Aftermarket headlights? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lofat · 03-01-2005, 09:03 PM

Hey all,

Just curious if anyone knows of any aftermarket headlights that will fit our trucks w/o any major electrical work. I have a 77 w/ single round lights which I like, I just want some super white type shiz.

When I used to own a Honda I got those super blue (whatever) white headlamps and it made a huge difference in my visibility - especially on those overnight trips up to the lake.

Not that I am trying to rice out my ride, I like it mostly stock, but you know.

matthufham · 03-01-2005, 09:08 PM

LMC hs clear headlights for a 73-80 style i'm positive, but 81-87 i don't know

truckinbean · 03-01-2005, 09:47 PM

You can use the 7" halogen headlights, but it would be a good idea to use a relay in between the lights and the switch. You need 2 of them, one for low and one for high beams. You can use the same plug that is in the stock type bulb. Just take your old one in the store and make sure they are the same size. Another thing you might have to do is trim the connecter housing down so that it will plug into the new bulb. you may also have to enlarge the hole in the headlight bucket a little bit. I did it by using a crescent wrench, just tighten it down from inside the hole and bend the metal out. It's not too hard to do. It only took me an hour or two to get it all done on my blazer.

full foot notch · 03-01-2005, 09:53 PM

i have a 77 also, goto an advance auto parts and get the APC conversion headlight, has that crystal clear cut look and takes the H4 bulbs, only thing is that each headlight is like $20 each plus bulbs

**76sierraclassic** · 03-02-2005, 01:22 AM

I put some Sylvania SilverStar's on my 76, and it made a world of difference. I had already "upgraded" from the old sealed-beams to halogens, but the Silverstars really light it up. The only problem I had was that I had to modify the plug a little bit because the dust shield (for lack of a better term) didn't allow it to plug in all the way. They are quite expensive for headlights IMO, though. I think they were around $25 each at O'Reillys.

I liked the Silverstar headlights so much, I went back and replaced the turn signals with Silverstars too. I have the clear lenses with the amber bulbs. The new bulbs are blue on the end, so you can see a blue spot through the clear lense, but when they are lit up, all you see is amber......it's kinda cool IMO. They were a bit pricey too....I don't remember how much, but not cheap.....

Mike

TIMSPEED · 03-02-2005, 01:44 AM

The price went up, now it's $100 for just the housings. The Summit part # is HEL-70476 ($49 each).
These are the Hella Housings, that you can put in an H4 bulb. VERY GOOD! I have these in my vette, and they're 100x better than stock lights, and 10x better than Silverstar sealed beam's.

**AspecialZ** · 03-02-2005, 02:29 AM

on my show truck I used the h-4 conversion, it made an awsome difference, but I can never keep a bulb in it for more than 3 months???!!???

1974gmc · 03-02-2005, 02:30 AM

i also went with the Sylvania's and very pleased with them, going to run some relays with them too!

Brighter headlight mod

lofat · 03-02-2005, 04:03 AM

i was peeping some sites and found these.

http://www.brandsport.com/sylv-h6024xv.html

says it's a match for my truck and almost too good to be true price-wise. originally looking at the H6024CB which is 60.99 per from advance.

truckinbean · 03-02-2005, 11:39 AM

I was told that you aren't supposed to touch the bulb on a halogen or it will burn out quicker. If you do you have to clean it with rubbing alcohol. That's what I heard anyway, don't know if there's any truth to it.

Road Virus · 03-02-2005, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckinbean

I was told that you aren't supposed to touch the bulb on a halogen or it will burn out quicker. If you do you have to clean it with rubbing alcohol. That's what I heard anyway, don't know if there's any truth to it.

This is true. We couldn't figure out why my brother's car kept burning out its headlights. That is when we realized we were kinda careless handling the bulbs (yes they were halogens). So now we try not to touch the bulb with our hands when installing them, or else they have to be cleaned.

Chevyguy111786 · 03-02-2005, 01:03 PM

yep, the oils on your hand are what causes it...use a glove or the foam piece that's in the box. and it will burn lots longer.

lofat · 03-02-2005, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1974gmc

i also went with the Sylvania's and very pleased with them, going to run some relays with them too!

Brighter headlight mod

great article - printed for reference.

KShortell · 03-03-2005, 11:12 AM

I haven't converted the Chevy to Sylvania Silverstars yet (none of my headlights are burnt out), but I did switch on my '98 Jeep Wrangler a month or two ago. It was cheaper to experiment with two headlights than four and a burnt out light gave me an excuse.

They really do make a difference, especially on a 2-headlight system like on my Jeep. Gotta see those deer!

The good news is that the 4-headlight system is actually pretty good on hi-beams. I'll "upgrade" the Chevy eventually, I'm just not going to spend the money until I have to...

boxrodz · 03-03-2005, 10:45 PM

I switched from halogens to Silverstars a couple of years ago. I am pleased with the lighting. The Silverstars give out a clean bright white light (4000K color temp) which give off a very slight blue tint. The white light of the Silverstars is very noticeable as compared to the yellowish light of the halogens. Until the end of March, Sylvania is offering a $5 rebate for selected Silverstars.

For you guys running Hella/H4 headlight conversions, are they street legal?
The ones that I've found are not 'DOT' approved and are for 'offroad use only'

jesse977 · 03-04-2005, 04:14 AM

At the junkyard there are tons of hologen lights...the best part is that they cost $1.50 each. I recently replaced my old sylvana lights for the wagner halogen lights and they are like 5 times better, makes a big difference.

87_Blazer · 03-10-2005, 09:50 PM

i tried the silverstars on my truck and they really didn't make anything "brighter"....they just made it whiter. I am thinking of getting the conversion kit (HID). It will prolly cost some bucks but it's worth it.

apstguy · 03-11-2005, 02:06 AM

I have InPro Car Wear diamond headlight conversion on all 4 and they are DOT approved - but I have 4 square lamps. I'm running silverstars as my low beam and some APC "plasma xenon" (they were cheap) bulbs for the high beams. My low beams work better than most peoples high beams.

C-10volvo · 03-11-2005, 02:36 AM

here are a few ideas

boxrodz · 03-11-2005, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apstguy

I have InPro Car Wear diamond headlight conversion on all 4 and they are DOT approved - but I have 4 square lamps. I'm running silverstars as my low beam and some APC "plasma xenon" (they were cheap) bulbs for the high beams. My low beams work better than most peoples high beams.

aspt-
I have a couple of questions for you. Are you running 9004s in your diamonds? And, how's the quality and fit of the diamonds (especially the lens)? Got any pictures of your quad duals?

784X4GUY · 03-11-2005, 10:15 AM

I also switched from halogens to silverstars, I don't need anything to awful bright just because I have 4 kc's up top...Mike

VetteCityBowtie · 03-13-2005, 03:04 AM

I like these

RB's Obsolete

bumpsburb · 03-13-2005, 03:45 PM

My first technical question (I am a newbie)

I want to replace the 4 lights on my 87 suburban to a halogen style. However, when reading this their are mentions of a conversion. What is the conversion? Is it a plug and play? Looking on ebay they have numerous models of silverstar bulbs. What are the differences between them? Also, somewhere i read an article in which they demonstrated how to convert your 4 bulb system to burn all 4 lights when you have your highbeams on. Has anyone tried this? Does anyone have that link? I am unable to find it again and think I am going to try it.

Bump

boxrodz · 03-13-2005, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VetteCityBowtie

I like these

RB's Obsolete

Those do look cool. I have seen them on street rods and they look good. I've seen other variations on street rods and they all look cool.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumpsburb

My first technical question (I am a newbie)

I want to replace the 4 lights on my 87 suburban to a halogen style. However, when reading this their are mentions of a conversion. What is the conversion? Is it a plug and play? Looking on ebay they have numerous models of silverstar bulbs. What are the differences between them? Also, somewhere i read an article in which they demonstrated how to convert your 4 bulb system to burn all 4 lights when you have your highbeams on. Has anyone tried this? Does anyone have that link? I am unable to find it again and think I am going to try it.

Bump

You would not need a conversion to replace your standard 4-light system to halogens or silverstars. You need the 4656s for your low beams and the 4651s (I think) for your high beams. They are considered direct replacement for your standard lamps. I replaced only my low beams with Silverstars and maintained the halogens for my high beams. (Actually, I'm using my high beams for a different function.)

I haven't attempted a conversion yet, but they include the lamp housing and I imagine, the appropriate connectors. The lamp housings accept a different headlight bulb, like a H4 type. When you scan the headlight section of your local auto parts store, you'll see the difference in the type of connections and its' application.

I remember coming across a couple of articles on how to reconfigure your wiring to acheive a 4-way lighting system when you have your high beams on. Off hand, I don't have a reference for you. Maybe, a google search would help you.

C&C Chevy · 03-13-2005, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxrodz

I remember coming across a couple of articles on how to reconfigure your wiring to acheive a 4-way lighting system when you have your high beams on. Off hand, I don't have a reference for you. Maybe, a google search would help you.

First place I look.

03-01-2005, 09:03 PM	#1
lofat Rollin' Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Hayward, California Posts: 240	Aftermarket headlights? Hey all, Just curious if anyone knows of any aftermarket headlights that will fit our trucks w/o any major electrical work. I have a 77 w/ single round lights which I like, I just want some super white type shiz. When I used to own a Honda I got those super blue (whatever) white headlamps and it made a huge difference in my visibility - especially on those overnight trips up to the lake. Not that I am trying to rice out my ride, I like it mostly stock, but you know. __________________ :: 1977 C10 cheyenne :: :: 1973 new yorker brougham :: for sale - $1,500 lofat productions

03-01-2005, 09:47 PM	#3
truckinbean Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Strathmore, CA Posts: 110	You can use the 7" halogen headlights, but it would be a good idea to use a relay in between the lights and the switch. You need 2 of them, one for low and one for high beams. You can use the same plug that is in the stock type bulb. Just take your old one in the store and make sure they are the same size. Another thing you might have to do is trim the connecter housing down so that it will plug into the new bulb. you may also have to enlarge the hole in the headlight bucket a little bit. I did it by using a crescent wrench, just tighten it down from inside the hole and bend the metal out. It's not too hard to do. It only took me an hour or two to get it all done on my blazer. __________________ '77 Blazer 2wd lowered 5/6 Goodwrench 350/700r4/3.73 Performer intake Performer 1400 carb Sanderson Headers/Dual 2 1/2" Flowmasters

03-02-2005, 01:44 AM	#6
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	The price went up, now it's $100 for just the housings. The Summit part # is HEL-70476 ($49 each). These are the Hella Housings, that you can put in an H4 bulb. VERY GOOD! I have these in my vette, and they're 100x better than stock lights, and 10x better than Silverstar sealed beam's. __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here Last edited by TIMSPEED; 03-02-2005 at 01:50 AM.

03-02-2005, 02:29 AM	#7
AspecialZ Street Rod Restoration Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wellsburg, WV Posts: 882	something a little different on my show truck I used the h-4 conversion, it made an awsome difference, but I can never keep a bulb in it for more than 3 months???!!??? Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Instagram @ hot_rod_shop

03-02-2005, 02:30 AM	#8
1974gmc In Progress Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 312	i also went with the Sylvania's and very pleased with them, going to run some relays with them too! Brighter headlight mod __________________ 1993 Chevrolet K2500 454 4L80E 1974 GMC 1/2t 2wd Stepside 305 auto sold 1985 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 5spd

03-01-2005, 09:08 PM	#2
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	LMC hs clear headlights for a 73-80 style i'm positive, but 81-87 i don't know

03-01-2005, 09:53 PM	#4
full foot notch Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Central florida Posts: 3,223	i have a 77 also, goto an advance auto parts and get the APC conversion headlight, has that crystal clear cut look and takes the H4 bulbs, only thing is that each headlight is like $20 each plus bulbs

03-02-2005, 01:22 AM	#5
76sierraclassic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: White Hall, AR Posts: 316	I put some Sylvania SilverStar's on my 76, and it made a world of difference. I had already "upgraded" from the old sealed-beams to halogens, but the Silverstars really light it up. The only problem I had was that I had to modify the plug a little bit because the dust shield (for lack of a better term) didn't allow it to plug in all the way. They are quite expensive for headlights IMO, though. I think they were around $25 each at O'Reillys. I liked the Silverstar headlights so much, I went back and replaced the turn signals with Silverstars too. I have the clear lenses with the amber bulbs. The new bulbs are blue on the end, so you can see a blue spot through the clear lense, but when they are lit up, all you see is amber......it's kinda cool IMO. They were a bit pricey too....I don't remember how much, but not cheap..... Mike

03-02-2005, 04:03 AM	#9
lofat Rollin' Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Hayward, California Posts: 240	i was peeping some sites and found these. http://www.brandsport.com/sylv-h6024xv.html says it's a match for my truck and almost too good to be true price-wise. originally looking at the H6024CB which is 60.99 per from advance. __________________ :: 1977 C10 cheyenne :: :: 1973 new yorker brougham :: for sale - $1,500 lofat productions

03-02-2005, 11:39 AM	#10
truckinbean Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Strathmore, CA Posts: 110	I was told that you aren't supposed to touch the bulb on a halogen or it will burn out quicker. If you do you have to clean it with rubbing alcohol. That's what I heard anyway, don't know if there's any truth to it. __________________ '77 Blazer 2wd lowered 5/6 Goodwrench 350/700r4/3.73 Performer intake Performer 1400 carb Sanderson Headers/Dual 2 1/2" Flowmasters

03-02-2005, 01:03 PM	#12
Chevyguy111786 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Garland, Texas Posts: 1,127	yep, the oils on your hand are what causes it...use a glove or the foam piece that's in the box. and it will burn lots longer.

03-03-2005, 11:12 AM	#14
KShortell Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 724	I haven't converted the Chevy to Sylvania Silverstars yet (none of my headlights are burnt out), but I did switch on my '98 Jeep Wrangler a month or two ago. It was cheaper to experiment with two headlights than four and a burnt out light gave me an excuse. They really do make a difference, especially on a 2-headlight system like on my Jeep. Gotta see those deer! The good news is that the 4-headlight system is actually pretty good on hi-beams. I'll "upgrade" the Chevy eventually, I'm just not going to spend the money until I have to... __________________ Semper Paratus

03-03-2005, 10:45 PM	#15
boxrodz Until Seventy Times Seven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Rocky Mountain Front Range Posts: 1,301	I switched from halogens to Silverstars a couple of years ago. I am pleased with the lighting. The Silverstars give out a clean bright white light (4000K color temp) which give off a very slight blue tint. The white light of the Silverstars is very noticeable as compared to the yellowish light of the halogens. Until the end of March, Sylvania is offering a $5 rebate for selected Silverstars. For you guys running Hella/H4 headlight conversions, are they street legal? The ones that I've found are not 'DOT' approved and are for 'offroad use only' __________________ boxRODz 1983 C10 SWB Fleetside When two halves is gone, there's nuthin left. Two nothings is nuthin. That's mathematics son. You can argue with me but you can't argue with figures. Two half nothings is a whole nuthin...

03-04-2005, 04:14 AM	#16
jesse977 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 277	At the junkyard there are tons of hologen lights...the best part is that they cost $1.50 each. I recently replaced my old sylvana lights for the wagner halogen lights and they are like 5 times better, makes a big difference.

03-10-2005, 09:50 PM	#17
87_Blazer Getcha' Pull!!! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania Posts: 215	i tried the silverstars on my truck and they really didn't make anything "brighter"....they just made it whiter. I am thinking of getting the conversion kit (HID). It will prolly cost some bucks but it's worth it.



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03-11-2005, 02:06 AM	#18
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,088	I have InPro Car Wear diamond headlight conversion on all 4 and they are DOT approved - but I have 4 square lamps. I'm running silverstars as my low beam and some APC "plasma xenon" (they were cheap) bulbs for the high beams. My low beams work better than most peoples high beams. __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

03-11-2005, 02:36 AM	#19
C-10volvo Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon Posts: 1,028	here are a few ideas Attached Images __________________ Ken Morgan For fun: 1964 Volvo 122 For slow: 1984 Chevrolet C-10 For everything else: 1997 BMW M3

03-11-2005, 10:15 AM	#21
784X4GUY Did someone say MUD? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pullman,WA Posts: 1,089	I also switched from halogens to silverstars, I don't need anything to awful bright just because I have 4 kc's up top...Mike __________________ Im in the market guys...so keep ya eyes peeled -------------------- Mini trucks are for guys who cant get it up! Last edited by 784X4GUY; 03-11-2005 at 10:17 AM.

03-13-2005, 03:04 AM	#22
VetteCityBowtie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Vette City Posts: 102	I like these RB's Obsolete

03-13-2005, 03:45 PM	#23
bumpsburb 87 suburban "Jack" Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: St Louis Posts: 96	My first technical question (I am a newbie) I want to replace the 4 lights on my 87 suburban to a halogen style. However, when reading this their are mentions of a conversion. What is the conversion? Is it a plug and play? Looking on ebay they have numerous models of silverstar bulbs. What are the differences between them? Also, somewhere i read an article in which they demonstrated how to convert your 4 bulb system to burn all 4 lights when you have your highbeams on. Has anyone tried this? Does anyone have that link? I am unable to find it again and think I am going to try it. Bump __________________ Damn Skippy

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