[roogal]

Let's face it, the Regal headlights don't look the best without projector beams. Why Buick didn't make projector beams standard, while still only offering HIDs on the higher end trims is disappointing.

This thread will serve for modifications on making the stock headlights look better.

• How feasible would it be to upgrade stock headlamps to projector beams? (HID not mandatory, but certainly nice)
• How difficult is it to gain access to the headlamp fixtures in general?
• How feasible is adding custom LED lighting to the headlamps?
• What might be the best alterations for those on a lease vehicle? (Easily reversible to factory)

I think the Regal has potential to have a sweet front-end with some subtle changes. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about modifying car components. Just an idea to make things look better.

Let loose DIY junkies!

Stock/lame headlamps

With the projector beam light fixture, you can see it's like having a little ball in the headlamp. Adds much personality and style to the car.

 

[Epsilon II Rob]

roogal,

Good idea starting this thread. I agree with your sentiments regarding the base Regal's halogen headlights. I too feel that projector beam headlights should be standard on the Regal. I know other members have expressed interest in replacing standard halogens with projector beams, and/or HIDs, including the site administrator.

Like you, I too would love to replace the standard halogens, but am not very mechanically inclined when it comes to replacing car components. I know it would be very expensive to move to factory Regal HIDs, if even possible, but I like sticking with mostly factory materials and really like the look of the HIDs found on the GS. My dream is to move from the standard halogens to factory HIDs. I would consider aftermarket if I saw examples I like.

If any members install projector beams or HIDs that they really like, please share.

Thank you in advance.

Rob

 

[roogal]

Thanks for the response. I actually have a Turbo Premium 1. The ONLY trims that do offer the projector beams are Premium 2, Premium 3, and GS. Like you said, the projector beams should be standard, while limiting the true HID lamps for the Premium 2 and higher. Like the GMC Acadia, all trims use the projector beam light fixture, but not all are HIDs.

I'm aware that upgrading to a factory retrofit would be expensive, but I'm just looking for ANY way to improve the appearance. I don't even need "true" projector beams, but even throwing in a little plastic LED ring that might MIMIC a projector beam would suffice. Installing some LED halos like a BMW might even make a drastic change.

Maybe it's time to inquiry a car mod forum. We need true car modding experts in this thread!

 

[Epsilon II Rob]

Maybe it's time to inquiry a car mod forum. We need true car modding experts in this thread!

Amen to that!

BTW, When I typed up my response, I had forgotten that some Turbo Regals do not have the HIDs. There is actually a 2011 Carbon Flash Regal at my selling dealership, still for sale, with the standard halogens. Maybe that is why it's still for sale.

Seriously, I do not know if I am going to make the upgrade, yet. I found a nice ding in my driver's door. Since the clear coat has been removed, I can't have a dent repair shop just "pop" it out. I went ahead and had a body shop write an estimate. Long story short, to have the repair done properly it will run me about $700. It's not a large ding, it just annoys me knowing it's there. If I decide to have this repair performed, I will have to hold off on headlight upgrade. I do not plan on starting a claim with my insurance company for the ding, just pay out of pocket.

Driving our 2012 Outlander GT with HID lights, I notice a huge difference in brightness when compared to the Regal's halogens. Not to mention the span the light covers is greater than that of my Regal's, even when I use the fog lights, along with the headlights.