73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Projects Posts (NOT VEHICLES) => Topic started by: LTZ C20 on June 10, 2015, 01:48:19 AM
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Hey all. As the title states, I'm looking to upgrade my headlights. I'm trying to not spend buckets of money on my truck for a while, spent waaaaaay to much on it in the past year, thousands in fact. Anyway, I'm NOT spending anymore than 250 dollars on this upgrade. I know there are all sorts of fancy and expensive units out there, not interested in that. Obviously, ebay and amazon will most likely be 1 of the places I purchase from but I'm not looking to pull the trigger tomorrow, a month from now is ok too.
My current headlights are good, both function hi & low, both are of equal briteness and range. They just leave something to be desired, no reason to change them if this was 1982, but it's not so I know I can do better easily. Also, I'm not looking to get anything that requires odd amounts of special brackets, wiring kits for the space shuttle and stuff that requires fabricating a custom radiator support. With that being said, I've found 2 units currently that hold my attention. I should say 1 unit and the other is a family, just depends on what sibling I want.
The first is an H4 conversion kit with an LED bulb kit from Firewire LED's. This set was featured on the build "Lock Jaw" on PowerNation TV.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/09/d856a5f5331a49f542fa41dac5fa44ec.jpg)
http://www.firewireleds.com/7-round-h4-headlight-conversion-kit/?page_context=category&faceted_search=0
The second is a family of lights, they are offered by Delta Industries. I can get them in either a Xenon bulb with or without an LED halo or I can get them in an LED bulb with or without an LED halo or I can get them in an HID bulb with or without an LED halo.
Xenon with halo
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/09/c52e75f838ba8e780dcaeda9d449f70a.jpg)
LED with halo
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/09/25e80f3db35a76269846836e2b683dcb.jpg)
http://www.deltalights.com/~deltalig/?q=store#!/c/2060180/inview=product37313775&offset=0&sort=normal
So because HID's and LED's are so expensive, I'm leaning more towards the Firewire LED's kit or the Delta xenon with a halo. Can't really decide tho.
Any experiences with these 2 product families or a seperate set that is very good and cheap is appreciated. Again, I'm only researching and these are the 2 I like so far.
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I wouldn't use LEDs for a daily driver at all. LEDs are better for offroad vehicles or temporary use as their falloff really sucks.
If you want to upgrade your headlights upgrade to H4 housings get a couple of relays and some wiring and you'll be well under $100-150 by the time your done.
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I wouldn't use LEDs for a daily driver at all. LEDs are better for offroad vehicles or temporary use as their falloff really sucks.
If you want to upgrade your headlights upgrade to H4 housings get a couple of relays and some wiring and you'll be well under $100-150 by the time your done.
What do you mean by "their falloff really sucks"? What is the "falloff"?
I'm considering getting the relay harness kit also, the Firewire's are H4 housings, the LED bulb kit for them is extra so I could put a Xenon bulb in them or some kind of better halogen like those offered by Sylvania.
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I wouldn't use LEDs for a daily driver at all. LEDs are better for offroad vehicles or temporary use as their falloff really sucks.
If you want to upgrade your headlights upgrade to H4 housings get a couple of relays and some wiring and you'll be well under $100-150 by the time your done.
What do you mean by "their falloff really sucks"? What is the "falloff"?
I'm considering getting the relay harness kit also, the Firewire's are H4 housings, the LED bulb kit for them is extra so I could put a Xenon bulb in them or some kind of better halogen like those offered by Sylvania.
Falloff is essentially the point where the headlight simply cannot project light anymore. We have come a long ways in the LED lighting area for vehicles but we still are not at a point where I feel they should be used in a daily vehicle.
This is why even just upgrading the wiring and putting in relays can dramatically change the stock output on our vehicles as is.
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Ok so it's the distance from the front of the car where it can't push the light out anymore.
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So I have made a decision on what lights, types of bulbs I want and how to upgrade the wiring.
I have decided when the time comes I will be purchasing the Delta Industries H4 conversion light kit with Xenon bulbs, part # 01-1149-50X.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/11/e5426b4250f75a0c234560df2d40961b.jpg)
For the wiring, I will be purchasing the Painless Performance H4 wiring harness kit, part # 30815.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/11/d6c2a6f1ab41b66a4e1906cc7540dbd9.jpg)
The Delta housings are stated to increase light output by a 4:1 ratio with a stock type halogen bulb, with a Xenon bulb, the light output will be well above 4:1 over the stock sealed beams. This is exactly what I'm looking for, better than stock, reliable performance, fairly inexpensive and not super fancy but still impressive.
If anyone notices a flaw in my plan, please let me know! Thanks all!
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Don't get the bulbs with the blue filter over the glass! It gives a higher color temperature which tricks your eye into thinking there is more light, but in reality there is less light available. The blue cover filters out some of the light!
Also, keep in mind that the bulb lifetimes are rated at 12.8 Vdc. If you relay them you will get basically full alternator voltage at say 14.2 Vdc. that 10% increase in voltage cuts the lifetime of the bulb by 60%!, but you will see an increase in Output by about 40%. Average lifetime is like 600-700 hours I think for a H4 bulb. You might expect 240-280 hours. It just depends on how much you use your headlamps.
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Interesting. I never thought about that. I have had my truck for about 5-6 years now,never had to replace a headlight. Does that equal 6-700 hours in some way? I've done alot of night time driving in those past 5-6 years. I'm not sure if a Xenon bulb has blue filter over it or if that's just a "representative image" from what I've read, xenon is the gas inside, not the blue stuff on the glass. If not those then what? Back to the original question, led? Hid?
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Even though the blue capsules filter out the warmer end of the spectrum, I don't think you would be disappointed with the Hella Optilux XB 100/80 (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hla-h71070201) H4 bulbs. The bulbs burn hot and are best suited to all glass or glass and aluminum housings.
...And, you'll need to be conscientious with the headlamp adjustment. lol
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I suggest you check this site before you buy: http://www.danielsternlighting.com (http://www.danielsternlighting.com)
A proven option you might consider:
CIBIE 7 inch Headlamps
OSRAM 85/80 Watt Rallye bulbs
Relays
I've used CIBIE's for ~35 years. They are fantastic.
They are legal. Not with the bulbs bd or I suggested however when properly aimed you will not PO oncoming traffic.
I looked at the Delta "DOT" lamps on website you posted above and I do not see any DOT, SAE, or ECE/EEC approval markings on the lens.
Before you buy I would ask Delta for a copy of their approval documents or at very least confirm that the lenses are marked.
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Thanks guys. I'll do some looking around on both links.
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Anxious for the resulting consensus on this question.
Assuming a similar budget, do you think the Painless harness is worth the cost? It seems that the attraction of "Painless" is the fact that its products are customize-albe and vehicle-specific. Here, however, it is more of a "universal" kit. So, you are paying for wires and relays??
Are the Cibie 7" available on the internet?
Then, its just a matter of getting a bulb that's "street legal"??
.... and figuring out how to do something about the instrument cluster lighting.
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Anxious for the resulting consensus on this question.
Assuming a similar budget, do you think the Painless harness is worth the cost? It seems that the attraction of "Painless" is the fact that its products are customize-albe and vehicle-specific. Here, however, it is more of a "universal" kit. So, you are paying for wires and relays??
Are the Cibie 7" available on the internet?
Then, its just a matter of getting a bulb that's "street legal"??
.... and figuring out how to do something about the instrument cluster lighting.
Painless is the best in the business, when it comes to complete ready to go harnesses, whether they are custom or specific. Painless is worth the cost if you plan on rewiring an entire vehicle or keeping it for a long time. However you don't have to pay full price, some sites, ebay, amazon, some others you can find new product for much less then the normal sources like summit or jegs.
I personally was going to source amazon for a painless harness.
Anything is available on the internet.
Lighting as with many other products on cars have strict safety requlations, so its better to use DOT approved equipment.
The instrument cluster has a few different ways to make it brighter. Aftermarket gauges, replacing your old faded lens and reflector plate with clean, clear new ones, LED back light bulbs. There are other threads here about this, search around for them.
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im going to say this. i was intimidated when i realized i had to rewire my engine wire. after talking it over with a couple people its not that hard if you just pay attention to what youre doing
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True, wiring isn't hard, I could do it. I was looking for the simplicity factor of a plug and play install. Just didn't feel like building a harness, getting all the proper size wires and connectors and relays.
The lazy bone is connected to the money bone and the money bone is connected to the pre-made parts bone.
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when i went on painless's website it only list one wire harness for our trucks. but as i just found out 84 and 91 use two different fire wall connections. so it appears i couldnt use it without replacing all my wires and i dont know if any other truck connections are different.
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People over complicate wiring. In some situations yes its very difficult and may take a bit to understand. But automotive wiring is so simple and easy that if you just stop to think you can do it.
Doing a headlight harness upgrade is dead simple and so easy to make it your own. For example with relays you could make it so that both headlights are run apart from each other so that if you lose power to one side the other still works.
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Look at jw speaker! They are very expensive. It might give you a ideas
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
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when i went on painless's website it only list one wire harness for our trucks. but as i just found out 84 and 91 use two different fire wall connections. so it appears i couldnt use it without replacing all my wires and i dont know if any other truck connections are different.
I think harness plugs into the head light sockets, not the firewall. The 84 and 91 setups my be different the and 80 and older.
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People over complicate wiring. In some situations yes its very difficult and may take a bit to understand. But automotive wiring is so simple and easy that if you just stop to think you can do it.
Doing a headlight harness upgrade is dead simple and so easy to make it your own. For example with relays you could make it so that both headlights are run apart from each other so that if you lose power to one side the other still works.
I know. I can do it, just don't FEEL like it. I believe that the harness is designed to work so that they are independent lights in a power or bulb failure event.
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Look at jw speaker! They are very expensive. It might give you a ideas
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
I'll check it out thanks.
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Used Cibies with Osram bulbs from danielster.com for my 85 K10. Have not re-wired with relays yet, but the light output is so much better than the standard halogen sealed beams!
Sent from my MB520 using Tapatalk 2
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Used Cibies with Osram bulbs from danielster.com for my 85 K10. Have not re-wired with relays yet, but the light output is so much better than the standard halogen sealed beams!
Sent from my MB520 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks I'll check this out too.
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I did my '79 last year and used Hella E-code H4 lights. That is a popular upgrade for Jeep guys. I also installed a pre-made relay harness, but I do not remember from who off the top my head. At the end of the day I think I spent a touch over $100 total. The difference is amazing even with the 55/60 watt bulbs that come with them.
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Thanks, 1 more setup to check into.
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I did my '79 last year and used Hella E-code H4 lights. That is a popular upgrade for Jeep guys. I also installed a pre-made relay harness, but I do not remember from who off the top my head. At the end of the day I think I spent a touch over $100 total. The difference is amazing even with the 55/60 watt bulbs that come with them.
I did the same setup but i got the DOT version. night and day difference. the glass is a whole lot clearer than the sealed beams.
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A few pics of my setup.
Both lights and upgraded bulbs were about $120. the H3's are for the driving lights under the bumper.
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t195/wes2880/78%20C20%20-After%20New%20Wheels/Hella%20Upgrade/HellaLensesandXenons.jpg)
My Relay harnes with relay for high and low beam
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t195/wes2880/78%20C20%20-After%20New%20Wheels/Hella%20Upgrade/HeadlightRelayHarness.jpg)
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t195/wes2880/78%20C20%20-After%20New%20Wheels/Hella%20Upgrade/HeadlightHarnessFinished.jpg)
Hellas Super clear lens
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t195/wes2880/78%20C20%20-After%20New%20Wheels/Hella%20Upgrade/Stock%20Hella%20Assembly/HellaLens1.jpg)
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t195/wes2880/78%20C20%20-After%20New%20Wheels/Hella%20Upgrade/Installed%20and%20turned%20off/HellasInstalled3.jpg)
Hellas lit up with relays
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t195/wes2880/78%20C20%20-After%20New%20Wheels/Hella%20Upgrade/Aimed%20and%20Lit%20up/BeamShape.jpg)
Low beams
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t195/wes2880/78%20C20%20-After%20New%20Wheels/Hella%20Upgrade/Aimed%20and%20Lit%20up/1LowBeams.jpg)
High beams without driving light
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t195/wes2880/78%20C20%20-After%20New%20Wheels/Hella%20Upgrade/Aimed%20and%20Lit%20up/2HighBeams.jpg)
this ones high beams WITH driving lights on. I have them setup aimed higher and wider than normal, since they only come on with the high beams, they are just auxiliary high beams actually.
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t195/wes2880/78%20C20%20-After%20New%20Wheels/Hella%20Upgrade/Aimed%20and%20Lit%20up/3HighBeamsandDrivingLights.jpg)
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Thanks 78. Nice setup you got there. Looks good. I have some news for you all on this actually. Turns out I will be getting HID'S here eventually. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, (my buddy's truck got T-boned, 79 GMC K20), he's going to be removing the headlights and going with LED'S when the front end is rebuilt. Both head lights are in proper working order. They are Morimoto Sealed 7's, 7 inch round, HID head lights with ballasts, wiring harnesses, mounting brackets and all needed to install them on my truck. He's going to be selling them to me for a reduced price. Here's the best pic I have at the moment.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/15/c4690da6d60c94215eaab72994b061f1.jpg)
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Well good things can happen from bad circumstances. Look like a sweet set of headlights. Hope your buddy is ok!
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eww those are fugly. Looks like your truck is some weird alien contraption.
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Well good things can happen from bad circumstances. Look like a sweet set of headlights. Hope your buddy is ok!
Yea. My buddy is fine, just pissed his truck is now a shiny lawn ornament. They are pretty sweet lights.
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eww those are fugly. Looks like your truck is some weird alien contraption.
The picture is kinda crappy cuz it was actually a picture of the whole front of the truck, I cropped it around the headlight only to zoom in and not include the accident damage on the truck. The chrome ring around the bulb is actually an option, there are multiple styles available, that's what he chose when he bought then so I can't really complain. They look really nice actually when the picture is clear.
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These are them, except he chose the "Apollo 3.0" shrouds. I'm not sure what other options he chose out of all the ones listed on this page.
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/complete-headlight-fog-light-housings/morimoto-sealed7-headlights.html/#.VaatXXrn_qA
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/15/f389dfa99408942409d488ff43133253.jpg)
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Sweet!
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
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That is the correct way to do an HID conversion.
Properly aimed, that setup will be killer and will not blind oncoming traffic.
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Still haven't gotten these head lights yet. My buddy has taken his truck apart yet to remove them. I'de say I'll probably be getting them sometime around when it goes to the body shop and is disassembled to have the front end rebuilt.