Headlight relay upgrade question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

OregonNed · 08-31-2018, 10:31 AM

Guys, I would like to upgrade my stock wiring set-up for Headlight Relays, but not sure what kit to choose. I have sealed beams right now, ('68 C-10), and would like to install relays before I decide to upgrade lights, (if needed afterwards - I hear this change alone can improve brightness performance). Would really appreciate advice on what you may have used, and that you liked. Thanks in advance, Ned

crossfire84 · 09-01-2018, 05:42 PM

try this.www.classicparts.com

I have this on my 50

search under headlights

lutronjim · 09-01-2018, 09:39 PM

I got the same type setup from LMC. One of the relays went in a matter of days. I bought replacement relays from Summit and its been OK for a couple of years. I also got the lens gear for lamps to replace seal beams - major improvement.

Because of a LS conversion I reversed the intended direction and moved the relays to the driver's side. I took the harness cover off and ran the wires through the original side to side wire 'loom'.

OregonNed · 09-01-2018, 10:51 PM

Thanks for the advice. I did order the LMC harness with 2 extra relays to have on hand.

Andy4639 · 09-03-2018, 09:33 PM

I made mine for less than $10.00.
I rewire golf carts all the time so the wiring wasn't a problem.

**tdangle** · 10-02-2018, 04:51 PM

I'm doing mine this weekend. I have about $15 in mine since I needed to buy some wire and replaced the sockets to the headlights. Any tips Andy?

Andy4639 · 10-04-2018, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdangle

I'm doing mine this weekend. I have about $15 in mine since I needed to buy some wire and replaced the sockets to the headlights. Any tips Andy?

It's a pretty easy upgrade really.

Take a test light and pull the head light connector off the drivers side light.
With the test light on one of the contacts figure which wires are which...High/low.
The drivers side connector works both lights.

Then cut them about 12" away form the light.
Take the end from the harness and this will be your trigger wire for the relay # 86 in the picture to the H beam one you are doing. Then the end to the head light goes to #87.
You can run a #10 are #8 wire from the battery for the hot wire to the relays # 30 on both with inline fuse.
Then ground each relay #85 to a good ground close to the relay.
Repeat this for both relays.

Longhornss · 10-05-2018, 08:40 PM

Put a set of H4 LED's in it instead of Halogen upgrades.

They are WAY brighter and do not require a Relay upgrade.

**tdangle** · 10-07-2018, 11:23 AM

Just finished my relay upgrade. Less than $15 since I already had the wire. New relays and headlight sockets. Now have 14 volts at the lights. Haven’t had a chance to drive after dark yet but they appear much brighter.

Andy4639 · 10-09-2018, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdangle

Just finished my relay upgrade. Less than $15 since I already had the wire. New relays and headlight sockets. Now have 14 volts at the lights. Haven’t had a chance to drive after dark yet but they appear much brighter.

Now with the new brightness make sure you aim them good to get full benefit of them.

Livemeyer · 07-19-2019, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhornss

Put a set of H4 LED's in it instead of Halogen upgrades.

They are WAY brighter and do not require a Relay upgrade.

My new headlights with halogen bulbs passenger side burned out first time I drove at night (sheesh!). I'm doing what you suggest, I have ordered LED replacements. I figure with lower wattage I can avoid installing relays and LEDs shouldn't destroy themselves first time I drive my truck at night.

firedemon · 08-14-2019, 08:49 PM

the relay upgrade isn't just about brighter lights . it takes a significant load off the mile and a half undersize wiring and headlight switch when going with modern lighting . if you take a voltage reading with a good meter you will see sometimes 10 volts or less depending on condition and age . the original lights would light no problem be it a little dull but those modern lights including those led like the full 12-14.5 if you want that life expectancy and brightness your looking for . if your buying a harness from lmc or any other you might want to upgrade to some good bosh 30 or 40 amp relays they will last much longer than the ones that they buy for super cheap and put in to keep cost down . even if your not doing a light upgrade its a worthwhile mod to take the stress off that 50 year old wire all the connectors and headlight switch . and dont forget to make sure those grounds are in great shape

09-01-2018, 05:42 PM	#2
crossfire84 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: wind lake WI Posts: 1,747	Re: Headlight relay upgrade question try this.www.classicparts.com I have this on my 50 search under headlights Attached Images __________________ LIL ERV the 50-3600 396 BBC stroked to 415 cid Richmond 6spd over drive C4 rear Porter built a arms Never give the Devil a ride,because he'll want to Drive!

09-01-2018, 09:39 PM	#3
lutronjim Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Dunwoody,Ga Posts: 443	Re: Headlight relay upgrade question I got the same type setup from LMC. One of the relays went in a matter of days. I bought replacement relays from Summit and its been OK for a couple of years. I also got the lens gear for lamps to replace seal beams - major improvement. Because of a LS conversion I reversed the intended direction and moved the relays to the driver's side. I took the harness cover off and ran the wires through the original side to side wire 'loom'.

09-01-2018, 10:51 PM	#4
OregonNed Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vancouver, Washington Posts: 1,644	Re: Headlight relay upgrade question Thanks for the advice. I did order the LMC harness with 2 extra relays to have on hand. __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C/10 LWB - 327, TH350 - 4/5 Drop

09-03-2018, 09:33 PM	#5
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Headlight relay upgrade question I made mine for less than $10.00. I rewire golf carts all the time so the wiring wasn't a problem. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

10-02-2018, 04:51 PM	#6
tdangle Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca Posts: 1,208	Re: Headlight relay upgrade question I'm doing mine this weekend. I have about $15 in mine since I needed to buy some wire and replaced the sockets to the headlights. Any tips Andy? __________________ Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC

08-31-2018, 10:31 AM	#1
OregonNed Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vancouver, Washington Posts: 1,644	Headlight relay upgrade question Guys, I would like to upgrade my stock wiring set-up for Headlight Relays, but not sure what kit to choose. I have sealed beams right now, ('68 C-10), and would like to install relays before I decide to upgrade lights, (if needed afterwards - I hear this change alone can improve brightness performance). Would really appreciate advice on what you may have used, and that you liked. Thanks in advance, Ned __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C/10 LWB - 327, TH350 - 4/5 Drop

10-05-2018, 08:40 PM	#8
Longhornss Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Windsor,Ontario Canada Posts: 255	Re: Headlight relay upgrade question Put a set of H4 LED's in it instead of Halogen upgrades. They are WAY brighter and do not require a Relay upgrade.

10-07-2018, 11:23 AM	#9
tdangle Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca Posts: 1,208	Re: Headlight relay upgrade question Just finished my relay upgrade. Less than $15 since I already had the wire. New relays and headlight sockets. Now have 14 volts at the lights. Haven’t had a chance to drive after dark yet but they appear much brighter. __________________ Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC

08-14-2019, 08:49 PM	#12
firedemon Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: @ Posts: 890	Re: Headlight relay upgrade question the relay upgrade isn't just about brighter lights . it takes a significant load off the mile and a half undersize wiring and headlight switch when going with modern lighting . if you take a voltage reading with a good meter you will see sometimes 10 volts or less depending on condition and age . the original lights would light no problem be it a little dull but those modern lights including those led like the full 12-14.5 if you want that life expectancy and brightness your looking for . if your buying a harness from lmc or any other you might want to upgrade to some good bosh 30 or 40 amp relays they will last much longer than the ones that they buy for super cheap and put in to keep cost down . even if your not doing a light upgrade its a worthwhile mod to take the stress off that 50 year old wire all the connectors and headlight switch . and dont forget to make sure those grounds are in great shape

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