HID Xenon headlights

[gag1025]

Has anyone upgraded their 1947-1953 Chevy Truck with a HID Xenon system? I have replaced the original wiring harness with a new one because I now have a Chevy 350 engine, Vintage Air system, etc. My question is will this system create more heat than the new wires will handle. The reason I ask this is because I have heard that the initial startup wattage is high and if the wiring is not a heavy guage problems will soon follow. I definately do not want to burn up my new wires. I have never used one of these system on any car I have so I am totally unfamiliar with them. All help is appreciated.

[mr48chev]

I would want to control them with relays and have the box for them connected to the main power feed or to the battery. A buss bar that was connected to the battery that you could tie into might be a good thing to look into on this.
No experience with those as they came out after I started tearing into my truck. I have run Cibie H-4 lights with 100/55 or something motor cycle H-4 bulbs in
them that gave the best light I have had in any rig I have ever owned. Good low beam and the high beam when aimed right reached out as far as you wanted to see. Plenty of light for running 80+ for hours on end on the freeway or long two lane roads in the west.

[akdg87]

have you looked into the new led headlight technology? Its pretty sweet i have them on my daily driver, way better than HID (no warm up time, light beam isn't scattered)

[Iceburgh]

I have them in mine and in my FIL.
That is the best money I spent on my truck.
I have no fear driving at night now. In the past I was always afraid of deer I would not be able to see.
Now I light up the night.
No issues with the system. They do not draw huge amps at all. Matter of fact the highbeams work off a small 24v wire system.
Everything else is done with a ballast. Both ballast will plug into one current socket.

[gag1025]

akdg87, what new headlight technology?

Iceburgh, that is the information I am looking for. I see these systems all over eBay as well as other places. Where did you get yours?

[Atommik]

I converted mine to xenon using used BMW headlamps. I don't drive much at night, but when I do, I love the light they put out. I installed a new 12v harness and use a headlight relay and have not had any electrical problems from the lights.

Check out my build thread...posts 17-19 are the basic how to info, and 98, 99 are test lighting pics, 202, and 466 are some pics after everything was painted.

[Iceburgh]

Originally Posted by gag1025

akdg87, what new headlight technology?

Iceburgh, that is the information I am looking for. I see these systems all over eBay as well as other places. Where did you get yours?

Bought them from a guy at Carlisle.... paid $100 for everything I needed.
Well worth it.
I have the guys business card at work I can send you the info if you want
email me at james.stafford@ryder.com
I will remember if I am at work and see the email

[dansa2]

Looking to upgrade mine as well. Oracle's Halo LED Zenon bulb looks cool. Oracle now offers a Halo Plasma with Zenon bulb, the ring is constant glow unlike seeing the individual LED lights in the ring. Anyone using the Plasma headlight yet?

[akdg87]

new as retrofits for vehicles that come equipped with halogen bulbs; granted Audi and other various companies have been including them on new vehicles for a number of years:

http://www.vleds.com/headlights/led/h4-9003-hb2.html

they are awesome though, don't think ill ever go back to HID

[gag1025]

dansa2

Xenon.

[dansa2]

Well...I could use the excuse that the z and x keys are next to one another...where are my kids to help me with spelling?

[gag1025]

I could not help myself. Like the comedian Flip Wilson use to say, The Devil Made Me Do It.