LED and/or Projector Headlights

[Dangermouse]

I was browsing my local online SemiTruck Chrome Shop, as one does, and I came across a range of LED and Projector Beam headlights that look to be the same form factor and voltage as our units (12VDC, 4x6 dimension).

Has anyone used them? Thought about using them?

The LED ones are horrendously expensive and look kinda funny:

http://www.empirechromeshop.com/watermark.axd?productid=8267&size=medium
http://www.empirechromeshop.com/p-8267-4-x-6-rectangular-high-powered-8-diode-led-headlight-single.aspx

Not sure what they mean by "full housing not included"

Projector:

http://www.empirechromeshop.com/watermark.axd?productid=7885&size=medium

http://www.empirechromeshop.com/p-7885-4-x-6-rectangular-projection-headlamp-wcrystal-lens-low-beam.aspx

Though as it is 60W, it would probably require beefing up the light switch at least. The 6 small LEDs are supposedly on a separate circuit to be used as "halo" type lights.

[Farrar]

I, too, was looking at those (I think it was Raney's Truck Parts). I was actually looking at the 4x6s which have rows of white LEDs at the bottom as running lights, but the LED headlights piqued my curiosity. As you say, the price is outrageous, but things get cheaper with time.

More broadly speaking, I wonder what the difference is in terms of heat -- sealed beam versus HID versus LED. If there's a lot more heat to be dissipated, then it might make sense to upgrade to a better light at the same time that one gets the fiberglass fascia, which will not suffer heat-induced warping like our old urethane fascias would.

If I were a rich man...

[SoCalDMC12]

Wow... the LED unit does look funny, and really is expensive! I've read that LED's are really sensitive to power fluctuations (which cause them to fail)... if true, I'd be hesitant to install these.

[Bitsyncmaster]

High power LEDs use a switching type regulator so voltage variations should not hurt them. But 60 watts? Still not anywhere near the efficiency to install them yet.

[john 05141]

The one with a side profile picture will not fir into the light bucket as it is. You might be able to cut it open in the back so it fits.
Have to admit, looks pretty neat.
LED's can get pretty hot!!!!

jan

[ALEXAKOS]

Looks like a flash that goes on top a DSLR camera...
Ugly if you ask me. Cant wait for their future inventions.

[Chris4099]

For a while I was considering one of these:
http://www.tlg-auto.com/JW_Speaker_8800_4x6_Low_Beam_Headlights_p/led-8800l.htm

Very well reviewed, but even more expensive. About the same price as a HID system though. I'm glad there are at least LED headlight options now and I'm sure they will only improve. Maybe when I pull the front end apart to rebuild a few parts I'll go ahead and get them. I really like the idea of reducing the headlight load as it's the last continuous heavy electrical load I have in the car!