Metal bar in projector! Is this normal?

I just bought projector headlights for my 97 Civic. When I changed the bulbs I noticed that the projector housing (for low beam) had a metal bar screwed inside that blocked the lower half. Upon installation, while adjusting the aim, the projectors' beam was distinctly cut off at the top. I am thinking this would help in avoiding blinding the opposite lane but is this normal for projector lights? The lights were "dimmer" than expected, even while using 100W bulbs. I'm considering getting those bars off.

dont, those are to prevent glare from nlinding oncoming traffic, your lights being dim is either the bulbs your using, a bad ground, or not enough power getting to them.

First off, the metal bar is suppose to be their. It's what is used in projectors to create the cut-off line. This is commen to ALL projectors and is SUPPOSE TO BE THERE. Do not remove it!!!!!

Also, DO NOT use 100 watt bulbs!!! Using 100 watt bulbs in housings ment for 55 watt bulbs with wiring ment for 55 watt bulbs will cause you to melt or headlight housing and ment the wiring at best and cause a headlight fire at worst!!!

Your crappy light output is likely due to the bulbs you are using. Not all bulbs are created eqaul. Many aftermarket bulbs are junk, especially those wal-mart/autozone "high performance" bulbs.

Get a good set of bulbs. They won't be cheap but are worth the investment. My first recommendation is PIAA Super Plasma GT-X's. Far and away the best Halogen bulb out there. Second I'll recommend Either Slyvania Silverstars or PIAA Extreme Whites. That's it...don't waste your money on any other bulbs..not other PIAA's like the "star white" junk they sell, not other brands. Stick with those 3 and you'll be fine. Read the sticky at the top of this forum. It explains a lot of this in detail.

AFTERMARKET BULBS: COLOR TEMPERATURE AND USABLE LIGHT OUTPUT (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=298500)

^^ ugh my sylvania silverstars burnt my headlight housing pretty bad. I only noticed the damage when I opened them up to paint them black inside. Since then I am only using stock bulbs. I beleive I have said this before to Ecko as well lol.

^^ ugh my sylvania silverstars burnt my headlight housing pretty bad. I only noticed the damage when I opened them up to paint them black inside. Since then I am only using stock bulbs. I beleive I have said this before to Ecko as well lol.


You're the only person I have EVER heard this with...this seems to be the expection not the rule, I know plenty of people who have ran PIAA"s and ben fine. Also, I have been running PIAA's for 4+ years abd NEVER hada an issue...EVER. Wiring and headlights are fine...after 4 + years or constant use.

I personaly don't like Silverstars, I'll agree there...but some ppl swear by em. Even AIlverY2KCivic, who ran Silverstars and PIAA Super Plasma's did like the Slverstas after running the PIAA's. If you are spending $40-50 just spend the $20 more and get PIAA. But I do know silverstars are better than most other brands, like that $20 crap "preformance" light....so I include it as an alternative. I myself only run PIAA...nothing else. PIAA Super Plasma's. Always have Always will. I won't ever use anything else. I even keep a spare PAIR handy in the car in case they blow out while I am driving. My high and low beams and turn signals are all PIAA.