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

dbaillargeon · 04-24-2018, 07:35 AM

Hello all,

I have found this site a wealth of knowledge over the past few years. I wanted to thank everyone for that.

My predicament now is headlights. I have two with bulbs that need to be replaced so I decided now is a good time to upgrade. I would like to upgrade my original 1969 GMC C30 headlights to LED. They are the 4 5.75 bulbs. I have no idea where to start or the best bulbs for the job.

Any and all information would be welcome!

1968 baby blue C10 · 04-24-2018, 07:44 AM

So do you currently have the factory seal beams or have they already been converted to halogen?

Mike C · 04-24-2018, 08:24 AM

The Nokya sealed beam conversion kit and LASFIT 9005 HB3 9006 HB4 bulbs seems the way to go. The lights are $90 a pair on Amazon and the bulbs are $63 for all 4.

dbaillargeon · 04-24-2018, 09:53 AM

All sealed beam..still original.

1968 baby blue C10 · 04-24-2018, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbaillargeon

All sealed beam..still original.

Okay, so are you wanting a halogen conversion with LED headlight bulbs, or the fancy projectors or whatever with the LED halos? Just trying to clarify.

dbaillargeon · 04-24-2018, 10:01 AM

100% correct

1968 baby blue C10 · 04-24-2018, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbaillargeon

100% correct

Wait I think you misread my question. So, a factory looking housing with a LED bulb? OR something like this?:

dbaillargeon · 04-24-2018, 10:30 AM

I don't have a preference yet...looking for ideas. Would like plug and play but wouldn't be opposed upgrade of the whip as well

1968 baby blue C10 · 04-24-2018, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbaillargeon

I don't have a preference yet...looking for ideas. Would like plug and play but wouldn't be opposed upgrade of the whip as well

Oh okay. LMC has a pretty good selection of traditional lights and traditional looking with halos. These are pretty cool but pricey:

Andy4639 · 04-24-2018, 02:30 PM

Before you do the lights do the relay upgrade this will insure you get the most out of your lights to begin with. A lot of people stop at this mod after seeing how bright they are.
I have been looking at a set for my 64 SS Impala as well but haven't found what I want yet.

1968 baby blue C10 · 04-24-2018, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

Before you do the lights do the relay upgrade this will insure you get the most out of your lights to begin with. A lot of people stop at this mod after seeing how bright they are.
I have been looking at a set for my 64 SS Impala as well but haven't found what I want yet.

Not trying to hijack the thread but what is this upgrade? Is it a plug and play deal?

Andy4639 · 04-24-2018, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1968 baby blue C10

Not trying to hijack the thread but what is this upgrade? Is it a plug and play deal?

It depends on if you buy a kit are make your own. I made my own and wired them in. The relay takes the load off the truck wiring system. It improves the out put of your lights.

panhead59 · 04-24-2018, 04:57 PM

Please don't buy the "new" ultra bright ones ! Don 't know what kind they are but they are blinding for the oncoming traffic. I drive a tractor trailer rig at night and my colleagues and I all agree they should be illegal ! The shade of white is just very uncomfortable to the eye. I wouldn't want to be on a country road with those lights coming at me ! They absolutely blind you !

AJC · 04-24-2018, 08:09 PM

As I have never had a gmc. Do both bulbs act as hi/low or dose it just switch from inner to outer or vice versa?

**Stocker** · 04-24-2018, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJC

As I have never had a gmc. Do both bulbs act as hi/low or dose it just switch from inner to outer or vice versa?

The outer lamps are both high and low beam. The inner lamps are high beam only.

So on high beams, all four lamps are lit.

**Steeveedee** · 04-24-2018, 11:26 PM

A slight diversion in the topic, but maybe it will help the OP. Does anyone have a before/after pic of the difference in headlight brightness with a relay kit? I suspect that a relay kit would also serve to brighten the tail and marker lights, since their voltage supply would be higher if the headlights were fed through a circuit directly from the battery, instead of all the power going through the headlight switch. I could just drop the $30 for the relay kit, but I would rather spend $30 worth of time on diagnosis, because I was so poor as a kid that the only thing I could pay was attention.

EVRLET · 04-25-2018, 02:40 AM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761605

**Steeveedee** · 04-25-2018, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EVRLET

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761605

Thanks, but I'm curious about just the relay and stock bulbs difference first. I like what you did there!

red71cheyenne · 04-25-2018, 12:13 PM

I bought a set of the LMC bulbs like up above. I also bought their relay wiring harness in hopes of making them brighter. The wiring harness didn't last 2 months. Relays immediately gave up.

I already had some HID lamps installed, not the old style bulbs. Once I get the other issues worked out on the pickup I intend to install the new LMC bulbs and try to get the harness working again.

Andy4639 · 04-25-2018, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red71cheyenne

I bought a set of the LMC bulbs like up above. I also bought their relay wiring harness in hopes of making them brighter. The wiring harness didn't last 2 months. Relays immediately gave up.

I already had some HID lamps installed, not the old style bulbs. Once I get the other issues worked out on the pickup I intend to install the new LMC bulbs and try to get the harness working again.

This is why I made my own harness and it works great. I've done my 71,67, 64 Impala and my 56 Bel Air + a few friends vehicles.

red71cheyenne · 04-25-2018, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

This is why I made my own harness and it works great. I've done my 71,67, 64 Impala and my 56 Bel Air + a few friends vehicles.

What did you do differently in making your own harness? i.e. beefier relays?

Thanks,
Jeff

EVRLET · 04-25-2018, 02:22 PM

There is a huge difference in cheap relays vs Bosch-Tyco relays. The longevity of the Bosch is amazing. I ordered some cheap relays for my cooling fan and air ride management, but the relays failed within a month. I paid extra for the Bosch brand and a year later, still going good. The relays in my Ford Expedition are all Bosch and I have never replaced one...bought new in 2000 and has 180,000 miles. That says something.

BCOWANWHEELS · 04-25-2018, 09:44 PM

I just bought a pair of 7 in halogens from rockauto for 8.00 each

BCOWANWHEELS · 04-26-2018, 05:28 PM

stock h/l switches are very robust so with incandessant or halogen bulbs they last for decades with no problems. I,ve had my 71 since new and replaced 1 switch

**Stocker** · 04-26-2018, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCOWANWHEELS

stock h/l switches are very robust so with incandessant or halogen bulbs they last for decades with no problems. I,ve had my 71 since new and replaced 1 switch

Yes, but long vs short life isn't the only point of a relay upgrade. Stock wiring doesn't allow maximum voltage to reach the headlamps, and higher voltage with relays results in measurably brighter lights.

04-24-2018, 07:35 AM	#1
dbaillargeon Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: massena NY Posts: 33	Headlight upgrade Hello all, I have found this site a wealth of knowledge over the past few years. I wanted to thank everyone for that. My predicament now is headlights. I have two with bulbs that need to be replaced so I decided now is a good time to upgrade. I would like to upgrade my original 1969 GMC C30 headlights to LED. They are the 4 5.75 bulbs. I have no idea where to start or the best bulbs for the job. Any and all information would be welcome! __________________ A lot to think about, not much to worry about...

04-24-2018, 07:44 AM	#2
1968 baby blue C10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ravenswood, West Virginia Posts: 239	Re: Headlight upgrade So do you currently have the factory seal beams or have they already been converted to halogen? __________________ 68 C10 long-fleet, Long and low is the way to go. factory: 307 sbc, SM465 4-speed, 12 bolt 4.11 rear end. 75,000 original miles. Build:Ole Blue Millennial and can drive stick. "Too many people have opinions on things they know nothing about. And the more ignorant they are, the more opinions they have." -Thomas Hildern

04-24-2018, 08:24 AM	#3
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,724	Re: Headlight upgrade The Nokya sealed beam conversion kit and LASFIT 9005 HB3 9006 HB4 bulbs seems the way to go. The lights are $90 a pair on Amazon and the bulbs are $63 for all 4. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

04-24-2018, 09:53 AM	#4
dbaillargeon Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: massena NY Posts: 33	Re: Headlight upgrade All sealed beam..still original. __________________ A lot to think about, not much to worry about...

04-24-2018, 10:01 AM	#6
dbaillargeon Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: massena NY Posts: 33	Re: Headlight upgrade 100% correct __________________ A lot to think about, not much to worry about...

04-24-2018, 10:30 AM	#8
dbaillargeon Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: massena NY Posts: 33	Re: Headlight upgrade I don't have a preference yet...looking for ideas. Would like plug and play but wouldn't be opposed upgrade of the whip as well __________________ A lot to think about, not much to worry about...

04-24-2018, 02:30 PM	#10
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Headlight upgrade Before you do the lights do the relay upgrade this will insure you get the most out of your lights to begin with. A lot of people stop at this mod after seeing how bright they are. I have been looking at a set for my 64 SS Impala as well but haven't found what I want yet. __________________ 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.

04-24-2018, 04:57 PM	#13
panhead59 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Vinton, Va. Posts: 493	Re: Headlight upgrade Please don't buy the "new" ultra bright ones ! Don 't know what kind they are but they are blinding for the oncoming traffic. I drive a tractor trailer rig at night and my colleagues and I all agree they should be illegal ! The shade of white is just very uncomfortable to the eye. I wouldn't want to be on a country road with those lights coming at me ! They absolutely blind you ! __________________ "You are not forgotten" USMC 75-79 (Aviation Ordnance Tech- F-4 Phantom) 1959 H-D Panhead. Owned since 1978. Currently with son in Lawton, OK. 1968 Chevy Custom SWB pick up. Fleetside. Lowered 4/6. Totally refurbished. 1966 Pontiac GTO. 4 speed. Saved original 389. Now has slightly built 455 engine. 355 rear gears. Very fun to drive !

04-24-2018, 08:09 PM	#14
AJC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Le Sueur MN Posts: 209	Re: Headlight upgrade As I have never had a gmc. Do both bulbs act as hi/low or dose it just switch from inner to outer or vice versa? __________________ AJC

04-24-2018, 11:26 PM	#16
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,620	Re: Headlight upgrade A slight diversion in the topic, but maybe it will help the OP. Does anyone have a before/after pic of the difference in headlight brightness with a relay kit? I suspect that a relay kit would also serve to brighten the tail and marker lights, since their voltage supply would be higher if the headlights were fed through a circuit directly from the battery, instead of all the power going through the headlight switch. I could just drop the $30 for the relay kit, but I would rather spend $30 worth of time on diagnosis, because I was so poor as a kid that the only thing I could pay was attention. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

04-25-2018, 02:40 AM	#17
EVRLET Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 370	Re: Headlight upgrade http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761605 __________________ Customization is what you want it to look like -- not what other people think it should look like

04-25-2018, 12:13 PM	#19
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: Headlight upgrade I bought a set of the LMC bulbs like up above. I also bought their relay wiring harness in hopes of making them brighter. The wiring harness didn't last 2 months. Relays immediately gave up. I already had some HID lamps installed, not the old style bulbs. Once I get the other issues worked out on the pickup I intend to install the new LMC bulbs and try to get the harness working again. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

04-25-2018, 02:22 PM	#22
EVRLET Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 370	Re: Headlight upgrade There is a huge difference in cheap relays vs Bosch-Tyco relays. The longevity of the Bosch is amazing. I ordered some cheap relays for my cooling fan and air ride management, but the relays failed within a month. I paid extra for the Bosch brand and a year later, still going good. The relays in my Ford Expedition are all Bosch and I have never replaced one...bought new in 2000 and has 180,000 miles. That says something. __________________ Customization is what you want it to look like -- not what other people think it should look like

04-25-2018, 09:44 PM	#23
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: Headlight upgrade I just bought a pair of 7 in halogens from rockauto for 8.00 each __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

04-26-2018, 05:28 PM	#24
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: Headlight upgrade stock h/l switches are very robust so with incandessant or halogen bulbs they last for decades with no problems. I,ve had my 71 since new and replaced 1 switch __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.