headlamp relay upgrade

[sigshooter]

I have been reading alot on this topic, but all Iam finding is for 60-63. Is there the same need to upgrade the 64-66 models? if so does someone have the link to these instructions?

[kieth]

give me a call their is a reason to upgrade all older vehicles to use relays instead of the little weak wires they came with from the factory. Give me a call, I ve got the relays and the knowledge, it is easy. Kieth 918-446-2245

[theastronaut]

I've got an upgraded harness, Cibie Z Beam E code headlights, and Hella 80/100 watt bulbs in mine. It makes a HUGE difference in how well you can see at night!

I ran fused 10g power wires straight from the battery to a pair of 50 amp Dual 87 post relays, one for high beam and one for low beam. With dual 87 relays (post 87 is the output) you only need two relays instead of four. Then more 10g wire from the relays out to the headlights. The original wiring harness is used to turn on the either the low or high beam relay and also to ground the relay. You don't have to cut up your original harness this way. I also used ceramic H4 connectors since the higher wattage bulbs could melt plastic connectors. New 10g ground wires made sure that the whole system is matched. 10g is probably overkill from the relays to the headlights depending on what watt bulbs you'll be running.

I bought the parts to make my own relay harness from Ray's Automotive in Marietta GA for around 50-60 bucks delivered, IIRC. Very nice quality and great customer service.





It's also important to have a high quality housing that makes a good, usable beam pattern without any excess glare. I had a set of cheap H4's when I first started my headlight upgrades, but they had a very narrow low beam pattern that didn't distribute light evenly. I've used E-code Cibie's, Marchal's, and Hella's in a couple different cars and they all had a really great beam pattern. Bosch also make a great H4 but I've never had a pair installed.


Here'a a low beam shot from right inside the windshield. You can see the sharp horizontal cut off that keeps glare down for oncoming traffic.





Shot of my cheap H4's before I upgraded the wiring. Stock 55/60 watt bulbs. Very narrow beam spread, still better than sealed beams though.




Cibie H4's, harness, and 80/100W bulbs. Very wide, even pattern.





If you really want to see well at night, you can add a pair of driving lights for better long distance visibility. These have a narrow beam pattern for distance and use H3 bulbs. They're made to be used as aircraft landing lights, I bought them from an aviation supply store. They're wired in with a relay to only come on with the high beams. With the high beams on, I've got 340 watts of lighting power.

[sigshooter]

Thanks for the info Guys, I will be getting in touch with you about what you did. Keith I will be up to see you soon, sounds like we could spend hours talking about trucks. Astro. wish you were closer to me I could spend hours learning from you also.

[losthope]

i just did my 66 with stock headlights Heres a link for 63-66 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=397695 , but looks to be the same for all trucks i used this one because it shows you what wire went to what post of the relay:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...elay+headlight and my low beams look like high beams now, and also i think all my interior dash lights are brighter also, it is very simple install!

[Clyde65]

I bought the relay harness exactly like LMC offers, I really like the difference it makes seeing late at night
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[protrash64]

I bought a generic relay harness from Classic Industries and it made a great improvement in the headlites. Highly recommended!