Update my headlights - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

EagleChief · 05-09-2019, 02:12 PM

OK.... I know there are a TON of threads on this, and the more I read, the more I get confused as to what to get. Several members like one idea, then a few more chime in and say, "no that sucks - you have to do this." Then it becomes a big debate on which version is better.

All I know is, my current lights SUCK at night. I've read about the relay harness that LMC sells and that it helps by drawing power from the battery. Are the LMC replacement lights any good. $35 a piece sounds cheap - is the quality one of those "you get what you pay for" type of deals?

I've read about the Jeep headlights being used. Is that worth it? I need some guidance, please.

rpmerf · 05-09-2019, 02:29 PM

I would certainly agree with relaying the headlights. New bulbs would be good. I don't know that I would bother with anything too fancy, just go on Rock Auto and grab whatever QUALITY bulb fits. You can go with like a Night Hawk or whatever brighter bulb they carry.

If you want a reason to decide whether or not to relay the bulbs. Pull the connector off the back of the bulb and measure the voltage. Less voltage is less light. You could rig the light to the battery to see how much light it is with full battery voltage.

**HO455** · 05-09-2019, 02:34 PM

Relays are a good idea. As is verifying that you have good grounds. As far as lights there is a lot of junk out there. Using OE stuff like the Jeep lights is a good bet or going with an established aftermarket manufacturer like Helps or Cibie that also makes DOT lighting. This web site should help clear up some of the confusing information out there.
For what it is worth I'm running relays and 1995 vintage Hella European spec (not the current euro style they sell). And they are on their 3rd vehicle. Good solid glass bulbs and after over 100,000 miles chip free and working great.
Good luck.

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/tech.html

EagleChief · 05-09-2019, 03:07 PM

I didn't even think about RockAuto. Thanks for that suggestion! I just ordered some Phillips replacements from there. Headed over to LMC now to order the relay harness!

Southcity · 05-09-2019, 03:18 PM

Here is a link to my review thread (with pics) for LED headlights with the relay kit. If you want the ultimate in clarity for night vision, the headlight relay kit and LED headlights cannot be beat, hope it's helpful.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=755421

**Already Gone** · 05-09-2019, 03:50 PM

I have these waiting to go in my truck along with the relay harnes form American AutoWire. They have a bulb included and I have no donbts will be very adequate for night driving with out blinding oncoming vehicles. I've stalled on the install cause you have to make the rear hole bigger on the headlight pods so these will fit. I picked up a set of junkyard pods to cut.

**Steeveedee** · 05-09-2019, 04:05 PM

You can check out what only doing the LMC relay upgrade does here-

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782071

Well worth the money.

EagleChief · 05-09-2019, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Already Gone

I have these waiting to go in my truck along with the relay harnes form American AutoWire. They have a bulb included and I have no donbts will be very adequate for night driving with out blinding oncoming vehicles. I've stalled on the install cause you have to make the rear hole bigger on the headlight pods so these will fit. I picked up a set of junkyard pods to cut.

Those look good. Hopefully they are not hard to install.

EagleChief · 05-09-2019, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

You can check out what only doing the LMC relay upgrade does here-

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782071

Well worth the money.

That's quite the difference. Was the harness hard/easy to install?

**Steeveedee** · 05-09-2019, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleChief

That's quite the difference. Was the harness hard/easy to install?

I spent about an hour making the harness so that it was reasonably neat and didn't rub anywhere.

**zicc1835** · 05-09-2019, 09:22 PM

subd

Andy4639 · 05-09-2019, 09:29 PM

Checkout the electrical section a lot of info there on the relay kits and what lights to use.

I mad my own relay kits and have had no problem at all out of the lights. I've done all my classic vehicles so far making all my own relays setups.
My 71 c10,67 Ramp truck ,56 Bel Air and 64 SS Impala.
I'll do the 68 step side when time comes.

Rick Bollinger · 05-09-2019, 10:23 PM

I got my relay off of e-bay for around $15.00 and just off the shelf Sylvania halogens. What a big difference.

EagleChief · 05-10-2019, 12:04 AM

Thanks everyone! I ordered the relay from LMC. Easier for me since I'm not hugely "electric savvy" (is hugely even a word?). I also ordered some Phillips CrystalVision replacement lights from RockAuto.

At this point, I'm sure anything will be an improvement over what I currently have. I'll update with some before and after pics and some install stuff when I swap them out. I'm sure I'll have some questions about installing the relay. ��

p0508 · 05-10-2019, 08:50 AM

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

No relay kit required
No cutting of the headlight bucket required
Quality company, Quality light not a Chinese knock off.
Plug straight into your existing harness without any adapter.

68Gold/white · 05-10-2019, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Already Gone

I have these waiting to go in my truck along with the relay harnes form American AutoWire. They have a bulb included and I have no donbts will be very adequate for night driving with out blinding oncoming vehicles. I've stalled on the install cause you have to make the rear hole bigger on the headlight pods so these will fit. I picked up a set of junkyard pods to cut.

Somebody makes a light light that, but it has a turn signal light in the headlight. I'd like to use something like that on my 67 and 68, and eliminate the factory T/S lights, clean up the front look...a little

**SIXTY9** · 05-10-2019, 11:41 AM

Are those Glass or plastic lens?

No relay kit required
No cutting of the headlight bucket required
Quality company, Quality light not a Chinese knock off.
Plug straight into your existing harness without any adapter.

__________________

**raggedjim** · 05-10-2019, 11:48 AM

The problem with not using relays is all the current to the headlights is going through your light switch and dimmer switch. This reduces the voltage level at the bulbs. Relays are a great idea just for this reason.

Good luck, Rg

cjrolke · 05-10-2019, 11:55 AM

Just an FYI Jeep wrangler headlights will fit our trucks without an issue. I put them in mine and like them.. Amazon sells an adapter cable to convert the stock truck wiring to the jeep style.

webfoot · 05-10-2019, 11:56 AM

Once you run relays you can also upgrade to a modern lens which uses a halogen H4 bulb.

**tdangle** · 05-10-2019, 12:06 PM

I just finished this process.
I had some sylvania silverstar sealed beam halogen headlights - was not really that great
I then made a relay harness and much better
Then ordered some glass headlights with H4 halogen bulbs. not any better - but ...
I ordered a set of led H4 bulbs and wow!!! lights up the road like my Challenger with HID lights, yet does not blind anyone as they have a good cutoff pattern.
Highly recommended

EagleChief · 05-10-2019, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdangle

I just finished this process.
I had some sylvania silverstar sealed beam halogen headlights - was not really that great
I then made a relay harness and much better
Then ordered some glass headlights with H4 halogen bulbs. not any better - but ...
I ordered a set of led H4 bulbs and wow!!! lights up the road like my Challenger with HID lights, yet does not blind anyone as they have a good cutoff pattern.
Highly recommended

Any links or brands that you can provide? I'd eventually like to do something like this. Cost is obviously a factor as well.

OregonNed · 05-10-2019, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

You can check out what only doing the LMC relay upgrade does here-

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782071

Well worth the money.

I did the same - worked very well...

**Stocker** · 05-10-2019, 02:49 PM

I bought a couple relays (already had wire, connectors, solder, and heat shrink) and made my own. Easy project and a nice improvement.

Andy4639 · 05-10-2019, 04:41 PM

My light's in the 71 with LED turn signal's. I only hooked up the parking lights. Glass and nice pattern also. I've never had anyone blink their lights at me ever.

05-09-2019, 02:12 PM	#1
EagleChief Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 410	Update my headlights OK.... I know there are a TON of threads on this, and the more I read, the more I get confused as to what to get. Several members like one idea, then a few more chime in and say, "no that sucks - you have to do this." Then it becomes a big debate on which version is better. All I know is, my current lights SUCK at night. I've read about the relay harness that LMC sells and that it helps by drawing power from the battery. Are the LMC replacement lights any good. $35 a piece sounds cheap - is the quality one of those "you get what you pay for" type of deals? I've read about the Jeep headlights being used. Is that worth it? I need some guidance, please. __________________ 1971 C10 - Hugger Orange/White My Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=780197 LS Swap Thread: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=811460

05-09-2019, 02:29 PM	#2
rpmerf Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Parkville, MD Posts: 1,024	Re: Update my headlights I would certainly agree with relaying the headlights. New bulbs would be good. I don't know that I would bother with anything too fancy, just go on Rock Auto and grab whatever QUALITY bulb fits. You can go with like a Night Hawk or whatever brighter bulb they carry. If you want a reason to decide whether or not to relay the bulbs. Pull the connector off the back of the bulb and measure the voltage. Less voltage is less light. You could rig the light to the battery to see how much light it is with full battery voltage. __________________ 1970 C20 Custom Camper - 350, TH350 1997 GMC Suburban 1994 Acura Integra GSR 1987 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z

05-09-2019, 02:34 PM	#3
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 10,948	Re: Update my headlights Relays are a good idea. As is verifying that you have good grounds. As far as lights there is a lot of junk out there. Using OE stuff like the Jeep lights is a good bet or going with an established aftermarket manufacturer like Helps or Cibie that also makes DOT lighting. This web site should help clear up some of the confusing information out there. For what it is worth I'm running relays and 1995 vintage Hella European spec (not the current euro style they sell). And they are on their 3rd vehicle. Good solid glass bulbs and after over 100,000 miles chip free and working great. Good luck. http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/tech.html __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 Last edited by HO455; 05-09-2019 at 04:45 PM. Reason: I posted wrong link

05-09-2019, 03:07 PM	#4
EagleChief Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 410	Re: Update my headlights I didn't even think about RockAuto. Thanks for that suggestion! I just ordered some Phillips replacements from there. Headed over to LMC now to order the relay harness! __________________ 1971 C10 - Hugger Orange/White My Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=780197 LS Swap Thread: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=811460

05-09-2019, 03:18 PM	#5
Southcity Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 1,174	Re: Update my headlights Here is a link to my review thread (with pics) for LED headlights with the relay kit. If you want the ultimate in clarity for night vision, the headlight relay kit and LED headlights cannot be beat, hope it's helpful. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=755421 __________________ 66 GMC Suburban Custom 66 Chevy K10 Suburban

05-09-2019, 03:50 PM	#6
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,104	Re: Update my headlights I have these waiting to go in my truck along with the relay harnes form American AutoWire. They have a bulb included and I have no donbts will be very adequate for night driving with out blinding oncoming vehicles. I've stalled on the install cause you have to make the rear hole bigger on the headlight pods so these will fit. I picked up a set of junkyard pods to cut. Attached Images __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

05-09-2019, 04:05 PM	#7
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,244	Re: Update my headlights You can check out what only doing the LMC relay upgrade does here- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782071 Well worth the money. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

05-09-2019, 09:22 PM	#11
zicc1835 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hanover NJ Posts: 4,147	Re: Update my headlights subd __________________ Doc & Kim build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=722288 I am from the desert http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650332 basket case build SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648557

05-09-2019, 09:29 PM	#12
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Update my headlights Checkout the electrical section a lot of info there on the relay kits and what lights to use. I mad my own relay kits and have had no problem at all out of the lights. I've done all my classic vehicles so far making all my own relays setups. My 71 c10,67 Ramp truck ,56 Bel Air and 64 SS Impala. I'll do the 68 step side when time comes. __________________ 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.

05-09-2019, 10:23 PM	#13
Rick Bollinger Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Colchester IL Posts: 282	Re: Update my headlights I got my relay off of e-bay for around $15.00 and just off the shelf Sylvania halogens. What a big difference.

05-10-2019, 12:04 AM	#14
EagleChief Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 410	Re: Update my headlights Thanks everyone! I ordered the relay from LMC. Easier for me since I'm not hugely "electric savvy" (is hugely even a word?). I also ordered some Phillips CrystalVision replacement lights from RockAuto. At this point, I'm sure anything will be an improvement over what I currently have. I'll update with some before and after pics and some install stuff when I swap them out. I'm sure I'll have some questions about installing the relay. �� __________________ 1971 C10 - Hugger Orange/White My Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=780197 LS Swap Thread: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=811460

05-10-2019, 08:50 AM	#15
p0508 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: EL PASO Posts: 96	Re: Update my headlights https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 No relay kit required No cutting of the headlight bucket required Quality company, Quality light not a Chinese knock off. Plug straight into your existing harness without any adapter. __________________ Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=779228

05-10-2019, 11:41 AM	#17
SIXTY9 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: North Charleston SC Posts: 503	Re: Update my headlights Are those Glass or plastic lens? No relay kit required No cutting of the headlight bucket required Quality company, Quality light not a Chinese knock off. Plug straight into your existing harness without any adapter. __________________

05-10-2019, 11:48 AM	#18
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,434	Re: Update my headlights The problem with not using relays is all the current to the headlights is going through your light switch and dimmer switch. This reduces the voltage level at the bulbs. Relays are a great idea just for this reason. Good luck, Rg __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203

05-10-2019, 11:55 AM	#19
cjrolke Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: cincinnati oh Posts: 60	Re: Update my headlights Just an FYI Jeep wrangler headlights will fit our trucks without an issue. I put them in mine and like them.. Amazon sells an adapter cable to convert the stock truck wiring to the jeep style.



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05-10-2019, 11:56 AM	#20
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: Update my headlights Once you run relays you can also upgrade to a modern lens which uses a halogen H4 bulb. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

05-10-2019, 12:06 PM	#21
tdangle Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca Posts: 1,210	Re: Update my headlights I just finished this process. I had some sylvania silverstar sealed beam halogen headlights - was not really that great I then made a relay harness and much better Then ordered some glass headlights with H4 halogen bulbs. not any better - but ... I ordered a set of led H4 bulbs and wow!!! lights up the road like my Challenger with HID lights, yet does not blind anyone as they have a good cutoff pattern. Highly recommended __________________ Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC

05-10-2019, 02:49 PM	#24
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,563	Re: Update my headlights I bought a couple relays (already had wire, connectors, solder, and heat shrink) and made my own. Easy project and a nice improvement. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

05-10-2019, 04:41 PM	#25
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Update my headlights My light's in the 71 with LED turn signal's. I only hooked up the parking lights. Glass and nice pattern also. I've never had anyone blink their lights at me ever. Attached Images __________________ 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.

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