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Jul 16, 2010 | 12:01 AM

tip49

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 2,757

Likes: 138

From: Alberta Canada

Headlights

I'm at the point where I need to make a decision on headlights, should I go with late model lights installed in the 48-50 stock housings chromed
OR go with aftermarket halogen or similar kits.

What have most out there done ? Pics ?

Jul 16, 2010 | 12:13 AM

fifty-two_f1

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 1,342

Likes: 1

From: Jamestown, IN

you can buy 12 v halogens that go right in where the originals fit. I really like them.

Jul 16, 2010 | 12:17 AM

Randy Jack

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Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 4,190

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From: Riverside, So Cal

I tried the halogen replacement bulbs. They were OK. They are a bit brighter yellow light.

I really like the HID lights I bought from LMC. They throw light a lot farther down the road, come with white or blue bulbs and look pretty cool.

Jul 16, 2010 | 12:28 AM

tip49

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 2,757

Likes: 138

From: Alberta Canada

Good input

would either system require upgrading the harness, and using relays to install ?

Jul 16, 2010 | 10:27 AM

fifty-two_f1

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 1,342

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From: Jamestown, IN

The halogen bulbs I got from napa, were bright and not yellow at all. Of course I put these in a 63 international pickup with a new alternator, but this should not matter.

Jul 16, 2010 | 10:35 AM

sdetweil

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Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 11,591

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From: Pflugerville, tx

Quote:

Originally Posted by tip49

would either system require upgrading the harness, and using relays to install ?

I put halogens in my 55, and ran a relay driven harness to support them. the harness is all hidden in the grill. the relays are behind the headlight bucket, and are waterproof as well.

one fused wire from the battery to the relays ( I ran 12 gauge), one ground, and the old headlight wire to trigger the relays

you could really do it with 1 - 5 pin standard relay, (why didn't I think of that earlier?!)

power in = pin 30
power out---- wires to both lights
low beam power = 87a (default)
high beam power = 87 (switched by 86)
controls ---
trigger ground = 85
bright light power = 86

when 86 is not powered, the relay flows 30 to 87a
when 86 IS powered, the relay flows 30 to 87

this does 2 things..

1 - removes the load from the headlight switch to light wires
2 - removes the load from the battery to fuse box main lead.
I put my fuel pump, airbag pump, radiator fans and headlights on relay controlled circuits to drop the load to the fusebox.

Sam

Jul 16, 2010 | 11:45 AM

Randy Jack

Postmaster

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 4,190

Likes: 2

From: Riverside, So Cal

These are the HID lights I was talking about. They need a relay harness, which is a small extra cost. The blue bulbs look cooler reflecting in the bowl, but don't throw a particularly blue light.