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Author Topic: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?  (Read 11234 times)

Offline Skunksmash

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Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« on: July 26, 2009, 05:10:40 am »
I know most (if not all) the headlights in the 81-87 model trucks are sealed, but is there a headlight somewhere where you can just buy a housing? I want to just be able to buy a headlight housing glass with no bulb. Because I wish to upgrade to LED bulbs if I can. For some reason I am going through the whole truck and replacing all the old style filament bulbs with newer, brighter, longer lasting more energy efficient LED bulbs. I guess I have too much time on my hands or something. That and I am of the opinion that they just look way cooler and newer. Anyway, I am pretty sure that I can get an LED bulb to replace the stockers, if only I could find headlights for my '87 that would let you change out the bulbs. I found a website that has all manner of automotive LED bulbs. Even ones to replace most headlights, and even ones that look just like ours, with the same connectors. Only I cant change 'em. Ideas?
« Last Edit: July 26, 2009, 05:12:47 am by Skunksmash »
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Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #1 on: July 26, 2009, 06:06:24 am »
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Offline Skunksmash

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2009, 07:08:12 pm »
Yeah exactly like that. Unfortunately, neither of those will fit an 87. Anyone know if they changed the way the headlights are from '86, to '87? Cause if someone can confirm that they are in fact still the exact same then I will just order the ones you posted.
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Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2009, 12:29:01 am »
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Offline Skunksmash

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #4 on: July 27, 2009, 02:05:38 am »
I have the 4 headlight setup. It's just that he does not have 1987 listed as any of the years that the lights will fit. So I figured that there must have been some small change or something. Must be some reason none of them say for '87.
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Offline 4x4x4x

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #5 on: July 27, 2009, 02:14:44 am »
the 165mm lights will fit your truck.  the lights listed on the referenced item look good and will be an improvement over the sealed beam units but there are better quality manufacturers  available.

one of the best automobile light mfg is Cibie, they manufacture both 200mm and 165mm headlights.  there reflectors and optics put out a much better beam pattern.  i first learned about Ciibie when we were involved in ralley racing back in the 1960.  on our 1985 k10 we replaced the 165mm quad headlight system with Cibie's with h4 bulbs in the low beam lights and h1 bulbs in the high beams.

these are Euro beam lights with a horzontal cut off beam pattern the ligh is concentrated on the ground in frount of you on low beam. with all 4 light on high beam the road is well lit and the reflective beam length is about 6,000ft.  im als installing a large set of cibie fog lights.

another quality mfg is Hella.  you can search the net and Ebay for both.  they can be found for less that the cost of the Ebay lights referenced in the other post.


alec
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85 k10 swb, 6.5 diesel. banks sidewinder turbo, 700r4, auburn gear ected limited slip/lockers f & r, 411 gears, front slotted disks, rear disk brakes, 4"exhaust,  cibie headlight and fog lights, rancho rear spring lift, rancho shocks, new ft. springs,

Offline 4x4x4x

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #6 on: July 27, 2009, 02:29:09 am »
here is a good source for hella euro head lights

http://ronthebusnut.com/detailDisp_177-071.html

http://ronthebusnut.com/detailDisp_177-061.html

you will need to purchase h4 bulbs for the hi/low lights and h1 bulbs for the high beam lights.

there are also kits and instructions on how to upgrade the headlight wiring system to get more light on the road.

Alec
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85 k10 swb, 6.5 diesel. banks sidewinder turbo, 700r4, auburn gear ected limited slip/lockers f & r, 411 gears, front slotted disks, rear disk brakes, 4"exhaust,  cibie headlight and fog lights, rancho rear spring lift, rancho shocks, new ft. springs,

Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #7 on: July 27, 2009, 03:54:32 am »
the reason they don't say 87 is cause 87 goes both ways if they said 87 then people with 2 head lights will buy a system for 4 and then blame the lister for the error
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Offline Skunksmash

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2009, 03:16:06 am »
Quote from: 4x4x4x on July 27, 2009, 02:29:09 am
Here is a good source for Hella euro head lights:

http://ronthebusnut.com/detailDisp_177-071.html

http://ronthebusnut.com/detailDisp_177-061.html

You will need to purchase h4 bulbs for the hi/low lights and h1 bulbs for the high beam lights. There are also kits and instructions on how to upgrade the headlight wiring system to get more light on the road.

Alec

Those links don't work, but I get the idea. Thanks for the good info though. I take it you are talking about these lights here?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/165mm-H4651-H1-HIGH-BEAM-DIAMOND-EURO-HEADLIGHTS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33710QQihZ013QQitemZ230256021890QQrdZ1

Or these:

http://www.fixthisride.com/showproductdetail.jsp?prod_id=185840

Also, H1 is the style/model number of the bulbs, correct? And as you can see the Hella's come with a little adapter that makes it fit the H1 bulbs. The stock chevy plug has 3 plugs, the H1 bulbs appear to only have 2 prongs. So is that something that is absolutely necessary?
« Last Edit: July 28, 2009, 03:27:24 am by Skunksmash »
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Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #9 on: July 28, 2009, 03:35:23 am »
yes its the style of the new "high" bulb.
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Offline Skunksmash

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #10 on: July 28, 2009, 07:26:07 am »
Cool. Any thoughts of the compatibility of the connectors? The H1's would seem to have only 2 prongs, where as the chevy has 3 holes for the prongs to go into. Maybe you just plug it in the only way it will fit and it works?
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Offline campcrf

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #11 on: July 28, 2009, 04:47:16 pm »
I found mine here, they look great.
http://www. competitor.com/icatalog/cc/t.aspx?Page=74
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Offline 4x4x4x

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #12 on: July 29, 2009, 01:25:58 pm »
the 165mm cibie and hella head lights replacements are for the 4 light system

the hella H1 light is for high beam. (two prong)

the hella H4 light is for low/high beam. (three prong)

the H4 euro light may need a plug in adapter due to different placement on the ground and lowbeam.

try this link

http://ronthebusnut.com

and look up the hella lights. they are much lower priced from ron's.  he is a major supplier of commercial busses.

Alec
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85 k10 swb, 6.5 diesel. banks sidewinder turbo, 700r4, auburn gear ected limited slip/lockers f & r, 411 gears, front slotted disks, rear disk brakes, 4"exhaust,  cibie headlight and fog lights, rancho rear spring lift, rancho shocks, new ft. springs,

Offline gold84gmc

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #13 on: July 29, 2009, 03:21:47 pm »
does anyone know why the aftermarket ones have those tabs on each corner on the back? i got some off of ebay and i had to cut those off for them to fit in the bucket
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Offline Skunksmash

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Re: Can you ever just replace the bulb in the headlights?
« Reply #14 on: July 31, 2009, 02:34:39 am »
Yeah I don't know if i have ever gotten an aftermarket part that didn't have to be altered to fit. Universal fit means that they universally dont fit until altered lol
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