How To Install C5 ACA Headlights

[@gregpruitt1647]

I installed these in my C5 which I sold several years ago. I installed HID lamps in mind. The installation was dead on in terms of fit and finish. The light output was simply amazing. The updated housing added a ton if curb appeal to the car as car shows. This install was one of the best upgrades I made to the C5.

[@stickyplatelet]

So did you aim the headlights? That last thing is to make sure they are not to far to right/left or or up in the air or pointing towards the ground-if the whole headlight assembly had to come out of the car, then it’s definitely out of alignment compared to the factory headlight's also, the new versions that are HID in similar housings are basically plug and play except for one hot wire. They are expensive though they’re almost $1000.

[@qua7771]

Thanks. I'm doing this today. I remember when you were new to the forum. Since then, you have shown a real level of enthusiasm.

[@cobrastrikesagain6385]

Wow ..u left no rock unturned nice video...thanks

[@leonlawrencez28]

Pop up headlights is one of the reasons I love the C5 Corvette. To me fixed headlight kits on C5 looks cheap and ruin the look of the car.

[@Glide1992]

Excellent instructional video. You do a great job on these. Looking forward to the next one.

[@dominictorre]

Great job...very well explained...it's nice to see a clean work bench....

[@oleandreasjensen5263]

I have just bought a mint 2000 mod C5 convertible with only 15 000 miles on it, and at the moment it is beeing shipped from Texas where I bought it, to Norway where I live. I have no experience with work / on how to do work and upgrades on these cars, ( only with older Muscle Cars ), - but these "How to do videoes" you have made are absolute awesome, and will be the best help I can get!!! : ) Thank you sir for sharing your skill and experience. I love these episodes, and will do some upgrades as soon as the car is home in my garage. - THANK YOU : )

[@mycorvettelife]

👍

[@JaysRandomnessChannel]

It's been five years... do you still own it?

[@davidmale7365]

I’m just in the process of changing my headlights to HID’s (from Corvette Envy) and my DRL’s at the same time. I also had to change the light sockets for the DRL’s because they were burned and cracked from the heat of the bulbs, shouldn’t have that problem anymore with the LED’s. Your two videos have been a great help, keep up the good work!

[@mycorvettelife]

Glad I could help!

[@JohnMachado24]

Currently installing the Bi xenon modified ACA headlights by Radioflyer...have to get a Torx 20 tomorrow to get those bolts out tho, only have a 15! Thanks for this helpful video, my set has a couple ballasts so sort of different, but seems straight forward enough.

[@ericrichardson6899]

I was wondering if you tried installing the LED lights in the ACA headlights, hope all is well. Thanks, Eric

[@robertogambala8919]

I installed in my C5 the first month available, 2006 ? I still have it with HID in it.

[@thevettboy]

Wow, that was the best install video to date. Great job Chris. I'm thinking about doing the DRL's and ACA Headlights, on my C5. Looks like installing the DRL's is much easier when the headlight housings are out of the way. I'll wait and do both installs at the same time. Curious, how many hours did it take you to complete the ACA Headlights install? Hope you and the family are doing well. Thanks again for the great video.

[@PNW_Car_Mods]

Excellent video Chris. Enjoying the LED conversion videos. This is highly informative for someone getting ready to install replacement housings.

[@arnief2034]

I bought a ACA projector headlight kit from Corvette Central and after procrastinating for 9 months installed them this weekend. Your video was spot on, in fact, the manufacturer should include a copy of your video in their package. Their instructions were terrible. Additionally I wanted to pass on some info I found during the installation. The Corvette Central positive wires were too short and had ring connectors for approx a 3 mm stud on the fuse box. My 2001 convertible had 8 mm stud. I soldered the extra length of wire onto the cable and soldered larger ring terminals for the correct fit. Additionally the low beam bulbs can be put in the wrong way. I discovered that when trying to adjust the vertical height of the driver's side beam. The passenger side was correct.The reinstalled bulb now works correctly. Last request, What LED bulbs did you uses in your install?

[@johnbrownlee7623]

Very good job Sir.....I have the same lights....Question.....Where can I get a new light.....Have one burned out?....JB........

[@mycorvettelife]

Check with Corvette Envy

[@austinrocksbackstage342]

Help. I just completed this install on my 2003. Problem is my driver light keeps popping back up. I had this problem before the install so I replaced the motor but the light keeps popping back up about half way. Got a fix for this?

[@Bassman1985]

Installed these on my C5 thanks to this video. Worth every penny in parts and every hour with a socket wrench for the install. I used Hikari Eye Of Megatron LEDs for my low beams and they are BRIGHT. Thanks, Chris!

[@th3parker]

do the headlights still go down when you turn them off automatically?

[@philoconnell8061]

Great video. But I have a question about the Delco radio. I have a CD player in it the volume control now is going up and down in the CD. I cannot get anything in or out. Do you have any recommendations? You do very good videos. I have a C-5 2004 Corvette coupe. I love it just problem with that radios drive me nuts.

[@AFVeteran1]

Hey Chris, can you please do a quick video on how the lights look at night. Thanks.

[@ffas23]

AFVeteran1 That would be nice. Was hoping to see it in this video. Disappointed that it wasn’t shown.

[@Stinger430]

Another awesome video Chris. Your C5 is looking better and better each time I see it.

[@MrJunior82006]

Where did you get your grand sport stripes? I actually like those on the white. Breaks up all the solid white up front.

[@brocknethery9914]

I watched your video and installed these same lights. Love the new look and the performance!

[@nicholascortez27]

Why are you using new wiring hardness

[@nicocabrera7675]

Just curious to see if anyone was able to install LED bulbs into these housings?

[@shoestringplayer106]

I got these used and the low beams are out any good source to buy leds to replace?

[@kelvinwilson1555]

Thanks Chris corvette envy hooked me up with the LEDs I needed your vids are a lot of help bro keep up the good work

[@jamesmckee7863]

Great job Chris, Now I see why I kept my 2002 c5 completely stock. It came out great, You have a lot more get up and go then me, enjoyed the vid. your friend in south florida Jimmy.

[@edmundiverson6377]

Chris, I have to say that because of your instructional vid, I decided to go ahead and order a set of these from Corvette Envy. Could you give us any updates about what other bulbs you might have put into these housings, or any general observations after having them installed for a year? Thanks in advance!

[@ahappyimago]

Awesome vid. Thanks for sharing

[@rjrestorationstation4402]

Very good job Chris. Well explained, I think that's a good investment for driving safety.

[@waynemock2632]

Thank you for the great video! At present I have installed new LED headlight bulbs. After two different attempts I found some bulbs that give a very good beam pattern and great light. Lasfit: LA Plus Series 9006 HB4 LED Bulbs 60W 6000LM 6000K. The only problem is the headlights do not retract when I turn off the headlights if the low beams are on. I can get them to close by turning off the lights with the high beams on (they are also LED but are 72W). I checked with Lasfit about adding a load resistor but was told that would not solve the problem (I thought it should). Have you found a way to work around the problem? Thank you!

[@advantager355]

1st time watching your channel Chris. I was so impressed with the video that I immediately subscribed and hit the bell.

[@mycorvettelife]

Thank you sir!

[@tyronesims4581]

Great video, my only question is why did you have to the whole assembly out , why not just take only the headlight assembly with the 3 10 mm bolts?

[@mycorvettelife]

It doesn’t work like that.

[@robertsilverman9937]

Nice job on your install! I will be doing install this when the weather improves here in Oregon!

[@kelvinwilson1555]

Thanks Chris corvette envy was a lot of help

[@nashrambler5246]

This video was awesome man!!! Great detail, I like how you even tell us the bolt sizes and what bits we will need, I also like that like me tape is your friend. I label everything and always use it to protect parts. I know you want your bulbs to match, I can’t blame you because I am OCD like that myself. Try Sylvania Silverstars, they worked for me.

[@dennymiranda9484]

Bought some & when I was about to install I noticed they had halo rings so I had to connect the red&black wire for the halo’s onto the drl small bulbs so they can stay on as well

[@YoJoe-t5f]

How do you adjust the light after install?

[@billmea5593]

what does ACA stand for?

[@nosefirst]

Excellent video! My C5 has a burned out fog light and I have been wondering how to get to them. Your video gave me a pretty big clue. Another few minutes showing how to align the headlights would be nice.

[@toodanderson351]

How difficult was it to line up the headlight covers after the install. I saw that they weren't flush anymore. How long did it take?

[@mycorvettelife]

That a separate issue. The new housings don’t change the headlight cover alignment.

[@mycorvettelife]

It’s a constant battle to align everything. Every panel on these cars is adjustable and if you thing is adjusted, it effects 6 other things.

[@twogunsforme1]

Great video thanks. I bought the radioflyer luminators with the angel eyes hid and led light combo. They cost roughly $1200.00 bucks. I'll be installing them in about two weeks wish me luck.

[@leonardanderson8072]

Chris, I love all your videos. Been going back and watching them and learning. But, with this one I have to disagree. I have a 99 coupe, stock lights. Silverstar bulbs. I get very good light. But, I do plan on upgrading to the ones you just showed. Thanks for the vid.

[@mycorvettelife]

Wait until you change them, then you will understand what you were missing.

[@leonardanderson8072]

@@mycorvettelife I'm counting on it. So far you've been dead on the money. Next up is new carpet and heat shield.

[@gentlemancorvette7931]

you are the best for instruction thank's

[@sonorkmf]

I like the way they look! Great video brother!

[@Rico_Suave-bk8le]

Great install and step by step.

[@nyccorvette]

Hey, great video. I was looking to install a set of these onto my C5. I was curious to know: 1. In their base form (Halogen bulbs) how much better are these lights than stock? 2. Did you change the bulbs? If so, what did you change them to and did the change from the to am upgraded bulb in the ACA make a difference?

[@mycorvettelife]

1. yes 2. So far I have not. I hardly ever drive the car at night so I never got around it it after I did this video. If I did I would get the Xenon lamps.

[@nyccorvette]

@@mycorvettelife Happy New Year! Sorry for the delay. Thanks for your response. I hope that you and the family are well.

[@arnief2034]

Do you recommend using the halogen lights that come with the ACA headlights? What lights did you finally settle on? Thank you Chris for making a super video

[@mycorvettelife]

I’m still using the halogen. They work fine. The optional Xenon are good too.

[@LittleJimmyNorton]

Great video! I have the ACA's but I had to cut the some of the aluminum on the mounting bracket like others on Corvette forums. Did your low beams clear or touch the bracket? I couldn't tell from the angle. Thanks again, but unfortunately I did mine before your video so I only had pics to follow on the forums.

[@mycorvettelife]

I didn’t have to modify anything.

[@nicholascortez27]

Also do your hid take a few seconds to warm up or are they at max instantly?

[@AFVeteran1]

Chris, how are you liking the new ACA lights? I am thinking about doing the same thing and just want to get some more input before I drop the dime. Thanks! Great Video.

[@Army4Runner]

Fantastic job! They look amazing.

[@carmenpete]

Great video as always, OK, now the stupid question...why the new wiring harness ? these are not Plug and Play ? are there any that are ?

[@mycorvettelife]

I spoke with the manufacture. They said these lights are designed to operate on a relay-based system using the factory harness as a trigger. I believe this makes the linking of the Lo-beam and hi-beam possible

[@carmenpete]

My Corvette Life okay makes sense thanks Are you planning on doing led in this setup ?

[@mycorvettelife]

@@carmenpete Yes

[@bryon7163]

The eyelets on the wires that go to the B+ terminal on my fuse box are too small. This happen to anyone else?

[@Kacaroto13]

I was wondering if you only changing the lences why do you need to run harnesses?

[@mycorvettelife]

I spoke with the manufacture. They said these lights are designed to operate on a relay-based system using the factory harness as a trigger. I believe this makes the linking of the Lo-beam and hi-beam possible.

[@kennethmcassidy2590]

Chris.....great videos, but on your next video. Let Google AI allow you to enable closed captions. This is critical to some members, thanks.

[@GBAL42022]

My LED in the stock housing are perfect I can see 100 times better ,there are a ton of NEW cars with their fancy HID stock factory bulbs are blinding also . So it does not bother me if my LED bulbs have a scattered pattern at ALL ....it works !!!!

[@mycorvettelife]

It doesn’t bother you but I’m sure it bothers everyone you are blinding. Lol

[@GBAL42022]

@@mycorvettelife like I said some of the new cars with their HID lamps are just as bright ...so I`m good !!!

[@LEGOCAMARO]

Do the headlights go down when you turn them off with the new wire harness or still have to do the high beam trick?

[@mycorvettelife]

They go down normally.

[@LEGOCAMARO]

@@mycorvettelife Thanks got some on order then

[@m73jaredII]

My bolt coming from the fuse box is too big for the grounds not sure what to do

[@mycorvettelife]

Drill out the ground loop.

[@omarsalas5234]

❤Donde los puedo comprar? ❤

[@mcm95403]

Hi Chris, Which LED high beam bulbs did you use with the old headlights? Both sets I've tried hit the metal arm behind the socket opening and that prevents them from fitting.

[@mycorvettelife]

VetteLEDs.com

[@ratfinknc]

Great job, Chris. It just so happens that I am updating all my lights on my Z06 as you're doing this and very helpful. I got all mine from Radio Flyer and there are some pretty significant differences most notably w/ the wiring which may or may not be better, just different. It may be related to the Bi-Xenon aspect of my install. Again, great job w/ the video, but the one thing I was looking forward to in the end was the adjustment. I haven't quite gotten to that point on mine but it's coming soon. Did you not have to adjust yours? Thanks again, Kevin

[@mycorvettelife]

Thanks. I didn't have the adjust mine,

[@STuTe51]

I installed these ACA Headlights on my 1998 Corvette and experienced my Headlight Lids not closing properly. I finally had to put my headlight switch into the high beam to make both lids close at the same time. How do I fix this problem?

[@mycorvettelife]

I did not have this problem.

[@michaelnaranjo27]

great video - installing mine this weekend.

[@MrJgalvin1970]

Where did you get the mesh covers for the front bumper ??

[@mycorvettelife]

Just Google C5 mesh grills. They are sold everywhere.

[@josels1292]

Do you still have these on the C5? I’m thinking of getting these but want to make sure they work well.

[@mycorvettelife]

Yea I still have them.

[@zt4675]

Chris, will the Lasfit LEDs fit in the ACA’s? Have you tried them out? How’s the light cutoff?

[@mycorvettelife]

High beam will fit. Low beam in the ACA housings needs to be H9 size. I’m planning on getting some different LEDs that will fit.

[@zt4675]

My Corvette Life ok cool. Assume a video will be made? :) looking forward to your results.

[@mycorvettelife]

Yes

[@armandobaca8703]

You can install or swap the LED lights from the original lamps to the new lamps.

[@mycorvettelife]

Yes and no. The Hi-beam socket is still a 9005 socket, but the low beam is a H9 socket on the new housing instead of a 9005. You can get a LED with the H9 tabs and it will work, which is probably what I will do.

[@zstern7881]

How long did it take you to change your headlights out Chris? I was just wondering because my new ones just came in. Thanks for the great videos!

[@mycorvettelife]

A few hours.

[@alancall5113]

great job must try

[@inglando]

How's night visibility compared to stock units?

[@mycorvettelife]

I’m pretty sure I covered that in the video. It’s much better.

[@moonwalkerRIP]

Another great video! I've got to get me some of those!

[@wgnths]

Nice upgrade, very similar to my current ones

[@naamangeist7843]

If these are halogen bulbs, why the need for running the wiring harnesses to the battery? Why not just power them off the original harness?

[@mycorvettelife]

I spoke with the manufacture. They said these lights are designed to operate on a relay-based system using the factory harness as a trigger. I believe this makes the linking of the Lo-beam and hi-beam possible.

[@jamesbottger5894]

So how do these light the way compared to the LEDs?

[@mycorvettelife]

With the halogen lamps they are equal in brightness to the stock housings with LEDs. But the light cutoff is much cleaner with the new housings.

[@Chepo1500]

U can install led on the projector right ? H9?

[@mycorvettelife]

Yes you can. You just need a H9 style led or an adapter.

[@Chepo1500]

My Corvette Life perfect thanks

[@tmjr1986]

Cool vid i did the hid install at the same time well worth it

[@firebreathingelm7592]

what type of camera do you use? love the footage and content

[@mycorvettelife]

IPhone!

[@FarOutRadioMusic]

What are you doing with your wheels and tires???

[@mycorvettelife]

Nothing. I just took them off for better access.

[@Chepo1500]

Why do my eyes close kinda slow and open kinda slow ?? Do u know I have the aca headlights

[@shaved1999]

Why is your vett always on jack stands on your vids, not troling, just wondering.

[@mycorvettelife]

Probably because I primarily do “How To” videos.

[@shaved1999]

@@mycorvettelife ok Thanks

[@Chepo1500]

Why u need the harnes for ?

[@mycorvettelife]

I spoke with the manufacture. They said these lights are designed to operate on a relay-based system using the factory harness as a trigger. I believe this makes the linking of the Lo-beam and hi-beam possible.

[@jeroenvels80]

Why do you need to install new wiring? There are no new lights etc, so why can't you use the existing wiring?

[@mycorvettelife]

I spoke with the manufacture. They said these lights are designed to operate on a relay-based system using the factory harness as a trigger. I believe this makes the linking of the Lo-beam and hi-beam possible.

[@kirkendicott5521]

Wow what a lot of work but turned out great.

[@bcarss1970]

Much better. More Euro looking but not gaudy.

[@crimson1931]

I wonder if a Chevrolet dealership would install these for me?

[@mycorvettelife]

You can ask, but I doubt it.

[@nicholascortez27]

What's your opinion on CorvetteMods.com

[@mycorvettelife]

Garbage

[@nicholascortez27]

@@mycorvettelife yeah I bought their hid projector lights... they didn't fit that well, so I had to get the dealer to install them. Then the radius of low beam is small and the high beams barely work. What are good hid projectors for the c5 vett

[@mycorvettelife]

VetteLights or CorvetteEnvy.

[@nicholascortez27]

Can you make a video of what your hid projector lights look like? And how adjust them

[@TJsVette]

They are now pretty much almost double in price in 2024. That's crazy.

[@papawwashere6664]

Let us know what lamps you end up choosing

[@Ricovette]

Awesome video Chris! Thanks to your step by step instructions, I honestly think I'm going to give these a shot and do the install myself. Thumbs up and a sub from me... Stay safe... Rico

[@Soupy59]

I do try to watch your whole video, I too know all about trying to get that $

[@lionelruningen6087]

Great vid. I just wish you owned a c6 instead of c5..... Still I watch with interest all your vids.

[@pfoxhound]

Why changing harness? No extra power consumption. Why would you complicate this job? Why won't you use led in projector? Xenon light emits alot ovlf uv, burning out reflector, led runs cool and doesn't require anything, you already have it.

[@Chepo1500]

Is it easy ??

[@mycorvettelife]

Define easy? Easy for me may not be easy for someone else. You watched the video. You be the judge.

[@Chepo1500]

My Corvette Life looks kinda hard lol . And you need the other wiring for what ?? I’m get the headlights .

[@Chepo1500]

My Corvette Life where did u buy the headlights? And are they like the ones from eBay ? Or these the real deal ?

[@mycorvettelife]

As I said in the video, these are NOT the EBay ones. They are the real DOT approved ones. Link to purchase is in the video description.

[@mycorvettelife]

I spoke with the manufacture. They said these lights are designed to operate on a relay-based system using the factory harness as a trigger. I believe this makes the linking of the Lo-beam and hi-beam possible

[@MyVetteLife]

Ouch $300 for those lamps?? I seen those ebay version and thought about it, maybe i should try those and compair but $300 way too steep for me.

[@mycorvettelife]

The housing is the important part. The ebay versions are cheap plastic. You can put whatever lamps you want in it.

[@MyVetteLife]

@@mycorvettelife interesting

[@MyVetteLife]

@@mycorvettelife Chris, do these housings have the halo?

[@mycorvettelife]

I sent you some pictures on IG.

[@papawwashere6664]

Why in the holy hell would you fight that clip off that pin when anybody with any sense would just remove the nut off the arm that rotates it up. Then you don’t have to take a chance of destroying that drive on clip.

[@debragoss-seeger6066]

I don’t want to change the look of my vette - it’s classic. I would like to make the lights brighter, but My stock lights are not dim - r u getting paid by the light people? I would like an option to keep my classic look and pop up lights but get a brighter bulb - that’s all. It has nothing to do with being on a budget - I like the pop-ups and don’t want to have a Half C5 and half newer looking vette in one. Keeping it classic!

[@mycorvettelife]

Then just leave it stock. No, I paid full retail.

[@Elcanaldemaik]

New suscriber.. talk less Do more

[@wkjeeping9053]

Projector headlights are garbage unless from the factoryl. Should have kept the leds in it

[@mycorvettelife]

Actually these are very good.