Halogen headlights w/'56 switch
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 294
Likes: 4
From: Pensacola, FL
Halogen headlights w/'56 switch
I am running the old sealed beam headlights and they're worthless. Want to switch over to new halogens but was wondering if the headlight switch will handle it. I am running a 1956 12v headlight switch.
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,353
Likes: 1,775
From: Western NY
Halogen lamps in the 6014 form factor are a more efficient version of the 6014 incandescent bulb. They don't draw more current than your existing set so you will be just fine.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
Likes: 398
From: W. Central FL.
What he said /\. The relays takes all the current out of the switch. I am running relays on my '56 and the '73. When it comes time to wire, the '49 will get a relay system for lighting.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 53
From: Coatesville, PA
LMC sells a Relay wiring harness assembly, if your wiring challenged then this is a pretty straight forward way to go. I used it on my 52, I think it cost around $35. Good with relays no matter how you do it.
good luck.
good luck.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
All headlights, horns and electric fans should be run off a relay for reliability. A relay is nothing more than a heavy duty remote switch activated by a second controlling switch. The relay contacts are designed to handle high current draw but need very little current thru the controlling switch to activate it.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: peyton, colorado
You can buy one of the relay kits, several hotrod wiring companies make them. I went to the junkyard and grabbed some bosch headlight relays from a late model GM car with halogen headlights. It came with nice brackets also. I wired both high and low beams on the relays, since who knows what headlight technology will come along in the life of this truck.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 19
From: Las Vegas, NV
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,918
Likes: 1,051
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
here's where being old helps..... old FTE guy Steve Delanty wrote this years ago...
should help
Whiter Whites, Brighter Brights .: Articles
and if you need help understanding relays...
USING RELAYS TO CONTROL
later
john
should help
Whiter Whites, Brighter Brights .: Articles
and if you need help understanding relays...
USING RELAYS TO CONTROL
later
john
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
I used Steve's tech article over 10 years ago. Probably the best electrical mod on my truck. Hard to believe how long it took Ford to wire their headlights adequately. This wasn't just a 40s-50s thing.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
Likes: 398
From: W. Central FL.
Not only the truck line. I bought a new 1967 Ranch Wagon and had the flashing light problem. The problem showed up late one night several hundred miles from home. Repair: Direct defroster duct to blow on the light switch.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,290
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
I get a chuckle out of people using Bosch relays to upgrade their car/truck. They are absolutely the bane of the 944 world. The Bosch unit that powers up the ECU and fuel pump fails so regularly that it is advised to carry a spare in the glove compartment (a $45 spare). The one for the A/C costs $170 and is just as bad.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
I'll let you know when the mod fails me. Ten years and counting. Spare five dollar relay under the seat just in case. Beats the heck out of crappy headlights Ross. 18GA wire don't cut it.
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