Brighter headlights?
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
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Brighter headlights?
I have a 1983 Ford F150. I am sure that it has standard Wagner headlights. Cleaning them made somewhat of a difference but not too much. Which aftermarket headlights should I use to brighten things up (cheaply)? I am thinking of something in the way of what could be purchased at a Wal-Mart. Thanks!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
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From: Billings Montana
I've got a set of those GE Silverstar headlights in my truck. They were $25 a piece but they do make a difference. Instead of a yellow light like standard headlights, they put out a white beam that lights up the whole road.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Mid-Missouri
You could also buy some relays and use them to power your headlights directly from the batter. The headlight switch would be used to trip the relay and the power for the lights would come directly off of the battery instead of the small 16 gauge stock wiring.
I've got this wired up on my 86. Basically, it allows you to power the headlights with less loss due to resistance. Makes a huge difference. The headlights run closer to battery voltage (Usually around 14Volts instead of 12-12.5Volts)
Here is a link to a page on this site on how to do it.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_Brights.html
I've got this wired up on my 86. Basically, it allows you to power the headlights with less loss due to resistance. Makes a huge difference. The headlights run closer to battery voltage (Usually around 14Volts instead of 12-12.5Volts)
Here is a link to a page on this site on how to do it.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_Brights.html
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
I use the silverstars in all my rides. I did the H4 conversion on my 85 and used a 9003 silverstar bulb instead(same plug). You can get the conversion kit at walmart I think. if you want even brighter bulbs, JCwhitney has a set that is rated at 65/55 watts instead of the standard 55/45 watts. My boss has some of the JCwhitney bulbs in his 2000 dodge, and they are pretty sweet.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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I installed a relay controlled harness, and did the headlight conversion hit to run H4's. The throw pattern isn't the greatest but i have the 55/100w so on high they work great. of course not DOT legal. JCW sells the lenses and bulbs which would cost about 100 bucks to change it over. I payed about 20 bucks for a harness as i was to lazy to build one. Got one from Ryan @ fordfuelinjection.com
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
Make sure all the ground wires are clean and tight,
I have a pair of sylvania halogen Long life headlamps, and they have lasted 12 years so far, and are bright as the day I bought them.
The relay modification will work, and get you brighter headlamps too. Especially on a older wiring system with bad or rusty grounds that have lots of resistance.
Cleanng all the grounds will definately help too for cheap. Use some white lithium grease to protect them from coroding again as quickly. Will help make your tailights and other lights brighter too. etc...
hope this helps.
I have a pair of sylvania halogen Long life headlamps, and they have lasted 12 years so far, and are bright as the day I bought them.
The relay modification will work, and get you brighter headlamps too. Especially on a older wiring system with bad or rusty grounds that have lots of resistance.
Cleanng all the grounds will definately help too for cheap. Use some white lithium grease to protect them from coroding again as quickly. Will help make your tailights and other lights brighter too. etc...
hope this helps.
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Posting Guru
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I put Silverstar in all my vehicles when they need to be replaced. I would say they are the way to go. Mucher brighter and whiter than others that i've seen. My grandpa wanted to get driving lights for his 99 F-350, but I talked him into trying the Silverstars first. He doesn't want anthing else now.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Good tips guys! While we are the topic of lights, I have a headlight problem my self. When driving at night with my pathetically dim light on, if I kick my floor switch (84 f-150) and try to turn on my brites... I loose my headlights all together... no regular and no hi-beams. Any Ideas? (yes, I put new lamps in!)
here sometimes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 374
Likes: 8
From: Algona ,IOWA
spray down the dimmer switch with wd-40 .If that doesnt work then replace it.I have been using the h4 conversion for about 5 years now and bulbs are still original and work great but the silverstars are definatly the way to go.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
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From: Kuna ID
Originally Posted by pickupman84
Good tips guys! While we are the topic of lights, I have a headlight problem my self. When driving at night with my pathetically dim light on, if I kick my floor switch (84 f-150) and try to turn on my brites... I loose my headlights all together... no regular and no hi-beams. Any Ideas? (yes, I put new lamps in!)