shots of the HID install. Not so much the process, but night shots against walls and spread on a dark road etc.

 

[Urabus07]

I used to have a clear bra. Looked really good for a couple years. Then as rocks, etc hit it, the little dents would fill with dirt discoloring the clear bra.
Was nothing I could do except remove it. Car still looks good a few years later

 

[Manik1770]

I haven't seen too many 4500K 55w kits out there Latigo.
Could you tell me which brand and where you bought them from?

I've installed the 4300K 35w HID's in mine a couple of weeks ago. i adjusted the headlight angles to what I thought wast correct height, but they don't seem to light up the road as much as I was expecting. I think I need to readjust/remeasure cutoff on flatter ground or switch to the 55w kit.

Also, I have 2 sets of 4500k 55w HID's coming in this weekend. Hopefully I can get them in and adjust everything without the headache of the hood deflector.

 

[Latigo]

I used to have a clear bra. Looked really good for a couple years. Then as rocks, etc hit it, the little dents would fill with dirt discoloring the clear bra.
Was nothing I could do except remove it. Car still looks good a few years later

I'll be happy if I can get a couple years out of it. I also do hope that the hood protector does what it's supposed to do and can extend the life of the clear bra on the hood.

I haven't seen too many 4500K 55w kits out there Latigo.
Could you tell me which brand and where you bought them from?

I've installed the 4300K 35w HID's in mine a couple of weeks ago. i adjusted the headlight angles to what I thought wast correct height, but they don't seem to light up the road as much as I was expecting. I think I need to readjust/remeasure cutoff on flatter ground or switch to the 55w kit.

I got them from DDM tuning. I've had a 35w kit in the fogs of my 300C for a few years now and they still work flawlessly. I'm a little concerned about the 55w fogs on the outback though... hope they don't melt.
I would think there should be a night and day difference between halogens and even a 35w kit. If they're aimed so low that the light is being projected right down into the pavement, then I could see how that would be a problem. But if the intensity isn't good, I really don't know what to tell ya. I would try the 55w kit if you think your headlights are aimed optimally and you just don't think the 35w kit is cutting it.

 

[Manik1770]

I see, and good to know. I'll check them out, but will try and check the light height this wknd first.

I'll be happy if I can get a couple years out of it. I also do hope that the hood protector does what it's supposed to do and can extend the life of the clear bra on the hood.


I got them from DDM tuning. I've had a 35w kit in the fogs of my 300C for a few years now and they still work flawlessly. I'm a little concerned about the 55w fogs on the outback though... hope they don't melt.
I would think there should be a night and day difference between halogens and even a 35w kit. If they're aimed so low that the light is being projected right down into the pavement, then I could see how that would be a problem. But if the intensity isn't good, I really don't know what to tell ya. I would try the 55w kit if you think your headlights are aimed optimally and you just don't think the 35w kit is cutting it.

 

[Carlvr87]

Looks great Latigo! I finally put my hood protector on a couple weeks ago. I like the way it looks, plus they actually do work. I installed one on my 2011 and even after messing with that one, this one was still a pain to put on. It only took a half hour this time though.

Going to add anything else?

 

[Latigo]

Looks great Latigo! I finally put my hood protector on a couple weeks ago. I like the way it looks, plus they actually do work. I installed one on my 2011 and even after messing with that one, this one was still a pain to put on. It only took a half hour this time though.

Going to add anything else?

Even after doing it once, I seriously doubt I could do it again in a half hour! lol
I've ordered a bunch of LEDs today if that counts As far as appearance things though, can't think of anything off the top of my head. I'll probably plastidip the wheels for winter in a month or so.

 

[30917]

Nice car!! Many happy miles!!:29:

 

[Latigo]

Thanks

My 55w HID kits arrived today! Will install tomorrow with some comprehensive before/after shots in the dark.