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912
Driving Lights
By Chris
Henry
One day
while browsing a catalog, I saw the PIAA's 912 Driving Lights. I
paused and checked them out. They are a very modern and different
looking bulb. I started to wonder how I might incorporate them into
my 2001 Grand Cherokee (WJ).
 
Here are
the specs on the PIAA 912 Stealth:
Stealth
technology applies a mirror like finish to the glass lens that further
enhances the white output. High-output 55 watt H-3 bulb performs
like an 85 watt bulb but with less heat. Unique chrome housing.
So they
are small, look incredible, and use a 55 watt H-3 bulb. They come
with a wiring relay, instructions, and a switch. I started playing
with my digital camera and Photoshop trying to find the perfect
spot for them. After a half hour of fiddling it became clear there
was only one spot for them that I really love but it involved cutting
the bumper up. I pondered it for a few minutes and then glanced
at the beautiful lamps sitting on the floor and made the decision
to go for it.
I waited
for a slow Sunday afternoon and attacked the project. I already
have some custom switches mounted in my dash so I picked up another
switch and used that instead of the one supplied and mounted in
flush in the dash as shown below. This switch was mounted in series
with the positive from the high beam + lead so the 912's will kick
on with my high beams, the switch is there just in case I need to
disable them completely (the driving lights are in violation of
certain laws certain places so it is nice to be able to turn them
off).
The wiring
relay was connected to the battery and the switch was wired into
the relay. The wires were routed down below the bumper. Split loom
and wire ties were used to keep everything tidy and protected. Then
I unfolded the Spyderco knife and started to tear into the bumper.
It went through the plastic with ease. I made the top cut flush
and kept cutting the bottom off little by little until the fit was
perfect. I then mounted the bulbs to the frame, aimed them properly
and tightened everything down.
It was a
bit of a job and with serious cutting of the bumper I was a little
nervous as to how it would all come out. So, two hours and 32 ounces
of water later... I was done. As soon as I done, I knew I had made
the right decision forgetting the light output, they looks incredible
and separate my WJ from the 8 billion others on the road. The lights
themselves combined with the high beams light up the road very well.
See for yourself.
PIAA makes
brighter lights but none of them can be incorporated well in the
front of the WJ without a brush guard. The 912's fit great once
you make room for them, look great on the WJ, and help to light
up the road even more.
http://piaa.com
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