Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

shiner2001 · 10-19-2010, 05:59 AM

The benefits to upgrading to a relay switched headlight is obvious, but are the premade kits that you can buy from any of the aftermarket companies that range from about $40 up to over $100 anything more than a couple of relays, some wire and terminals? I think some of them have plugs for the headlights so you don't have to use female spade terminals...but come on now. Am I missing something here? Not knocking the kits, I can definitely see how some people would rather buy one that build one, just wondering if I was missing something obvious here...

Sport/Truck · 10-19-2010, 07:22 AM

The M&H kit has all the original heavy looms that cross over radiator and over the cowl, new bulk head connectors & they use all the factory wire colors, and connectors and build them to original specifications.

But yes, you can probably fab something up for allot less, using your "mint" 40 year old wires, connectors etc.

71meangreenc10 · 10-19-2010, 07:22 AM

Kits=plug and play.......

Makin them= having all the right stuff to make it + know how........

Its just easier with plug and play for most.....

Smitty

**LockDoc** · 10-19-2010, 09:32 AM

I just upgraded the Green '67. I got the relays from an F-250 over at the salvage yard. (I actually picked up three sets) I spliced them into my original wiring with no problems. Just be sure to clean all of the contacts in the light circuit, including the dimmer switch connector. (it is usually the worst). I also added a ground strap from the engine to the frame and from the frame to the core support. Made all the difference in the world... No reason you can't do it this way if you take your time and do it right. For anyone who doesn't have the time, or doesn't want to take the time, buy aftermarket....

LockDoc

ChevLoRay · 10-19-2010, 10:20 AM

Seems like someone, somewhere on this site would have a schematic of the circuitry and a suggested list of parts (relays) to use. I can do the labor, but I'm no good at creating the circuitry.

Andy4639 · 10-19-2010, 11:13 AM

The relay's can be bought at O-rileys for less than $5.00 a relay that's a 40 amp. Good for 4-55 watt bulbs. The schematic is general but it works.
Low beam:
wire from dimmer switch is hooked to 86 on relay.
87 goes to low beam of head light
85 is a ground
30 is the 12 volt power from battery.

High beam is wired the same. I jumpered my 12 volts off of the low beam.

Here is mine.

**VetteVet** · 10-19-2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

Seems like someone, somewhere on this site would have a schematic of the circuitry and a suggested list of parts (relays) to use. I can do the labor, but I'm no good at creating the circuitry.

Here's one for the two headlight system.

And I found the one for the four light GMC

Longhorn Man · 10-19-2010, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

Seems like someone, somewhere on this site would have a schematic of the circuitry and a suggested list of parts (relays) to use. I can do the labor, but I'm no good at creating the circuitry.

if this was on the electrical forum, then all the info would be right there.

It is easy for ppl with a little basic understanding of electricity to do.
If you are afraid of a butt conector, then get the premade kit.

**John Fabris** · 10-19-2010, 12:11 PM

I added relays to my headlights when I installed a new wiring harness. The relay stuff is easy. I mounted my relays to the core support behind the battery tray.

OldCreek · 10-19-2010, 12:48 PM

Items needed to do it yourself:

Relay...or 2
Wiring
Butt end connectors/spade connectors

Kiwi · 10-19-2010, 01:01 PM

You should simplify and buy the #MX01132 pre-made headlight wiring harness (with relays) from Classic Industries.

A few weeks ago a similar thread (regarding HID headlights and upgraded wiring) was going around. Have a look as it will provide some added info. Attached is a photo of the post that I made on that tread ... including info on the pre-made harness with relays.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=419322

Andy4639 · 10-19-2010, 02:19 PM

Two relays and a couple of but connectors and some small peices of wire. Less than $10.00 total and about 30 minutes of your time. Once installed the only wires seeing the load is the new battery wire to relay and the head lights. This wire is heavy enough to handle it.
The head light switch was the main concern.
Just as I did my driving lights off the parking lamps the load is no longer ran through the switch.

69sixpackbee · 10-19-2010, 02:32 PM

http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...adlights.shtml

Kiwi · 10-19-2010, 02:58 PM

I have used many items from MAD Electrical before. Quality stuff at a fair price.

Recently I upgraded my '71 with a more modern 12SI alternator, MAD alternator wiring kit, new Xenon headlights, and the updated headlight wiring kit (with relays) from Classic Industries. The project was very straightforward and the results are great. Installing the pre-made headlight harness was a cinch. Simplify and buy a pre-made harness rather than trying to cobble something together yourself.

10-19-2010, 05:59 AM	#1
shiner2001 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 222	Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? The benefits to upgrading to a relay switched headlight is obvious, but are the premade kits that you can buy from any of the aftermarket companies that range from about $40 up to over $100 anything more than a couple of relays, some wire and terminals? I think some of them have plugs for the headlights so you don't have to use female spade terminals...but come on now. Am I missing something here? Not knocking the kits, I can definitely see how some people would rather buy one that build one, just wondering if I was missing something obvious here... __________________ Derek 72 Chevy Cheyenne Super LWB 454 SS LS6 90 GMC Suburban V2500 350 ----------- 64 Chevy El Camino 357 73 Jeep Wagoneer 360 78 Jeep Cherokee 360 79 Scout II 345 88 Jeep Wrangler 4.2L 91 Jeep Wrangler 4.3L 98 Lincoln Mark VIII 4.6L 01 GMC Yukon 5.3L *"If it's not broken, fix it 'till it is!"*

10-19-2010, 07:22 AM	#2
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? The M&H kit has all the original heavy looms that cross over radiator and over the cowl, new bulk head connectors & they use all the factory wire colors, and connectors and build them to original specifications. But yes, you can probably fab something up for allot less, using your "mint" 40 year old wires, connectors etc. __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

10-19-2010, 07:22 AM	#3
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,179	Re: Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? Kits=plug and play....... Makin them= having all the right stuff to make it + know how........ Its just easier with plug and play for most..... Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time 70 G20 Red-E-Kamp Conversion "I'm your Boogy Van"

10-19-2010, 09:32 AM	#4
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 26,075	Re: Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? I just upgraded the Green '67. I got the relays from an F-250 over at the salvage yard. (I actually picked up three sets) I spliced them into my original wiring with no problems. Just be sure to clean all of the contacts in the light circuit, including the dimmer switch connector. (it is usually the worst). I also added a ground strap from the engine to the frame and from the frame to the core support. Made all the difference in the world... No reason you can't do it this way if you take your time and do it right. For anyone who doesn't have the time, or doesn't want to take the time, buy aftermarket.... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 10-19-2010 at 09:33 AM.

10-19-2010, 10:20 AM	#5
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? Seems like someone, somewhere on this site would have a schematic of the circuitry and a suggested list of parts (relays) to use. I can do the labor, but I'm no good at creating the circuitry. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

10-19-2010, 11:13 AM	#6
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? The relay's can be bought at O-rileys for less than $5.00 a relay that's a 40 amp. Good for 4-55 watt bulbs. The schematic is general but it works. Low beam: wire from dimmer switch is hooked to 86 on relay. 87 goes to low beam of head light 85 is a ground 30 is the 12 volt power from battery. High beam is wired the same. I jumpered my 12 volts off of the low beam. Here is mine. __________________ 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.

10-19-2010, 12:11 PM	#9
John Fabris TOTY 2006 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Magalia CA USA Posts: 2,270	Re: Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? I added relays to my headlights when I installed a new wiring harness. The relay stuff is easy. I mounted my relays to the core support behind the battery tray. __________________ John Fabris 67 C10 SWB

10-19-2010, 12:48 PM	#10
OldCreek Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Coast California Posts: 1,029	Re: Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? Items needed to do it yourself: Relay...or 2 Wiring Butt end connectors/spade connectors __________________ 1972 K20 Suburban 5.7/700r4/NP205 Dana 44/H052 Sold 1972 C10 5.3L/4L60E 12bolt 5Lug - Sold 1971 K5 Blazer 6.0L LQ9 4L60E NP205 Dana 44/H052!!! 1970 K3500 1ton CrewCab 8.1L/Allison1000/NP205 Dana 60/14B!!!! - Sold 1988 V30 CCLB 7.4L/TH400/NP205/Dana 60/Dana 70!!! (Sold) 2003 K2500HD 8.1/Allison1000/NP263

10-19-2010, 01:01 PM	#11
Kiwi Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 81	Re: Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? You should simplify and buy the #MX01132 pre-made headlight wiring harness (with relays) from Classic Industries. A few weeks ago a similar thread (regarding HID headlights and upgraded wiring) was going around. Have a look as it will provide some added info. Attached is a photo of the post that I made on that tread ... including info on the pre-made harness with relays. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=419322 Attached Images

10-19-2010, 02:19 PM	#12
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? Two relays and a couple of but connectors and some small peices of wire. Less than $10.00 total and about 30 minutes of your time. Once installed the only wires seeing the load is the new battery wire to relay and the head lights. This wire is heavy enough to handle it. The head light switch was the main concern. Just as I did my driving lights off the parking lamps the load is no longer ran through the switch. __________________ 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.

10-19-2010, 02:32 PM	#13
69sixpackbee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Sabinal, Texas Posts: 1,706	Re: Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...adlights.shtml

10-19-2010, 02:58 PM	#14
Kiwi Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 81	Re: Headlight relay upgrade...am I missing something here?? $$?? I have used many items from MAD Electrical before. Quality stuff at a fair price. Recently I upgraded my '71 with a more modern 12SI alternator, MAD alternator wiring kit, new Xenon headlights, and the updated headlight wiring kit (with relays) from Classic Industries. The project was very straightforward and the results are great. Installing the pre-made headlight harness was a cinch. Simplify and buy a pre-made harness rather than trying to cobble something together yourself. Last edited by Kiwi; 10-19-2010 at 02:59 PM.



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