Delica DOT headlight experience

crushers · Post by **crushers** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 2:21 pm

I recieved a set of DOT headlights from a well known supplier here on the forum (no name mentioned)

Here is my personal experience with his product:

the package is poorly arranged to prevent breakage.
the one arrived broken and the package was not inspected before reshipping to customer
no warranty on the light, no exchange policy, no discount on the broken unit or on a replacement
the mounting tabs are incorrect
the housing needs modifying to fit
the wiring is incorrect
the housing is much poor quality than factory
the trim does not fit into the slots for the tabs

i am keeping this on a profesional level, no swearing, cursing or name calling. i am warning the peeps about the quality of product supplied with out warning of concerns. if this was shipped to someone with limited experience they would be in for a frustrating install.

(i would expect at least some bubble wrap surrounding a $425 set of lights)

should i be out of line mentioning this please let me know and i will deleat this post.

psilosin · Post by **psilosin** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 3:19 pm

If the Lens glass is OK and its the just housing that is the problem maybe you guys need to use the "EZ-Bake Oven Manouver" to make a hybrid of the new glass/old housing. I did this for my Hilux Surf and made a bit of a photo how-to.

EZ Bake Oven Manouver - Hilux Surf Photo How-to

Its scary ripping apart a set of headlamps you just paid hundreds of dollars for but if you take it slow and easy it's really a simple job.

crushers · Post by **crushers** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 3:38 pm

yes, this execution was done on one set of lights.

all he has to do is put a warning or recommendation when he is selling these. "not direct application", "some modification required" or better still a detailed instruction sheet showing what needs to be modified to fit.

ccautos · Post by **ccautos** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 3:49 pm

The headlamps supplies from different outlets are made for the german market vehicles . The german market has an additional marker lamp facility or `city light` which is why the wiring is different . Also these lamps from either Japan or Germany are aftermarket lamps not factory originals . I installed both styles of light and modifications are needed to install all aftermarket lamps . Aftermarket lights are far cheaper than factory originals but fit and quality is affected . I have just completed a Mercedes front headlamp swap - mercedes prices $435 each -aftermarket price $215 (pair) . Guess what they are cheap plastic crap that don`t fit right but the traffic coming the other way can`t tell !!!!!

crushers · Post by **crushers** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 4:04 pm

yep, i just finished a Land Cruiser 80 series head lamp swap $400 each as well...
i do not mind paying the extra for something that fits
or
a warning that it needs modifications... i DO MIND having one arrive broken due to poor packaging and that is what lead to the entire list of concerns/alerts of quality of aftermarket lghts.

Kuan · Post by **Kuan** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:35 pm

No you are definately not out of line. Thats what the forum is for, especially since when things are kept civil. I think it helps to keep dealers/suppliers honest and competitive. Its the beauty of the internet.

crushers · Post by **crushers** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 8:48 pm

i sent the supplier a priavte email suggesting that he re-wrap the headlights in bubble wrap before reshipping to the customer, 5 minutes work and about $2.
thsi would save both the supplier and the customer irritation...

argo · Post by **argo** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 6:33 am

Could you please advise us as to what brand of lights you are speaking of? Are they DEPO ? Where specifcally are they manufactured? Taiwan? What is wrong with the wiring? Is it a simple plug swap that is needed?

It only helps everyone if information given about a product's shortcoming[s] is complete.

Much like posts about parts, where someone reccomends an affordable aftermarket alternative but neglects to include the part number. There is no need for swearing or name calling, but it does little good to bitch about someone/something unless you are going to name names.

I use the DEPO brand.I get them via Nico in germany they are made in Taiwan. The plugs and bulbs need to be swapped but they bolt in just fine.
less than $300 pair.

sid · Post by **sid** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 11:49 am

I will be faced with the light replacement in a few weeks time. It seems absurd to me to spend $400+ for something that doesent even fit right. And arrives broken? Thats not right... Im looking for advice. From you guys who have already done it, what do you think is the best way to go?

crushers · Post by **crushers** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 3:13 pm

Replacement for Mitsubishi L300 '93
Head Lamp
LS-ML-019
Qty: 1
no brand, no insignia nywhere.

Jungle Jon · Post by **Jungle Jon** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 6:48 pm

I had some of the same headlights that Crushers had and I ran into the same issues with installation, I would have appreciated some instructions on how to get them installed properly, it made a 20 minute job take several hours.
The lens is stamped with the name 'SouEast Daioku', and I googled Daioku and came up with a manufacturer in Taiwan.
It sounds like Argo had an easier time with the ones from Germany, I'd stay away from these Daioku ones. My 2 cents.

fastbmw7 · Post by **fastbmw7** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 11:59 pm

I have installed some from Germany and the fit and finish was excellent. The wiring harness was slightly different but removing a screw and a clip or two was all that was necessary for switching harnesses from the old light assembly to the new.

crushers · Post by **crushers** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 3:16 am

can i ask where you got them and how much? the price is not really the concern as i would rather pay extra for high end quality than save a few bucks for crap...
cheers and TIA

fastbmw7 · Post by **fastbmw7** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 4:08 am

The lights were supplied by the customer and she sourced them from Germany. I *think* they were Nico's off of E-Bay.
Sorry I can't be more specific.

Green1 · Post by **Green1** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:36 pm

I finally got my "SouthEast Daioku" headlights this week and installed them today. although they weren't "perfect" I really have no complaints...

I had to replace the connector on them (cut the old one off the old lights and soldered it to the new ones) and the inner most screw on the trim bellow the headlights didn't line up with the hole in the headlight surround (the screw grabbed right in to the plastic though with little difficulty)

other than that it was a simple swap... no real complaints... total install time was under an hour...