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Recap: ZKW lense installation

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Old 04-03-2010, 09:48 PM
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Recap: ZKW lense installation

So I've performed a thorough search, with keyword ZKW in thread titles.

Came up with numerous results but I've gotten responses such as: ZKW lenses need spacers, as do ZKW-replicas. Some results showed me that ZKW lenses are just a simple drop in, and you are good to go.

That's my first question, spacers or no spacers? If spacers are required, where do I get my hands on them?

My second question is, how do you position the notch? One result I got was that someone placed the notch in the 6 o'clock position when I thought it was supposed to be in the 12 o'clock position.
Old 04-03-2010, 10:31 PM
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ZKW's require spacers, the replicas don't require it. I believe the notch goes at the 6'o clock position. Paging JnC!
Old 04-04-2010, 08:59 AM
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really depends on how much color you want and how much cutoff sharpness you are willing to sacrifice

hidplanet.com/forums your resource for everything HID! worth a look you can get all the information you need
Old 04-04-2010, 12:36 PM
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I believe you can use plain ol' "cereal box spacers".
Old 04-04-2010, 09:13 PM
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all i kno is ZKWr is just a drop in... i got them on
Old 04-04-2010, 11:50 PM
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Hmmmm, this would be handy information to have as i'm getting ready to put ZKWs in myself...
Old 04-05-2010, 05:21 PM
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If you're buying the ZKW replicas there is no notch on them. Only the real ZKW's have a notch and usually it's placed at 6 O'clock. it all depends what you want out of your lenses. Do some samples by turning the lense without spacers to see what kind of results you get, and try it with spacers. Not every lense is going to be the same. It's all trial and error.
Old 04-07-2010, 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by bforbrian
So I've performed a thorough search, with keyword ZKW in thread titles.

Came up with numerous results but I've gotten responses such as: ZKW lenses need spacers, as do ZKW-replicas. Some results showed me that ZKW lenses are just a simple drop in, and you are good to go.

That's my first question, spacers or no spacers? If spacers are required, where do I get my hands on them?

My second question is, how do you position the notch? One result I got was that someone placed the notch in the 6 o'clock position when I thought it was supposed to be in the 12 o'clock position.
What kind of spacers are we talking about? A response below says cereal box spacers....What exactly do you mean by that? Is it just a cardboard cut-out?
Old 04-07-2010, 03:15 PM
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i remember a 3mm spacer being needed. not sure if this was for the replicas or not though, sorry.
Old 04-07-2010, 03:15 PM
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Has anyone posted pics of the cut offs of the ZKWs and replicas side by side?
Old 04-07-2010, 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Mug
Has anyone posted pics of the cut offs of the ZKWs and replicas side by side?
not sure about here but theres are tons at hidplanet
Old 04-07-2010, 06:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Roger555
not sure about here but theres are tons at hidplanet
Ahh, good point. But wouldn't it matter what housing they are in?
Old 04-07-2010, 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Mug
Ahh, good point. But wouldn't it matter what housing they are in?
why? TL projectors are used in many retros unless its being used in a headlight without a clear outside shell then a TL projector is a TL projector regardless of what headlight its in.

I took a quick look here is the TL with ZKW replicas

Old 04-07-2010, 07:09 PM
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oh man, that looks soooo good. I want them so bad. Do you know if they used spacers to focus?
Old 04-07-2010, 09:11 PM
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^Same question... did you use spacers to achieve that lighting against the wall?
Old 04-07-2010, 09:24 PM
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JNC needs to get in here, I remember he had a sick video driving and the cutoff was razor sharpe.
Old 04-08-2010, 04:40 AM
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That pic is without spacers
Old 04-08-2010, 06:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Roger555
why? TL projectors are used in many retros unless its being used in a headlight without a clear outside shell then a TL projector is a TL projector regardless of what headlight its in.

I took a quick look here is the TL with ZKW replicas


ZKW replicas DO NOT require spacers for installation. However, Real ZKW lenses DO Require a spacer. I remeber searching and finding this info before buying my replicas lenses as I too could not find what size spacer was needed for the real zkw lenses.hence I just got da replicas. What size? I don't know. Nor do I know the notch orientation.
Old 04-08-2010, 08:25 AM
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Excuse my ignorance, but I don't see the difference between stock vs ZKW?
Old 04-08-2010, 10:42 AM
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^sharper cutoff and a bit more intensity, i think.
Old 04-08-2010, 11:58 AM
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where is the best place to get replica zkw's?
Old 04-08-2010, 03:25 PM
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best place i found was: www.theretrofitsource.com they also have an ebay store where you might be able to find them a little cheaper by using bing cash back.
Old 04-08-2010, 03:51 PM
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Looks like they cost $65 plus $22 to ship on eBay right now. Does that sound like a fair price?
Old 04-08-2010, 04:09 PM
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THE DIFFERENCE IS HERE... look at the lower images
http://store.theretrofitsource.com/p...33e062fd6db1e9
Old 04-08-2010, 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by TRIOD3SIGNS
THE DIFFERENCE IS HERE... look at the lower images
http://store.theretrofitsource.com/p...33e062fd6db1e9
Ya thats where I bought mine but that is OEM vs ZKW-R I thought they were looking for ZKW OEM vs ZKW-R
Old 04-08-2010, 04:51 PM
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Just ordered mine!
Old 04-08-2010, 09:39 PM
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what about the ones that have blemishes?? $30 off
Old 04-09-2010, 06:17 AM
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THe best advise I have for ZKW installation is put the lens in and ignite the projector in your house or garage and spin the lens around in your projector until you like what you see. All lenses vary slightly in thickness so some areas will be sharper and have more blue or purple in the cut off.
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