PDA

View Full Version : BUZZHIDLIGHTS



tdelorme
10-07-2009, 10:43 PM
Skiffer, I see we have a new sponsor. Tell us about this company and are they going to offer a POG discount?? Looks like a nice upgrade.

Also, when did Motorhome Specialist come on board? We bought a coach from them years ago and they were great to deal with.

Loc
10-08-2009, 08:22 AM
Ted,

Buzzhidlights is Bob and Marlys Ims (I think I am spelling it correctly) from Minnesota. They were at the rally. He had a display set up at his site at OKC on the east side of the park. It was a condensed mock up of a vary narrow Prevost front end with a stock and HID headlight. Pretty amazing difference between the stock headlight and his HID version. A pretty inexpensive solution compared to other costs that I have seen. I tried to get Bob to buy the Viking helmets at the auction given his predisposition as a Vikings fan. Unfortunately for Bob (or maybe fortunately), the Trouts from Houston were the proud winning bidders.

Loc

Jim Skiff
10-08-2009, 07:13 PM
Ted,

Back on the ground in Boston. Thanks for all your help and bidding high at the auction.

Buzzhidlights as Loc explained is a new sponsor and has created a nice kit for Prevost owners to improve their headlights. We will be doing a story in the near future on P-stuff to explain and promote Bob's product.

The Motor Home Specialists have come onboard as a sponsor as they have found success on P-stuff selling coaches and have some nice ones coming up soon.

They will also be utilizing www.bus-stuff.com (http://www.bus-stuff.com) to help sell non-Prevost Luxury RVs.

POG is growing and we are getting recognized out there!

Ted on a final note. Sorry you weren't able to outbid Loc on the Fart Machine, I know you were disappointed.:D

Jim

GDeen
12-16-2009, 01:04 PM
Spoke with Bob this morning and am going to order a set. Trip home from College Station Sat night in the rain and fog with the lameass Prevost headlights was incentive enough.

Will post a review once installed.

rfoster
12-16-2009, 01:18 PM
I for one anxiously await your review and comments as I am of the same opinion of the Prevost Headlights.

I did change my bulbs to silverstar which helped.

My cars have the HID lights which are excellent at night, the bus needs an improvement.

I don't think my age has anything to do with it.

Orren Zook
12-16-2009, 02:30 PM
Roger, I tried the Silverstar's and didn't like the blueish tint and short lifespan of that bulb. I am now using GE Nighthawk bulb, about the same price but what an improvement compared to the Sylvania bulb. Were you using the Silverstar Ultra?

GDeen
12-16-2009, 03:24 PM
I for one anxiously await your review and comments as I am of the same opinion of the Prevost Headlights.

I did change my bulbs to silverstar which helped.

My cars have the HID lights which are excellent at night, the bus needs an improvement.

I don't think my age has anything to do with it.

Agree completely - after driving my Audi it feels like I am navigating the bus by candle light.:rolleyes:

Jon Wehrenberg
12-16-2009, 04:53 PM
This is not in keeping with attempts to use the latest technology, but my 87 had the quad sealed beam headlights which were later replaced with the Ford plastic ones on Rivet coaches. Everybody was in a mad rush to update the front of their bus to the new style headlights when the big single lights came out in 92 or thereabouts.

Within a short period of time the folks that made the change were complaining about how bad the new style lights were.

I wish I had those quad headlights now. On low beams they were good, but on high beams it was like daylight. If I could get the Liberty light surround castings and new sheet metal I would seriously consider going retro.

sawdust_128
12-16-2009, 09:52 PM
I for one anxiously await your review and comments as I am of the same opinion of the Prevost Headlights.

I did change my bulbs to silverstar which helped.

My cars have the HID lights which are excellent at night, the bus needs an improvement.

I don't think my age has anything to do with it.


Who you kiddin there? Your age even affects my headlights.

Larry W
12-16-2009, 10:25 PM
We try very hard to plan our trips so there is NO NIGHT driving. The first day we had our bus we had to drive 30 miles after dark. What a deal that was. Only one other time. It might be best for me if I had no headlights. Great to be retired.

gmcbuffalo
12-17-2009, 10:15 AM
Anyone Know Starman on the P-S site he is having problems with that light system last time I read P-S? I saw the Demo at OKC and they were bright.

GregM

GDeen
12-17-2009, 10:25 AM
We try very hard to plan our trips so there is NO NIGHT driving. The first day we had our bus we had to drive 30 miles after dark. What a deal that was. Only one other time. It might be best for me if I had no headlights. Great to be retired.


I hear you Larry. Interstate driving is not too bad; however, a couple of times now though I have been caught on dark back roads at night and it is just not good. What I always think about is that these things are driven day and night by the entertainer crews and I just can't imagine they don't have better lighting than the stock Prevost stuff.

GDeen
12-17-2009, 11:17 AM
Anyone Know Starman on the P-S site he is having problems with that light system last time I read P-S? I saw the Demo at OKC and they were bright.

GregM

Greg - just read his posts over there and he definitely seems dissappointed with them. Sounds like his concerns are uneven lighting, "clunky operation," and one light didn't cycle on when turned on. I will try to contact him ahead of my installation.

I am suddenly feeling like a lab rat for some reason.:) Will give it a go and see what happens.

JIM CHALOUPKA
12-17-2009, 11:53 AM
Captain Mogul bought a set. See what he thinks about them.

JIM

mikedee
12-17-2009, 01:26 PM
I think my dash switch is mis-labeled, I turn on the upper left switch marked for the lights it hard to tell if you have headlights.

I polished the lens, changed bulbs and it works somewhat better 20% maybe. New lights would be great as we roll at night almost every trip.

Merry Christmas

tdelorme
12-17-2009, 04:08 PM
So we all agree that the stock Prevost headlights leave a lot to be desired. However, Liberty has overcome the deficit with the addition of "driving lights." Rocker switch that says "driving lights" in the up position and "fog Lights" in the down. The driving lights turn night into day. It's a pain to reach down and rock the switch off for oncoming traffic, but on those dark two lane roads they are a life saver.

rfoster
12-17-2009, 04:14 PM
Sawdust: I knew some ole fart would have a comment about my age. lol

Orren: I will have to check the package that the Silverstar bulbs came in to see if they are "Ultra" or not. I Will let you know. I do know they are a definite improvement over the factory Prevost bulbs.- but still not quite good enough.

Jon Wehrenberg
12-17-2009, 06:16 PM
Since none of you are willing to face the truth I will express it so you can possibly "see the light".

Fact number one is you are driving at night. Night is dark. How hard is that to understand.

The second fact is none of you are on the sunny side of 50.

Related to the second fact is the most significant one of all. As you age your night time vision goes to hell. You old farts think you should see the road like you did when you were 17. When it gets dark all of you should be off the road sleeping. You cannot see and even if you had million candlepower headlights you would still be complaining you couldn't see.

For those who can't sleep (again, because you are old and you do your best sleeping in the easy chair in front of the TV) and insist on driving at night, at least slow down so your lousy reaction times are in sync with the poor headlights on your gazxillion dollar buses.

Any questions?

I could probably rephrase this so it is easier to understand if you want.

(Just be like Winchester. He knows driving is for daytime, Viagra is for night time.)

Ray Davis
12-17-2009, 06:21 PM
Hey Jon, I thought you once indicated that you tend to leave around 3AM when you're on the road. Last time I checked, 3AM is pretty darn dark too! :D

GDeen
12-17-2009, 06:27 PM
So we all agree that the stock Prevost headlights leave a lot to be desired. However, Liberty has overcome the deficit with the addition of "driving lights." Rocker switch that says "driving lights" in the up position and "fog Lights" in the down. The driving lights turn night into day. It's a pain to reach down and rock the switch off for oncoming traffic, but on those dark two lane roads they are a life saver.

Ted - Marathon like Liberty attempted to overcome the deficit in my bus with driving lights as well - problem is, they don't seem to help nearly as much as yours sound to. Perhaps that is where I need to focus is upgrading those?

chtree
12-17-2009, 06:47 PM
I just ordered the xenon light kit from Hoffman Coach. I'll let you know how they do once they are installed.

Chris

garyde
12-17-2009, 09:33 PM
Driving at night is OK. I remembber Kevin and I drove all night to Branson a few years back. No traffic, not even trucks after 12:00 midnight. A full moon helps , but it is doable if you alternate drivers. The Liberty driving lights definately help as well.

gmcbuffalo
12-17-2009, 09:40 PM
What do these Liberty driving lights look like. I have extra lights in the bumper, but always thooght they were for fog.
GregM

garyde
12-17-2009, 09:50 PM
5909 Here is a front phot of my Coach. The small halogen lights at the bottom.

Gary & Peggy Stevens
12-18-2009, 01:16 AM
Hey Gary De, you would think that Liberty would come up with a better way of attaching your wiper arms to the bus,............
then just some orange ribbon? :confused: :D

Gary S.

Jon Wehrenberg
12-18-2009, 07:03 AM
Hey Jon, I thought you once indicated that you tend to leave around 3AM when you're on the road. Last time I checked, 3AM is pretty darn dark too! :D

Yeah Ray, but there is one difference. I'm not complaining about the dark and I drive slow.

All kidding aside I tend to be a morning person and I can drive or fly early in the morning as long as my brain knows it is going to get lighter. But my body is falling asleep if I am driving or flying from daylight into dark.

And I can't see real good in the dark, not only because of the lousy headlights, but because my eyes aren't as good any more.

JIM CHALOUPKA
12-18-2009, 08:22 AM
Another view of what Liberty does for illumination.

jonnie
12-18-2009, 08:26 AM
NICE BUS BARN!!!!!

JIM CHALOUPKA
12-18-2009, 09:49 AM
That's Deb & Eric's Casa de Grease Pit. :D

GDeen
01-14-2010, 04:27 PM
Changed tactics after taking a look at my existing Ford lamps with plastic lenses and doing a little more research.


Bought a set of Hella 550 driving lights to replace the lameass Bosch's (thanks Loc)
Ordered Cibie E-Code steel and glass H4 lamps and proper wiring harnesses and relays with Osram 70/65w H4 bulbs


After installation will post results......

Darrell and Linda
01-14-2010, 07:29 PM
Hey Jim C, your'e the guru on links. I want to get the same running lights that you have on your bumper. Looks like the xenon and traditional halogen combo?? Do they work well.

I haven't seen any locally...... any links /contacts

JIM CHALOUPKA
01-14-2010, 07:45 PM
Darrell, Although I avoid driving at night, I have used them and do like them, they do work well.

I don't know enough about them to tell you what they are or where to get them.

I have to think they were installed by Liberty because they do such a fine job of using the best materials and products in their conversions, but they may have been installed by the King if Bling as he was and may still be big on lights.

Sorry I can't help you further at this point in time. I will however look at them closely the next time I am at the camper and see if I can pull a name for you.

Just wondering what was your coldest temp this winter?:p

;):D

Darrell and Linda
01-14-2010, 07:57 PM
Thanks Jim, maybe a member has more info on those lights.

- 47 windchill -59 daytime highs around -38.... December 10 to 15th

It's awesome right now, running around in shorts and flip flops (just kidding) its above freezing right now .... and this is usually the coldest month......... go figure.

Alek&Lucia
01-14-2010, 08:53 PM
Darrell,

They look like PIAA lights

http://www.piaa.com

Alek

rfoster
01-14-2010, 09:34 PM
Darrell: Here is link to the outfit I got the lights from. They should come with a warning: Caution Truckers will quiz the crap out of you were did you get those lights?

http://www.vehiclelight.com/2x6cr.html

Alek&Lucia
01-14-2010, 09:41 PM
Roger,

I think Darrell was talking about the driving/fog lights that you had in the bumper, they look like PIAA's

Alek

Orren Zook
01-14-2010, 09:50 PM
They are a PIAA driving/fog combo, no longer available with the amber fog & blue tinted driving light.... they told me that only clear sets are available now and they were asking around $400 a set with all hardware and wiring when I checked on them in October.

GDeen
01-14-2010, 10:12 PM
Loc and Steve Bennett both like the Hella 550's which I now have and will install. Paid $103 delivered for the pair with wiring harness.

Darrell and Linda
01-14-2010, 11:57 PM
Thanks guys, I just requested info from PIAA and Hella sites. I didn't see the driving lights on their sites but they should have something in their catalog.

Maybe I'll contact Liberty also and see where / who provided them... 1996 - 2002 models?? I don't think they were limited to the one converter though??

Jim C... I'll trade you my late 1980's bosh vintage for yours......

pwf252
02-23-2010, 12:49 PM
Ok, after reading this intire thread I am still not sure what is the best method to upgrade the poor stock headlights. Although I often start out planning on driving only during the daylight hours inevitably day turns to night and I'm still trying to get that little bit further. After the trip back from Vegas, a good portion of which was driven in that twilight between 6:00 and 10:30PM I am convinced there is a solution. Someone please let me know what it is.

Kevin Erion
02-23-2010, 02:05 PM
Patrick, I did a very intense upgrade to my headlights on my XLII. The big problem is the labor to do the job. I will try to e-mail you pictures of the job. All I can say is the difference between stock, even after I installed higher watt bulbs to what I have now is truly NIGHT and DAY!
I do a lot of nighttime driving and I can now see not only the side of the road but much further ahead. I was in Yuma, AZ with my bus and took another POG member for a test drive, I believe he can back up my statement.
Kevin

Gary & Peggy Stevens
02-23-2010, 04:47 PM
Pat, check with Loc. He recently did an upgrade, but I have not talked with him about how he likes the change.

Gary s.

Bob Ims
02-23-2010, 05:49 PM
In response to the negative on the buzzhidlights, we have only one set returned, I believe the install was above the ability of that cust.I have had them in my coach for four years I rarely run brights and have not run my fog lights since.It seems a lot of the pog members are looking everywhere but on there sponser page to find what really works.


Our xenon kit run $325.00 to your door. prevost runs two basic systems an older four light system, we can convert the outside two lens too a bright/dim
and the inside lights are bright only,the single system around 1990 and later run a 9004 bulb.

Thx Bob

chtree
02-23-2010, 08:56 PM
Bob,

We have xenon in the low beam on 04 H 345 is there a kit for the high beams and the lights in the bumper?

Chris

HarborBus
02-23-2010, 09:26 PM
Patrick, I did a very intense upgrade to my headlights on my XLII. The big problem is the labor to do the job. I will try to e-mail you pictures of the job. All I can say is the difference between stock, even after I installed higher watt bulbs to what I have now is truly NIGHT and DAY!
I do a lot of nighttime driving and I can now see not only the side of the road but much further ahead. I was in Yuma, AZ with my bus and took another POG member for a test drive, I believe he can back up my statement.
Kevin

Yes, we took a ride in his bus and it's unbelievable, so I can certainly attest to the the effectiveness of Kevin's system as he said it is truly like night and day literally. Now, all I need to do is talk him into putting them in my XLII.

pwf252
02-24-2010, 07:58 AM
Kevin certainly wasn't understating when he stated that he done an intense upgrade. I reviewed the pictures sent(thanks Kevin) and can attest to the significant amount of work that went into the upgrade. I'm going to try the easy route first and order a set from BuzzLight. If however that doesn't cut it I've downloaded Kevins pictures and I'll corral him at a rally somewhere and take a few more notes and attempt to duplicate his design.

Loc
02-24-2010, 08:17 AM
I just did the Xenon HID projector light upgrade with James Stallings at Xtreme Graphics. James did an additional upgrade (from his usual Prevost kit) which includes a 120MM low beam light instead of a 90MM low beam light. The rest of the upgrade includes a LED running light/turn signal and a 90MM high beam light. I haven't had a chance to take any pictures, but will try to post some at some point.

I had the chance to drive the bus (at night) for about three hours on I-10 between San Antonio and Kerrville and a couple of lonely Hill Country backroads. On those backroads it is darker than a cow's third stomach. The difference is amazing. The low beams are comparable to the old lights on high but the light is a cool blue instead of yellow (I like the cool blue). The high beams are (as Bo Pilgrim says) mindboggling. They project light about as far as I could see on the backroads and will blind anyone that comes near. We do a lot of night driving and the upgrade is remarkable. It is nice not to overdrive the low beams. Previously at 60 mph you could overdrive the lights. I haven't had the lights in the rain yet, but hope to experience the same type of results.

Bob Ims
02-24-2010, 02:13 PM
Bob,

We have xenon in the low beam on 04 H 345 is there a kit for the high beams and the lights in the bumper?

Chris

Hi Chris, give my a call at 320.214.8744 cent time bus hrs 8 to 5

Thx Bob

rfoster
03-03-2010, 10:12 AM
Roger, I tried the Silverstar's and didn't like the blueish tint and short lifespan of that bulb. I am now using GE Nighthawk bulb, about the same price but what an improvement compared to the Sylvania bulb. Were you using the Silverstar Ultra?

Orren: I just now thought to check the package, the Silverstars I installed are not the "ultra". After your comments about the Nighthawk I think I will try a set of them. Although the Silverstar made a big improvement over the standard bul bs.

Maybe it won't take me so long to report back this time. My night driving is very limited and most of the time I let my wife have the priviledge of driving at night. She 'Looks" better than I do.

Gary & Peggy Stevens
03-03-2010, 12:01 PM
She 'Looks" better than I do.

Roger did you mean to say, " She SEES Better than I do....., No never mind you said it correct ! :p :D


Gary S.

Pete
03-03-2010, 07:03 PM
Yesterday, I changed my headlight bulbs to the Silverstar Ultra's. What a difference! It only took about an hour, including sanding and buffing out the lenses. I have not driven it since the change, but there is an obvious improvement. They are a bit pricey compared to the standard bulbs, about 50 bucks, and the life is not projected to be as long, but I think they are worth it.

tdelorme
03-03-2010, 07:11 PM
Yesterday, I changed my headlight bulbs to the Silverstar Ultra's. What a difference! It only took about an hour, including sanding and buffing out the lenses. I have not driven it since the change, but there is an obvious improvement. They are a bit pricey compared to the standard bulbs, about 50 bucks, and the life is not projected to be as long, but I think they are worth it.

Well done, Pete. Can you give us the part number for the Ultras? Thanks.

Pete
03-03-2010, 07:18 PM
Ted, they are the Sylvania 9004 silverstar ultras. Got them at O'reilly auto parts. Don't know if there is one in your part of the woods or not, but you should be able to find the at any auto parts store. Be sure they are the ULTRAS.

Pete
03-03-2010, 07:54 PM
Forgot to ask in the previous post, what is the best way to align the headlights on a Prevost? Any suggestions?

rfoster
03-03-2010, 10:25 PM
Way to go Pete. It sure was good to see you and EJ. I understand you and Tuga made it to the compound. Ain't it great!!!

Pete
03-04-2010, 11:20 AM
Always great to visit "KELLERVILLE FLA". Jim and Karen are great hosts! The food and wine is also great! Thinking of selling out and making a permanent move to the compound!

rickdesilva
03-04-2010, 02:18 PM
Hey Pete,
When you arrived at Kellertown, did you have a custom made sign just outside the compound walls welcoming you to the estate?.....I'm just curious.

Jon Wehrenberg
03-04-2010, 02:28 PM
Why? Didn't you get a welcome sign?

CAPT MOGUL & Sandy
03-04-2010, 05:53 PM
I purchased a set at OKC and installed them here in Key West. They are easy to install if the bay behind the bumper in open, as they plug into the existing harness, and then mount the ballasts and controller. At my age I had all but given up driving at night with the factory lights but with the Buzzlights I have to say I have no problem driving after dark. A few of the guys witnessed their effectiveness at PSL.

Ed

rickdesilva
03-04-2010, 06:07 PM
No Coach.....No Sign:(

truk4u
03-04-2010, 08:38 PM
Rick,

I didn't get an invite, maybe it's in the mail?:o

rfoster
03-22-2010, 05:52 PM
I just installed the GE Nighthawk bulb prior to Oysterfest 2010. I am pleased to report that the bulbs performed better than the Sylvania Silverstar that I had put in a few months ago. I have not tried the Silverstar Ultra so I can't say about them - but I am very pleased with the results of the GE Nighthawk. I can drive at night again.

I was disappointed that I could not find a local parts house that had GE lights in stock. Had to order from Amazon for about 60 bucks for the set.

Thanks for the heads up Orren!

Orren Zook
03-22-2010, 08:11 PM
I just installed the GE Nighthawk bulb prior to Oysterfest 2010. I am pleased to report that the bulbs performed better than the Sylvania Silverstar that I had put in a few months ago. I have not tried the Silverstar Ultra so I can't say about them - but I am very pleased with the results of the GE Nighthawk. I can drive at night again.

I was disappointed that I could not find a local parts house that had GE lights in stock. Had to order from Amazon for about 60 bucks for the set.

Thanks for the heads up Orren!

Glad they worked out for you Roger - isn't there a Federated Warehouse in your hometown (or closeby)? If not I'll get a wholesale price off to you tomorrow when I get to work.