Frequently Asked Questions
I'm ready for a Powered by Custom Project...now what ?
You've made your decision and are ready to get things started. Great! First, please Contact us and let us know what you are planning on having done.
Once a plan is in place, we will send you an invoice (if one is needed) with your job details and deposit information. Any last-minute changes should be noted at this time.
Please prepare, pack and ship your items. See the FAQ Question on "How Do I Pack/ Ship My Items" for the best way to package your parts. Upon receiving your items and deposit, we will email you to confirm and begin work.
For local drop off of your parts, please contact us.
Once a plan is in place, we will send you an invoice (if one is needed) with your job details and deposit information. Any last-minute changes should be noted at this time.
Please prepare, pack and ship your items. See the FAQ Question on "How Do I Pack/ Ship My Items" for the best way to package your parts. Upon receiving your items and deposit, we will email you to confirm and begin work.
For local drop off of your parts, please contact us.
What are my payment options ?
Payment can be made with either a money order, a convenient on-line Paypal payment or with cash in person.. A deposit may be required before your work begins.
Payments can be sent with your parts (attached to the inside of the box) or sent separately through USPS or UPS.
Please keep in mind that the current standard NY sales tax will be added to your total bill. This doesn't apply to out of state residents. Completed pictures, along with a final payment invoice (if one is needed), will be sent to you once your project is finished. We do not offer any monthly payment plans.
Payments should be made out to Black Flame Customs.
Payments can be sent with your parts (attached to the inside of the box) or sent separately through USPS or UPS.
Please keep in mind that the current standard NY sales tax will be added to your total bill. This doesn't apply to out of state residents. Completed pictures, along with a final payment invoice (if one is needed), will be sent to you once your project is finished. We do not offer any monthly payment plans.
Payments should be made out to Black Flame Customs.
What is a retrofit ?
A retrofit or "retrofitting" is the installation of High-Performance HID components (generally proper projectors/bulbs/shrouds) into your factory headlights.
This involves completely dismantling your stock headlights and fabricating the new components into them. The use of high quality HID components allows us to obtain the best light output available from your lights.
An HID retrofit puts your lights on the same (usually better) level as the high-end & luxury cars seen everywhere on the road today.
For more information on what a retrofit is and the components used please visit www.HIDRetrofits.com
This involves completely dismantling your stock headlights and fabricating the new components into them. The use of high quality HID components allows us to obtain the best light output available from your lights.
An HID retrofit puts your lights on the same (usually better) level as the high-end & luxury cars seen everywhere on the road today.
For more information on what a retrofit is and the components used please visit www.HIDRetrofits.com
What color bulbs do you use for retrofits ?
HID bulb colors are measured by their Kelvin temperature. HID bulb light output is rated by its luminosity or lumens. OEM auto manufacturers use 4300k bulbs for their high luminosity output (generally 3200-3400 lumens) and their reliability.
A variety of places sell the 8000k & 10,000k bulbs (and even higher). These bulbs have a low true lumen/output rating, produce obnoxious glare to oncoming drivers & cause eye fatigue on you the driver. Often times these aftermarket bulbs don't produce anymore output than a quality halogen bulb. 4300k is the brightest and truest white HID bulb you can get.
The only other color bulbs that BlackFlameCustoms would use in a retrofit are 5000k or 6000k bulbs, and we usually reserve these strictly for show cars.
A variety of places sell the 8000k & 10,000k bulbs (and even higher). These bulbs have a low true lumen/output rating, produce obnoxious glare to oncoming drivers & cause eye fatigue on you the driver. Often times these aftermarket bulbs don't produce anymore output than a quality halogen bulb. 4300k is the brightest and truest white HID bulb you can get.
The only other color bulbs that BlackFlameCustoms would use in a retrofit are 5000k or 6000k bulbs, and we usually reserve these strictly for show cars.
How do I pack/ship my items ?
If you choose to pack your own items, please ensure that the following is done. Generally, it is best to use an appropriately-sized box to ship your parts. If too large a box is used, the items can bounce around or into eachother. If too small a box is used, your items could be crushed. Additional un-expected damage can make for a slower turn around time as well as an increase in cost.
We advise wrapping each item with one to two layers of bubble wrap. Line the boxes with styrofoam peanuts or extra bubble wrap. It is important to create a cushion between the item and the box wall. This will help prevent damage to your items if the boxes are stacked by the shipping company.
Please make sure you put the appropriate amount of insurance on your items as well.
We advise wrapping each item with one to two layers of bubble wrap. Line the boxes with styrofoam peanuts or extra bubble wrap. It is important to create a cushion between the item and the box wall. This will help prevent damage to your items if the boxes are stacked by the shipping company.
Please make sure you put the appropriate amount of insurance on your items as well.
How much and How long ?
Every Custom application is different.
General pricing can range from $25 to $2500, depending on your project and options.
All prices do NOT include NY State sales tax, online processing fees if applicable or return shipping.
General time frames can range from two days to two months. Most projects however, are completed in just a few days. Please contact us or check out our Services section for current pricing and time frames.
Please note that shipping times should be factored into your project time schedule.
Will I be updated on my project status ?
Yes. We like to keep you as informed as possible with regards to any updated details, changes or information about your project.
This assures that everything is to your liking and the final outcome is as planned.
Progress pictures will be sent when they are available or applicable. One final set of pictures will be emailed to you, along with your final payment invoice (if one is needed), upon completion of your project.
Emails and online messaging are often the best way for us to communicate.
Is there a waiting period once I'm ready ?
Once you have made up your mind, please contact us and we can get things going. We will let you know immediately if there will be any specific wait time involved in getting your project started.
Generally, for most services there isn't a wait period.
Please note that shipping times should be factored into your project time schedule.
What else do you work on ?
We customize a variety of items. We are also often up for a creative challenge.
All current available projects can be found in our Services section.
If you don't see something listed, please contact us for availability and pricing.
Can I do my own prepwork ?
No!
BlackFlameCustoms requires that we do all prepwork (headlight disassembly, shroud prep or cutting ), as we otherwise would not be able to guarantee our work.
Please leave this up to us. It's what we do.
Can I purchase an already completed project ?
Yes! Any completed projects can be found for purchase in our products section.
There you'll also find other great products for sale. We also have an "add to cart" deposits section that allows you to leave a deposit on a project you would like to have done.
Can you remove my lights if I drop off my vehicle ?
No.
BlackFlameCustoms is currently NOT removing or installing any headlights or tailights for custom work. They must either be shipped or dropped off to us already un-installed from the vehicle.
How should I handle the finished product ?
Have patience! This is the best advice we can give you. The anticipation of your new custom project can be overwhelming.
First things first! Be extremely careful when installing your items. Take your time. Taping off any tight-fit edges or close surrounding areas will help avoid scratches and dings during installation. Once your items are installed and looking good, take pictures! We Love seeing the final product installed.
Where can I find more info ?
Please contact us if you have a question about a project that's not listed here .
For more information on what a retrofit is, the components used and the industry terms please visit
www.HIDRetrofits.com