![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: massena NY
Posts: 33
|
Headlight upgrade
Hello all,
I have found this site a wealth of knowledge over the past few years. I wanted to thank everyone for that. My predicament now is headlights. I have two with bulbs that need to be replaced so I decided now is a good time to upgrade. I would like to upgrade my original 1969 GMC C30 headlights to LED. They are the 4 5.75 bulbs. I have no idea where to start or the best bulbs for the job. Any and all information would be welcome!
__________________
A lot to think about, not much to worry about... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Ravenswood, West Virginia
Posts: 239
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
So do you currently have the factory seal beams or have they already been converted to halogen?
__________________
68 C10 long-fleet, Long and low is the way to go. factory: 307 sbc, SM465 4-speed, 12 bolt 4.11 rear end. 75,000 original miles. Build:Ole Blue Millennial and can drive stick. ![]() "Too many people have opinions on things they know nothing about. And the more ignorant they are, the more opinions they have." -Thomas Hildern |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,717
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
The Nokya sealed beam conversion kit and LASFIT 9005 HB3 9006 HB4 bulbs seems the way to go. The lights are $90 a pair on Amazon and the bulbs are $63 for all 4.
__________________
44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: massena NY
Posts: 33
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
All sealed beam..still original.
__________________
A lot to think about, not much to worry about... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Ravenswood, West Virginia
Posts: 239
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
Okay, so are you wanting a halogen conversion with LED headlight bulbs, or the fancy projectors or whatever with the LED halos? Just trying to clarify.
__________________
68 C10 long-fleet, Long and low is the way to go. factory: 307 sbc, SM465 4-speed, 12 bolt 4.11 rear end. 75,000 original miles. Build:Ole Blue Millennial and can drive stick. ![]() "Too many people have opinions on things they know nothing about. And the more ignorant they are, the more opinions they have." -Thomas Hildern |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: massena NY
Posts: 33
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
100% correct
__________________
A lot to think about, not much to worry about... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Ravenswood, West Virginia
Posts: 239
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
Wait I think you misread my question. So, a factory looking housing with a LED bulb? OR something like this?:
__________________
68 C10 long-fleet, Long and low is the way to go. factory: 307 sbc, SM465 4-speed, 12 bolt 4.11 rear end. 75,000 original miles. Build:Ole Blue Millennial and can drive stick. ![]() "Too many people have opinions on things they know nothing about. And the more ignorant they are, the more opinions they have." -Thomas Hildern |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: massena NY
Posts: 33
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
I don't have a preference yet...looking for ideas. Would like plug and play but wouldn't be opposed upgrade of the whip as well
__________________
A lot to think about, not much to worry about... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Ravenswood, West Virginia
Posts: 239
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
Oh okay. LMC has a pretty good selection of traditional lights and traditional looking with halos. These are pretty cool but pricey:
__________________
68 C10 long-fleet, Long and low is the way to go. factory: 307 sbc, SM465 4-speed, 12 bolt 4.11 rear end. 75,000 original miles. Build:Ole Blue Millennial and can drive stick. ![]() "Too many people have opinions on things they know nothing about. And the more ignorant they are, the more opinions they have." -Thomas Hildern |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
|
![]()
Before you do the lights do the relay upgrade this will insure you get the most out of your lights to begin with. A lot of people stop at this mod after seeing how bright they are.
I have been looking at a set for my 64 SS Impala as well but haven't found what I want yet. ![]()
__________________
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. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Ravenswood, West Virginia
Posts: 239
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
Quote:
__________________
68 C10 long-fleet, Long and low is the way to go. factory: 307 sbc, SM465 4-speed, 12 bolt 4.11 rear end. 75,000 original miles. Build:Ole Blue Millennial and can drive stick. ![]() "Too many people have opinions on things they know nothing about. And the more ignorant they are, the more opinions they have." -Thomas Hildern |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 | |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
|
![]() Quote:
![]()
__________________
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. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Vinton, Va.
Posts: 473
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
Please don't buy the "new" ultra bright ones ! Don 't know what kind they are but they are blinding for the oncoming traffic. I drive a tractor trailer rig at night and my colleagues and I all agree they should be illegal ! The shade of white is just very uncomfortable to the eye. I wouldn't want to be on a country road with those lights coming at me ! They absolutely blind you !
__________________
"You are not forgotten" USMC 75-79 (Aviation Ordnance Tech- F-4 Phantom) 1959 H-D Panhead. Owned since 1978. Currently with son in Lawton, OK. 1968 Chevy Custom SWB pick up. Fleetside. Lowered 4/6. Totally refurbished. 1966 Pontiac GTO. 4 speed. Saved original 389. Now has slightly built 455 engine. 355 rear gears. Very fun to drive ! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Le Sueur MN
Posts: 209
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
As I have never had a gmc. Do both bulbs act as hi/low or dose it just switch from inner to outer or vice versa?
__________________
AJC |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 | |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,623
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
Quote:
So on high beams, all four lamps are lit.
__________________
- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Who Changed This?
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Simi Valley, CA
Posts: 10,385
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
A slight diversion in the topic, but maybe it will help the OP. Does anyone have a before/after pic of the difference in headlight brightness with a relay kit? I suspect that a relay kit would also serve to brighten the tail and marker lights, since their voltage supply would be higher if the headlights were fed through a circuit directly from the battery, instead of all the power going through the headlight switch. I could just drop the $30 for the relay kit, but I would rather spend $30 worth of time on diagnosis, because I was so poor as a kid that the only thing I could pay was attention.
![]()
__________________
~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Las Vegas NV
Posts: 361
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
__________________
Customization is what you want it to look like -- not what other people think it should look like |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 | |
Who Changed This?
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Simi Valley, CA
Posts: 10,385
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
Quote:
__________________
~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Back in the sticks
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Fordland, MO
Posts: 3,188
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
I bought a set of the LMC bulbs like up above. I also bought their relay wiring harness in hopes of making them brighter. The wiring harness didn't last 2 months. Relays immediately gave up.
I already had some HID lamps installed, not the old style bulbs. Once I get the other issues worked out on the pickup I intend to install the new LMC bulbs and try to get the harness working again.
__________________
1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 | |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
|
![]() Quote:
This is why I made my own harness and it works great. I've done my 71,67, 64 Impala and my 56 Bel Air + a few friends vehicles. ![]()
__________________
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. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 | |
Back in the sticks
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Fordland, MO
Posts: 3,188
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
Quote:
Thanks, Jeff
__________________
1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Las Vegas NV
Posts: 361
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
There is a huge difference in cheap relays vs Bosch-Tyco relays. The longevity of the Bosch is amazing. I ordered some cheap relays for my cooling fan and air ride management, but the relays failed within a month. I paid extra for the Bosch brand and a year later, still going good. The relays in my Ford Expedition are all Bosch and I have never replaced one...bought new in 2000 and has 180,000 miles. That says something.
__________________
Customization is what you want it to look like -- not what other people think it should look like |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 | |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
|
![]() Quote:
![]()
__________________
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. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: KINGSPORT,TN.
Posts: 3,035
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
I just bought a pair of 7 in halogens from rockauto for 8.00 each
__________________
I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Back in the sticks
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Fordland, MO
Posts: 3,188
|
Re: Headlight upgrade
Thanks, when I reinstall, I'll upgrade to Bosch relays and check the wiring. That could have been the problem all along, I just don't drive it enough.
__________________
1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
Tags |
headlights, lights, upgrade led |
|
|