Are Hella headlights any good? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Brad · 01-13-2003, 12:31 AM

I'm thinking of purchasing the Hella headlights in the Summit catalog and am wondering if these are going to be substantially brighter than my halogens I've got now.

love it loud · 01-13-2003, 01:38 AM

well they look hella good to me..

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 01-13-2003, 01:56 AM

Try looking in a motorcycle junkyard for some motor cycle halogenlights the one i have are made by Koito but they have the replaceable bulb and getting bulb from the parts store is no problem....by the way i got my bulbs at PARTS UNLIMITED in anahiem california...just my 2 cents

Church · 01-13-2003, 11:25 AM

Brad, If you combine the hella headlamp w/ the new h4 bulb, you will notice a HUGE difference. The latest HP h-4 bulbs are rated at 80/100watts a piece! I carry the Hella's for 34.00. And the h-4 bulbs are 15.59 for the pair. These bulbs emit a light that is similar to the H.I.D. lights found on some new model cars like BMW'S & Mercedes.

71Seth · 01-13-2003, 11:48 AM

I have hella replacments in my 95 S-10 with The 100 watt high beams. They are the best thing i have found for the S-10. I'm not sure what watt the low beams are but They made a huge diffrance in night drivng. Let us know what you do I was thinking of geting some for my 71 C-10.

**StingRay** · 01-13-2003, 12:03 PM

You will find that most aftermarket headlights that employ a H4 bulb to be far superior to any standard sealed beam or even the halogen ones. The lenses have far better optics and will put the light where you need it and not where you don't. Rain, fog, dust, snow, etc driving is vastly improved even without fog lights. The key thing is to have them properly aimed. If they are not going to be aimed properly don't spend the money. The HP H4 bulbs are great. I personally run 55/100 versions as the 55 lo beam is still legal and only the 100 is off of the scale. 55 Watts is the max legal wattage for the lo beams and 60 for the highs. If fyou run the HP bulbs have them profesionally aimed or everbody will be flicking their lights (and fingers...the middle one) at you all of the time.

Church · 01-13-2003, 02:45 PM

I agree with you Stingray on the lights. Proper aiming is important. In my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee I am running 100 watt bulbs in the low, high and fog light areas. I had to aim them down a bit to keep people from "flicking" at me. Once I done this, I have not had a problem at all. I pass state trooper and police and they have not flicked or pulled me. I also wanted to tell you guys that are interested in the hella about another light replacement that is out. It looks a lot better than the hella in my opinion. Here it is:

Sport/Truck · 02-22-2008, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Church

I agree with you Stingray on the lights. Proper aiming is important. In my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee I am running 100 watt bulbs in the low, high and fog light areas. I had to aim them down a bit to keep people from "flicking" at me. Once I done this, I have not had a problem at all. I pass state trooper and police and they have not flicked or pulled me. I also wanted to tell you guys that are interested in the hella about another light replacement that is out. It looks a lot better than the hella in my opinion. Here it is:

What lamp is this? I have a GMC, so what are my options? Just get separate bulbs for the low and the high beams?
I ran Hella's on an old Pontiac I had in high school and used the 80w/100 combo.

s/t

Orange · 02-22-2008, 01:35 AM

Just a note for anyone researching this now - Hella's are excellent brand wise.

the GMC 5-3/4"s are available from several of the vendors - just take your pick.
Or, search for "5001" headlights conversions.

DLB

nate68 · 01-15-2003, 03:09 PM

i have the Hella lights. i didnt change the bulbs in them because the improvement over stock was considerably better. if it ain't broke don't fix it

Earl Junior · 01-15-2003, 04:34 PM

Bluhm Enterprises markets a circular replacement lense for use with H4 lamps. They also sell a variety of headlight caps and LED taillights (1156 and 1157). I've used them for snowmobile products for a couple of years now and they are great folks to do business with.

TonyJohnson · 02-21-2008, 11:27 PM

Do the Hella's use the stock headlight connector? What about the H4s?

Church · 02-21-2008, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyJohnson

Do the Hella's use the stock headlight connector? What about the H4s?

All H4's use the 3 prong just like your original lamps.

IAFF2407 · 02-22-2008, 12:01 AM

what about us GMC's with 5", do any of the site vendors carry these?
Al.

TonyJohnson · 02-22-2008, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Church

All H4's use the 3 prong just like your original lamps.

Cool... Thanks!

Brad · 02-21-2008, 11:37 PM

Wow, this was brought back from the dead!
Tony, I can't answer you question as I went with something completely different. However almost all of these conversion headlights use the stock connector. Mine did.

TonyJohnson · 02-22-2008, 01:01 AM

Been doing a little searching and found out the relay harness listed in the FAQ (AMC-509102) isn't available from summit anymore... Anyone know a vendor who stocks these?

Classic69 · 02-22-2008, 01:39 AM

If you want some relatively priced HID lighting for your truck. You can buy the Hella H4 conversion headlight assembly and look for H4 HID kits. Vision Bulbs has good quality HID kits for $200 and they come with a 1 year full service, no questions-asked warranty!!!

http://www.visionbulbs.com/

**special-K** · 02-22-2008, 07:18 AM

Do they still make Cibie "bobbis".Those thing were the closest thing to aircraft landing lights I`ve ever saw.Yeah,I used to run the aircraft landing lights,too...those are BRIGHT!!!Uh,what`s this DOT thing,anyway?

**Stocker** · 02-22-2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Do they still make Cibie "bobbis".Those thing were the closest thing to aircraft landing lights I`ve ever saw.Yeah,I used to run the aircraft landing lights,too...those are BRIGHT!!!Uh,what`s this DOT thing,anyway?

I remember them, but don't think they have been available for many years... However, I'm pretty sure that with identical bulbs, the current Cibies (which I have) are at least as good. Hellas are very good; I prefer the Cibie beam pattern which is slightly wider with a bit less vertical spread.

Incidentally, about 38 years ago I ordered driving lights from JC Whitney and they sent me... aircraft landing lights!! Yes they were very bright -- I ran them on three different vehicles over several years and can't recall just what I eventually did with them. Got a couple memories involving their use, though...

DOT?? Beats me!!

**special-K** · 02-22-2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

I remember them, but don't think they have been available for many years... However, I'm pretty sure that with identical bulbs, the current Cibies (which I have) are at least as good. Hellas are very good; I prefer the Cibie beam pattern which is slightly wider with a bit less vertical spread.

Incidentally, about 38 years ago I ordered driving lights from JC Whitney and they sent me... aircraft landing lights!! Yes they were very bright -- I ran them on three different vehicles over several years and can't recall just what I eventually did with them. Got a couple memories involving their use, though...

DOT?? Beats me!!

That`s pretty good.I wonder what else we have in common(other than a K/20)

.I had those Cibies in my`71 Blazer that was lifted about 7" w/37s.I think I blinded a few people.The landing lights I ran in a car,so at least I could keep those out of the eyes better.

longorange68 · 02-22-2008, 12:41 PM

I have recently upgraded the headlights in my VW Vanagon using some relays and headlights from this website: http://www.rallylights.com/ I know, I know, VW's aren't really for this site..... but electrons are electrons. I have used the 7 inch E-Code (European style light pattern) Hellas with great success for my van, absolutely amazing. Things are way brighter and you can see well past the stockers, and if you walk in front of them I'm pretty sure they will give you a sunburn. Well worth the money.

Josh

Sport/Truck · 02-23-2008, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longorange68

I have recently upgraded the headlights in my VW Vanagon using some relays and headlights from this website: http://www.rallylights.com/ I know, I know, VW's aren't really for this site..... but electrons are electrons. I have used the 7 inch E-Code (European style light pattern) Hellas with great success for my van, absolutely amazing. Things are way brighter and you can see well past the stockers, and if you walk in front of them I'm pretty sure they will give you a sunburn. Well worth the money.

Josh

What is a VW Vanagon?

BustedTruck · 02-22-2008, 07:32 AM

I just ordered a set of Hella E code monday. After They are installed I will let you know how I like them. I also have to do the wiring upgrade also.

chevydog66 · 02-22-2008, 10:00 AM

I got 4 5"ers from www.JCWhitney.com, along with the relays from www.madelectrical.com on my 72 GMC. I have some pics.

01-13-2003, 12:31 AM	#1
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Are Hella headlights any good? I'm thinking of purchasing the Hella headlights in the Summit catalog and am wondering if these are going to be substantially brighter than my halogens I've got now. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

01-13-2003, 01:38 AM	#2
love it loud Calibration Engineer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada Posts: 361	well they look hella good to me.. __________________ CANADIAN CONNECTION

01-13-2003, 01:56 AM	#3
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,604	Try looking in a motorcycle junkyard for some motor cycle halogenlights the one i have are made by Koito but they have the replaceable bulb and getting bulb from the parts store is no problem....by the way i got my bulbs at PARTS UNLIMITED in anahiem california...just my 2 cents __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

01-13-2003, 11:25 AM	#4
Church Carolina Classic Trucks Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The South Posts: 792	Brad, If you combine the hella headlamp w/ the new h4 bulb, you will notice a HUGE difference. The latest HP h-4 bulbs are rated at 80/100watts a piece! I carry the Hella's for 34.00. And the h-4 bulbs are 15.59 for the pair. These bulbs emit a light that is similar to the H.I.D. lights found on some new model cars like BMW'S & Mercedes. __________________

01-13-2003, 11:48 AM	#5
71Seth Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: calvert city, ky Posts: 282	I have hella replacments in my 95 S-10 with The 100 watt high beams. They are the best thing i have found for the S-10. I'm not sure what watt the low beams are but They made a huge diffrance in night drivng. Let us know what you do I was thinking of geting some for my 71 C-10. __________________ 97 ext cab 4x4 04 pontiac grand am 05 honda rancher AT (yellow) 71' C-10 swb sb400 th350 .040, 292 Mag comp cam, high rise Edelbrock w/750 duel feed Holley, Accel super coil and wires, B&M ratchet shifter

01-13-2003, 12:03 PM	#6
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	You will find that most aftermarket headlights that employ a H4 bulb to be far superior to any standard sealed beam or even the halogen ones. The lenses have far better optics and will put the light where you need it and not where you don't. Rain, fog, dust, snow, etc driving is vastly improved even without fog lights. The key thing is to have them properly aimed. If they are not going to be aimed properly don't spend the money. The HP H4 bulbs are great. I personally run 55/100 versions as the 55 lo beam is still legal and only the 100 is off of the scale. 55 Watts is the max legal wattage for the lo beams and 60 for the highs. If fyou run the HP bulbs have them profesionally aimed or everbody will be flicking their lights (and fingers...the middle one) at you all of the time. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

01-13-2003, 02:45 PM	#7
Church Carolina Classic Trucks Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The South Posts: 792	I agree with you Stingray on the lights. Proper aiming is important. In my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee I am running 100 watt bulbs in the low, high and fog light areas. I had to aim them down a bit to keep people from "flicking" at me. Once I done this, I have not had a problem at all. I pass state trooper and police and they have not flicked or pulled me. I also wanted to tell you guys that are interested in the hella about another light replacement that is out. It looks a lot better than the hella in my opinion. Here it is: Attached Images __________________

02-22-2008, 01:35 AM	#9
Orange Licensed to Thrill! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Northwest, GA Posts: 1,673	Re: Are Hella headlights any good? Just a note for anyone researching this now - Hella's are excellent brand wise. the GMC 5-3/4"s are available from several of the vendors - just take your pick. Or, search for "5001" headlights conversions. DLB __________________ 1971 GMC.Lowered. Overdrive. Orange. Krue's excellent FAQ Index.

01-15-2003, 03:09 PM	#10
nate68 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: ca Posts: 1,110	i have the Hella lights. i didnt change the bulbs in them because the improvement over stock was considerably better. if it ain't broke don't fix it __________________ 68 short step, 406/700r4, 9" w/discs.

01-15-2003, 04:34 PM	#11
Earl Junior Cadillac power Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North Idaho Posts: 296	Bluhm Enterprises markets a circular replacement lense for use with H4 lamps. They also sell a variety of headlight caps and LED taillights (1156 and 1157). I've used them for snowmobile products for a couple of years now and they are great folks to do business with. __________________ Just for the record, if I'm down to my last potato, I'm not sharing it with a guy who wants to kill me so he can get a better supply of virgins in paradise. That lesson is a little thing I call Economics 101, infidel style. --Scott Adams author of Dilbert

02-21-2008, 11:27 PM	#12
TonyJohnson Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cheboygan, MI Posts: 998	Re: Are Hella headlights any good? Do the Hella's use the stock headlight connector? What about the H4s? __________________ Tony Johnson -- '71 Blazer w/L-31 Vortec 350, SM465, NP205, performer intake, edelbrock 1406, HEI, 4" lift, Boyd EFI tank, Vintage A/C My Blazer --

02-22-2008, 12:01 AM	#14
IAFF2407 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: White Rock Canada Posts: 865	Re: Are Hella headlights any good? what about us GMC's with 5", do any of the site vendors carry these? Al. __________________ 1972 GMC Sierra 1972 GMC Super Custom Suburban

02-21-2008, 11:37 PM	#16
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: Are Hella headlights any good? Wow, this was brought back from the dead! Tony, I can't answer you question as I went with something completely different. However almost all of these conversion headlights use the stock connector. Mine did. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

02-22-2008, 01:01 AM	#17
TonyJohnson Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cheboygan, MI Posts: 998	Re: Are Hella headlights any good? Been doing a little searching and found out the relay harness listed in the FAQ (AMC-509102) isn't available from summit anymore... Anyone know a vendor who stocks these? __________________ Tony Johnson -- '71 Blazer w/L-31 Vortec 350, SM465, NP205, performer intake, edelbrock 1406, HEI, 4" lift, Boyd EFI tank, Vintage A/C My Blazer --

02-22-2008, 01:39 AM	#18
Classic69 Love That '69 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada Posts: 360	Re: Are Hella headlights any good? If you want some relatively priced HID lighting for your truck. You can buy the Hella H4 conversion headlight assembly and look for H4 HID kits. Vision Bulbs has good quality HID kits for $200 and they come with a 1 year full service, no questions-asked warranty!!! http://www.visionbulbs.com/ __________________ *I AM CANADIAN!!!!!* 1969 Chevy C/10 Truck - SBC V8, TH-350, 3.73 Posi, 1000W Rockford Fosgate Stereo System, B&M Megashifter, GT Grant Steering Wheel, Dual Magnaflow Exhaust System, Dynomax Headers, Lowered 1" Front & 3" Rear, Front/Rear Sway Bars, Racing Seats, 6000K HID Headlights 2008 Chevy Colorado LT - 3.7L I5, 4 Speed Automatic, Crew Cab, 4X4, Z71 Off-Road Package, "Ground Effects" Package, K&N Cold Air Intake, Supermod PTB, Magnaflow Exhaust w/ Resonator, 500W Kenwood / Rockford Fosgate Stereo System, Custom LED Lighting, 6000K HID Low's / High's, Blackcat Customs Gauges / Needles, Carbon Fiber Interior Accents, KrFabs 2" Lift Shackles / Torsion Bar Crank with Rancho RS5000 Shocks, Superskids Skid Plates Last edited by Classic69; 02-22-2008 at 01:41 AM.



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02-22-2008, 07:18 AM	#19
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Are Hella headlights any good? Do they still make Cibie "bobbis".Those thing were the closest thing to aircraft landing lights I`ve ever saw.Yeah,I used to run the aircraft landing lights,too...those are BRIGHT!!!Uh,what`s this DOT thing,anyway? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-22-2008, 12:41 PM	#22
longorange68 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hockinson, Washington Posts: 114	Re: Are Hella headlights any good? I have recently upgraded the headlights in my VW Vanagon using some relays and headlights from this website: http://www.rallylights.com/ I know, I know, VW's aren't really for this site..... but electrons are electrons. I have used the 7 inch E-Code (European style light pattern) Hellas with great success for my van, absolutely amazing. Things are way brighter and you can see well past the stockers, and if you walk in front of them I'm pretty sure they will give you a sunburn. Well worth the money. Josh __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C-10, 2WD, Longbox, Vortec 350, Monster Transmission 700R4, 3.73 gears Good judgment comes from experience, and experience, well......that comes from bad judgment. 1968 Chevy C-10 "Longshot": Bought used from my Uncle George in 1994 and proceeding to beat the hell out of it for 4 years. Sold it. Bought it back, dumped an ungodly amount of money into it since then.

02-22-2008, 07:32 AM	#24
BustedTruck Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Braselton, GA Posts: 245	Re: Are Hella headlights any good? I just ordered a set of Hella E code monday. After They are installed I will let you know how I like them. I also have to do the wiring upgrade also.

02-22-2008, 10:00 AM	#25
chevydog66 GM ONLY BABY!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Wayne, IN. Posts: 1,998	Re: Are Hella headlights any good? I got 4 5"ers from www.JCWhitney.com, along with the relays from www.madelectrical.com on my 72 GMC. I have some pics. Attached Images __________________ 2 wrongs don't make a right, but 3 lefts do. 66 Chevelle Malibu 406ci, 573hp, 10.99@121mph 96 Chevy Silverado Z71 72 GMC 1500 Super Custom LS 6.0/4L65 on airride http://www.cardomain.com/ride/707879...mc-c-k-pick-up

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