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Old 09-18-2025, 10:57 AM   #1
64stpside
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Relays for headlights or led conversion on my 64C10?

Morning gents,

The headlights on my 64 C10 are pretty dim even with upgraded xtravision sylvania bulbs (I'm going to double check my grounds)

I found this page that describes upgrading the headlight wiring as there is significant voltage drop in the original headlamp wiring design
and running upgraded bulbs will cause more amperage draw on the system causing switches and wires to overheat.

The recommendation is to upgrade all wiring to 14 gauge wire and add 2 relays so that the relays supply power directly to the headlight bulbs.
The instructions say on a 2 bulb system, to just delete the 2 high beam headlights from the diagram.
http://www.persh.org/pickup/Headlights.htm

My question is, even with my upgraded bulbs, a better wiring setup and proper grounding, would a LED conversion still be significantly better?
I can build the upgraded headlight harness much cheaper than a LED conversion...
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Old 09-18-2025, 11:55 AM   #2
1964FarmFreshC10
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Re: Relays for headlights or led conversion on my 64C10?

The OEM headlamp wiring is crap. I redid mine and wired the grounds directly to the battery post.
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Old 09-18-2025, 12:09 PM   #3
scottofksu
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Re: Relays for headlights or led conversion on my 64C10?

Having upgraded my Jeep to 7" LEDs and seen the massive difference it made, I am going to stomach having overly modern looking LEDs of the exact same brand and model as I used on my Jeep lighting the road for my '65. Just make sure to aim them appropriately! As first installed in place of my halogen lenses, my LEDs cutoff point was way too high at first on my Jeep. My truck is lowered versus my Jeeps lift; so that will help, but aiming is still critical.

Upgrading your wiring will definitely help and while unnecessary for LEDs low power usage, you can still go with LEDs thereafter if you are still not satisfied. I would try the wiring first and go from there.
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Old 09-18-2025, 04:08 PM   #4
forestb
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Re: Relays for headlights or led conversion on my 64C10?

I would go with a set of Hela headlights I think the H4's still kind of look like older style lights while being much brighter. If you do a Smart Search on this thread of Hela Headlights you will probably find more info.

Here is a thread about it

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...lla+headlights
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Old 09-18-2025, 04:11 PM   #5
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Re: Relays for headlights or led conversion on my 64C10?

Here is another one

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...lla+headlights
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Old 09-18-2025, 04:46 PM   #6
theastronaut
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Re: Relays for headlights or led conversion on my 64C10?

You can get a pair of very high quality glass lens/metal reflector Koito H4 headlights from your Toyota dealer for around $20, and they come with bulbs and a relay harness in the kit. These are better than Hella H4s and cost much less. I have a set in my C10.

https://toyotaparts.lakelandtoyota.c...bly-8111060p70


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Old 09-18-2025, 05:20 PM   #7
64stpside
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Re: Relays for headlights or led conversion on my 64C10?

Thanks guys!!
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Old 09-21-2025, 02:20 AM   #8
val1gonzales
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Re: Relays for headlights or led conversion on my 64C10?

I bought this set and the headlights fit perfectly into the light buckets. Modified the wiring to fit the original connector. Comes with everythng you need to set it up.
https://cruiserteq.com/oem-toyota-ko...-elec81110kit/

Last edited by val1gonzales; 09-21-2025 at 02:45 AM.
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Old 09-21-2025, 11:43 AM   #9
gentrysgarage
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Re: Relays for headlights or led conversion on my 64C10?

Thanks guys for the Toyota suggestion!
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Old 09-21-2025, 09:44 PM   #10
bhap
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Re: Relays for headlights or led conversion on my 64C10?

Are the Koito’s convex or flat faced?
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Old 09-21-2025, 11:55 PM   #11
val1gonzales
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Re: Relays for headlights or led conversion on my 64C10?

They are flat faced.
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Old 09-23-2025, 08:44 AM   #12
Cohi
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Re: Relays for headlights or led conversion on my 64C10?

think about JW Speaker LED lights... Awesome, with great cutoffs
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