Headlight relay specific to '64-'66 Chevy Trucks

[LILRED66]

I did a search for information, specific to '64-'66 Chevy Trucks, to do the headlight relays. Can someone point me in the right direction?

[greg64]

Hi LilRed,

There is a good writeup on the headlight relays here:
http://6066gmcguy.org/HeadLights.htm

You just need a couple of Bosch relays. I'd look for the very common 25 Amp ones, the writeup uses 75 A relays, which are overkill.

Goodluck

[protrash64]

Nice link greg64............Ihave been needing to do this project for awhile.

[truckn']

Originally Posted by LILRED66

I did a search for information, specific to '64-'66 Chevy Trucks, to do the headlight relays. Can someone point me in the right direction?

little red let me know if this doesn't help, i have the complete wiring diagram and I will be glad to send you what you need.

[greg64]

Here's another good link from Mad:
http://madelectrical.com/electricalt...adlights.shtml

These guys have lots of good electrical tech articles if you haven't been there before.

[LILRED66]

truckn':

For some reason, when it comes to electrical, I shy away from taking on the challenge...I must have been shocked a few too many times as a child. I would appreciate the "wiring relays for dummies" version, so I don't burn something up. I am extremely coachable, so once I do it the first time, I can do it on the rest of my 4-5-6 Chevy Trucks. Thanks for the offer to help.

[joe231]

LILRED66,
Here is a link to LMC's catalog, page 43 has a complete headlight harness upgraded with relays for $29.99. It is part # 36-3580 bout half way down the page

headlight harness page 43

This kit would make it easier for a electrical novice and maybe build some confidence along the way

[ChiefRocka]

Man....lets keep it in the family !! What about the nice write up I did on this relay set-up...It is here some where !!! Some one was supposed to make it a sticky.

Lets se if I can find it...here's the diagram:
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[ChiefRocka]

If you remember my 'ghetto' truck build, I hid the wires thru the fenderwell, then attached the relays to the L/F area of the rad. support. I used spade connectors to avoid cutting into the original wiring.....
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I thought this was a good location for the relays...considering in can be covered by the plate (which I don't have)...and you cannot see any wiring in the engine compartment.

Even my alternator wire is hidden.

If you notice, their is a THIRD relay...that is for my horn (which in this case is a cheap air-horn....came with truck)...This too is runs off the same hi-current circuit directly off the battery.

I did away with the stock horn relay and regulator on the inner panel.

[ChiefRocka]

Here's the link:



http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=235214

[rickf]

Most of the talk about this and the pics I've seen have done the connection with spade connectors directly on the relay. That's fine, but a nuisance when the relay burns out and needs to be replaced. It would be much easier with wiring to a socket and then the relay change is just a plug in affair. The sockets are cheap, all over the web at $2 to $4. I got some locally at an electronics store (NorVac) for $3.50 each.

The pic on the second page of the link that greg64 posted shows the relays in use.
http://madelectrical.com/electricalt...dlights2.shtml


I've considered taking it another step and putting a relay between the light switch and the high/low beam. This one isn't due to current, it is a convenience (yeah right, until it burns out). I would connect the switching side to an ignition switched 12v. This would allow lights to be powered only when the key is on. Kind of like the ol' Volvo, except it wouldn't cut out when the starter is engaged. Probably could do that with yet another relay... yeah, that's getting a little carried away.

[LILRED66]

Thanks for all the replies, especially Chief for the comprehensive write-up. I may try this and also the LMC Truck complete conversion system. I live 30 minutes from there and can see it in person, before purchasing and also save on shipping.

Thanks again for all the good information.

[joe231]

You could also install a diode between the high and low beams to get the "4 High" (both high and low beams on with the high beams, I highlighted the diode with a yellow circle) possibilities are limitless

[ChiefRocka]

Originally Posted by rickf

Most of the talk about this and the pics I've seen have done the connection with spade connectors directly on the relay. That's fine, but a nuisance when the relay burns out and needs to be replaced........

Nuisance ?? How so ?? Mabey if you don't know what your doing...that why I provided the schematic... I've used the Bosch relays for years....they last for ever, especially when running headlights.

Originally Posted by joe231

You could also install a diode between the high and low beams to get the "4 High" (both high and low beams on with the high beams, I highlighted the diode with a yellow circle) possibilities are limitless

Yeap....diodes are so cool !! Also helpfull to 'clamp' the spike when kill'n the power to a coil-winding !!1

[joe231]

Originally Posted by ChiefRocka

Yeap....diodes are so cool !! Also helpfull to 'clamp' the spike when kill'n the power to a coil-winding !!1

Hell yeah, I am so fascinated by electricity and electrical components, i have been in the elevator trade for a few years now and have learned so much. But it is just the tip of the iceberg, It is amazing some of the things that can be accomplished!!

[protrash64]

Where does everyone get their relays? I have ordered some from Summit and all that; I mean locally. The parts stores around here dont carry them unless its application specific..........I have NO patience for parts people and their computers.

If Im in the middle of a project I like to pick up the stuff while Im working on it to get it complete.

By the way, I bought a nice 4-pack relay block from Summit which is nice; you can find it if you search "relay".

[greg64]

I can get the Bosch relays at my local parts place (Western Canadian chain). I just ask for Bosch 25A relays and they keep handing them over.

Maybe just ask to see what relays they have in stock and then you'll know what they call the Bosch. A lot of places sell them with a pigtailed base, which is quite convenient.

The numbers in the above drawing are the give away (85/86/87/30), although somebody must have been smokin some cheap drugs to come up with those labels. Usually relays are A1/A2 and COM/NO.

[joe231]

Originally Posted by protrash64

The parts stores around here dont carry them unless its application specific..........I have NO patience for parts people and their computers.

I feel the same about most parts people!! They need to find a better suited career, perhaps at the "golden arches"

I found some at a local RV/mobile home parts supply. Think Grainger carries them too
Have you checked radio shack?
not helpful to you protrash, but there is a cool electrical supply in Anchorage that I really miss, Frigid North Electrical supply. They have everything!!! Think they are affiliated with Radio Shack? Kinda irreverent, I know, but oh well, lol

[protrash64]

Thanks guys........Ill try these leads. I just saw a Grainger near my house a week ago. Bosch relays were in my SS454 that I used to own.....should have remembered.

I like to walk in and stare at stuff w/out dealing w/ people; wrecks my train of thought when Im on a mission for something custom.

[joe231]

get you one of Grainger's big ol' catalogs and you can peruse at home before you go

[protrash64]

Here is the block that I got from Summit. I think like 45 $. Its not very weatherproof but Im planning on using it for interior goodies. What you cant see is that on the backside it holds fuses if so desired. I thought it was reasonable and convenient.

For all the toppers: yeah, I know........you got it faster, cheaper, and its installed already!!!!!!

[joe231]

here is the link
linky

[rickf]

Originally Posted by ChiefRocka

Nuisance ?? How so ?? Mabey if you don't know what your doing...that why I provided the schematic... I've used the Bosch relays for years....they last for ever, especially when running headlights.

The nuisance is more about being able to see what you're doing, and keeping track of which wires went where. You know the relay isn't going to burn out in the middle of the day, when you have time to burn, and don't care about getting to where you were going. It is going to burn out at night, when the lights are on (ooops, were on a minute ago). So there you are with the maglight in your teeth pulling wires off the relay, now be sure to get them back in the same positions! Why not spend $3.00 more and get a socket. Unplug one relay and plug in the next, you're done.

One still needs the schematic, Chief, and I thank you for making it. I saved it off to the side when you posted way back. The same diagram applies to using the socket. The fundemental difference is the socket is all four connections in one unit, and once wired correctly makes relay install/change fool proof, the relay plugs in only one way, thanks to the pin pattern.

[rickf]

Originally Posted by protrash64

Where does everyone get their relays? I have ordered some from Summit and all that; I mean locally. The parts stores around here dont carry them unless its application specific..........I have NO patience for parts people and their computers.

If Im in the middle of a project I like to pick up the stuff while Im working on it to get it complete.

By the way, I bought a nice 4-pack relay block from Summit which is nice; you can find it if you search "relay".

I picked one up at Napa, it was hanging on the wall by the accessory lighting stuff, $9.00. (It's a 40 amp)

I picked up two more at NorVac (local electronics store), but only $2.99 each. (30 Amp)

[baddawg65]

If you can find an a junkyard with Audi's, they used bosch relays for their headlights, foglights and electric fans.