Headlight options - Updates?

[cpnbnanamn]

So, I've been reading through many of the threads, most of which are very dated, as to what options there are for updating the headlights in the truck. I've read about the pros/cons of HID's, and don't think I"m going to go that route. I'm more interested in changing out the headlight in my '67 C10 to something that has a good light pattern, and I can change out the bulb without having to tear apart the front end to do it.. I looked at the Hella option, too.. not sure I'm a fan of that, either.

What have you all found that works well? I'd like to see some options that are more up to date. I do have a relay harness en route from GMachinz, so that's taken care of..

[onebigjohn]

I have these in my VW Thing...And got a set for my 72' but not installed yet.
They work awesome!!!
Perfect White
Perfect Pattern
Wish I had pics...
https://vintagecarleds.com/

[Willie Makeit]

E-cod Hellas and a relay harness upgrade. Best bang for the $$$.

[Mollzyie]

Thanks for making this thread op ... Iv been meaning to make same one ... I've googled to see what's out there . Interested in aftermarket headlight/taillights . What have u guys tried ? Regretted ? On your wish list ?

Thanks dudes

[74baggedbug]

Originally Posted by Willie Makeit

E-cod Hellas and a relay harness upgrade. Best bang for the $$$.

Yep!!!!

[cleszkie]

I run a set of KC Daylighter DOT approved LED headlamps. They cost a bit more than those Vintage Car LEDs, but that is probably due to the DOT rating. I also did the headlight relay upgrade.

[71BUCKET]

I'm looking at doing the JW speaker evolution led headlights

[LockDoc]

-
I used Jeep Wrangler headlights in my '67 Panel Truck. Jeep JK Wrangler headlights ('07-current) are a direct bolt in swap for the old sealed beam headlights in our trucks. They even have the 3 lugs on the back for alignment and use the stock '67-'72 trim rings. I went ahead and bought the headlight conversion pigtails for the swap too.

I bought both on e-Bay. Here are the actual pigtails I bought and the headlights I bought were from a private seller that changed his over to something different. They are in excellent condition. You have to be careful because there are a lot of look alikes. They do make exact replacements too but you have to watch, some of them come with bulbs and some don't. The easy way to tell the OEM's are by the back. I think the lights are the same from 2007-2015.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130940451329...AIT&rmvSB=true

LockDoc

[cpnbnanamn]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I used Jeep Wrangler headlights in my '67 Panel Truck. Jeep JK Wrangler headlights ('07-current) are a direct bolt in swap for the old sealed beam headlights in our trucks. They even have the 3 lugs on the back for alignment and use the stock '67-'72 trim rings. I went ahead and bought the headlight conversion pigtails for the swap too.

I bought both on e-Bay. Here are the actual pigtails I bought and the headlights I bought were from a private seller that changed his over to something different. They are in excellent condition. You have to be careful because there are a lot of look alikes. They do make exact replacements too but you have to watch, some of them come with bulbs and some don't. The easy way to tell the OEM's are by the back. I think the lights are the same from 2007-2015.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130940451329...AIT&rmvSB=true

LockDoc

I've been kinda leaning toward Wrangler headlights.. The only thing I'm concerned with is the oxidization of the lenses that Chrysler was so famous for. I'm wondering if there is a glass version of those.
The Hella's have the light pattern stuff in them, and I haven't looked at the KC Lights yet.

[HO455]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I used Jeep Wrangler headlights in my '67 Panel Truck. Jeep JK Wrangler headlights ('07-current) are a direct bolt in swap for the old sealed beam headlights in our trucks. They even have the 3 lugs on the back for alignment and use the stock '67-'72 trim rings. I went ahead and bought the headlight conversion pigtails for the swap too.

I bought both on e-Bay. Here are the actual pigtails I bought and the headlights I bought were from a private seller that changed his over to something different. They are in excellent condition. You have to be careful because there are a lot of look alikes. They do make exact replacements too but you have to watch, some of them come with bulbs and some don't. The easy way to tell the OEM's are by the back. I think the lights are the same from 2007-2015.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130940451329...AIT&rmvSB=true

LockDoc

I wondered about those Jeep lights. I checked out a broken one at the body shop but it was in too many pieces for me to be sure it would fit. Are there a left and right or just one version for both sides?
Thanks in advance.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by HO455

I wondered about those Jeep lights. I checked out a broken one at the body shop but it was in too many pieces for me to be sure it would fit. Are there a left and right or just one version for both sides?
Thanks in advance.

I don't really know. I just bought mine as a pair.

LockDoc

[jessemthompson]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I used Jeep Wrangler headlights in my '67 Panel Truck. Jeep JK Wrangler headlights ('07-current) are a direct bolt in swap for the old sealed beam headlights in our trucks. They even have the 3 lugs on the back for alignment and use the stock '67-'72 trim rings. I went ahead and bought the headlight conversion pigtails for the swap too.

I bought both on e-Bay. Here are the actual pigtails I bought and the headlights I bought were from a private seller that changed his over to something different. They are in excellent condition. You have to be careful because there are a lot of look alikes. They do make exact replacements too but you have to watch, some of them come with bulbs and some don't. The easy way to tell the OEM's are by the back. I think the lights are the same from 2007-2015.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130940451329...AIT&rmvSB=true

LockDoc

How is the light output compared to factory? I have done the relay upgrade but would like a little more performance.

[n33k0]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I used Jeep Wrangler headlights in my '67 Panel Truck. Jeep JK Wrangler headlights ('07-current) are a direct bolt in swap for the old sealed beam headlights in our trucks. They even have the 3 lugs on the back for alignment and use the stock '67-'72 trim rings. I went ahead and bought the headlight conversion pigtails for the swap too.

I bought both on e-Bay. Here are the actual pigtails I bought and the headlights I bought were from a private seller that changed his over to something different. They are in excellent condition. You have to be careful because there are a lot of look alikes. They do make exact replacements too but you have to watch, some of them come with bulbs and some don't. The easy way to tell the OEM's are by the back. I think the lights are the same from 2007-2015.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130940451329...AIT&rmvSB=true

LockDoc

Do you have pics of your truck with the JK lights? I was looking at a jeep the other day and noticed the headlight lens has a significant dome shape. It seemed like it wasn't as flat as a regular sealed beam light. I'm sure it wouldn't affect the installation or operation of the light, but I'm just curious if it will make the truck look bug-eyed.

[blazin]

Do you have any pictures with the install done? I’ve been looking for something for my 72 jimmy.

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I used Jeep Wrangler headlights in my '67 Panel Truck. Jeep JK Wrangler headlights ('07-current) are a direct bolt in swap for the old sealed beam headlights in our trucks. They even have the 3 lugs on the back for alignment and use the stock '67-'72 trim rings. I went ahead and bought the headlight conversion pigtails for the swap too.

I bought both on e-Bay. Here are the actual pigtails I bought and the headlights I bought were from a private seller that changed his over to something different. They are in excellent condition. You have to be careful because there are a lot of look alikes. They do make exact replacements too but you have to watch, some of them come with bulbs and some don't. The easy way to tell the OEM's are by the back. I think the lights are the same from 2007-2015.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130940451329...AIT&rmvSB=true

LockDoc

[Andy4639]

Relay harness is a great upgrade and if you have about 1 hr of time you can do it yourself with the parts from any auto store.


Parts:
2- 30/40 amp relays = $10.00 most auto parts have them spade connectors = $2.00 wire = $3.00 Time = $0 Total = less than $20.00 Kits cost upward of $50.00! This is for Chevy's and GMC trucks are cars. Some guy's like adding the extra relays for the GMC truck but it's not a must. The 2 relays will handle the system just fine. Why do you need relays on your old vehicle you ask? Have you ever checked the voltage at the head lights with everything on in the truck? I bet not you would be surprised to find only about 10/11 volts at the plugs and maybe even less. The light's look dim and flicker at night when the motor is idling. To get full advantage of the lights you need at least 12 volts and 13,14 is even better. Adding a relay kit will fix this and it will help save you money on other components in the wiring system. Head light switch, dimmer and not to mention it will help on the over all load that your harness has to carry. Take unplug the drivers side head light from the wiring. (Note) The drivers side head light controls both sides low and high beams.. Then with your test light turn the lights on low beam. Check the connector with test light to find the power on the connector. This will be you low beam. Turn the lights off. Cut this wire about 12" back from the connector it's just a matter of where you plan to mount the relays. Then take the end from the harness and crimp the spade connector to it and put on the #86 terminal of the relay. Then take the end going to the head light connector and connect it to terminal #87 . Now connect terminal #85 to the truck for a good ground anywhere you see fit. (note) Make sure it's bare metal for the ground. You could also do the ground for the high beam also at this time. Now you have a couple of choices for the 12 volts hot lead here. It's a matter of what you want to do. You want a good source for this so either run off the battery are the back side of the alternator but make sure you put at least a 30 amp fuse in line. Either one is OK it's just less wire to run off the alternator. (note) the 12 volt source will need to be ran to both relays. So I suggest is make a jumper between the 2 relays. Hook the 12 volt source to the terminal #30 on the relay's, You now have the low beams ready to work and the high beam has a 12 volt source wire. The high beam will be as the low beam. Test the lights now and put them on high beam and check with test light. Clip this wire as you did the L/B and wire per the same instructions. That's it. Enjoy your new lights. The last picture is of my 64 Impala I did the same upgrade and it's idling with the high beams on @ 14.35 volts at the lights. It has right at 14 volts inside the car as well not much loss at all and the electrical system is much less strained now. I have done this upgrade to all 4 of mine.
Here is my face book page with this same info and pictures.



https://www.facebook.com/pg/C10Tour/...-&__tn__=-UC-R

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by jessemthompson

How is the light output compared to factory? I have done the relay upgrade but would like a little more performance.

It is much brighter than factory and I have the relay upgrade also.

Originally Posted by n33k0

Do you have pics of your truck with the JK lights? I was looking at a jeep the other day and noticed the headlight lens has a significant dome shape. It seemed like it wasn't as flat as a regular sealed beam light. I'm sure it wouldn't affect the installation or operation of the light, but I'm just curious if it will make the truck look bug-eyed.

Originally Posted by blazin

Do you have any pictures with the install done? I’ve been looking for something for my 72 jimmy.

They do have some dome shape to them but with the way the bulbs are inset into the bezels it isn't that noticeable unless you are up close. My Panel Truck is modded to the max with molded one piece front clip, louvered hood, frenched tail lights, frenched antenna hole, and rolled pans front and rear, so it really doesn't make any difference in my case.... You guys' mileage may vary.

Don't look at the bugs and imperfections, I drive it....

LockDoc

[Andy4639]

LockDoc what is the 2 boxes on the dash sir? Speakers?

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

It is much brighter than factory and I have the relay upgrade also.





They do have some dome shape to them but with the way the bulbs are inset into the bezels it isn't that noticeable unless you are up close. My Panel Truck is modded to the max with molded one piece front clip, louvered hood, frenched tail lights, frenched antenna hole, and rolled pans front and rear, so it really doesn't make any difference in my case.... You guys' mileage may vary.

Don't look at the bugs and imperfections, I drive it....



LockDoc

Hi Doc. Nice Panelwagon. This is off-topic to the headlamp conversion -- but is that a fiberglas one-piece doghouse?

[HO455]

1995 vintage Hella euro non dot H-4's. Over 90,000 miles on them and still great. They are on their second vehicle. Hard to beat glass lenses. I have the relay upgrade on my Burban.

[Mollzyie]

Lots of good info dudes ... from the budget stuff to the jw stuff

What about tail lights/lenses ? Anybody ever try or thought about putting one of those led light bars that goes across bottom of the tailgate ?

[Z10]

I bought some glass H4 headlights off of eBay which resemble the stock style and LED H4 bulbs. Light output and color is good while maintaining a near OEM look.

[cpnbnanamn]

Originally Posted by 71BUCKET

I'm looking at doing the JW speaker evolution led headlights

How does it look? I looked at the JW Speakers stuff... I'd love to see what it looks like at night, and during the day.

[cherokeejohn]

check out a Ebay seller Octane Lighting, they have many options at a wide price range from $35 to $200. I have the glass replacement ones with the H4 bulbs and the LED anytime running lights built in. They also have the relay kit, which I have also for $35 and it is a very good investment. I can run mine with just the LED running lights alone and they put off better lighting than the originals. I might have $125 invested in my headlights, LED wiring and relay and headlamp relay all together. I have bad eyesight, so for me they were almost a necessity. As for the rear LED strip, I have one of these also but have not installed it yet as I have some body work to fix at the mounting area. Hope this helps.

[Already Gone]

A set of these with the relay harness will give super bright headlights and keep things simple and inexpensive.

http://www.uapac.com/antique/7-cryst...und-boxed.html

[Andy4639]

Here is what I did. first you need max power at the head light connections which if you are running a stock truck with no relays you are not getting true 12 volts to the lights. All you have to do it test each lead with a volt meter. I was getting like 10.5-11 volts before the relay upgrade.

I installed relays for both L/H beam then bought a set of 7" Tri Bar's lights with replacement bulbs. I ran those for several years.
The lights are 60/55 watt's.
Here is a old thread I did. I have since upgraded the lights to a LED park light and blinker but same bulbs.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=630581


Here are a couple of pictures of the new ones.