Headlight question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Cap'n Hook · 01-02-2009, 11:41 AM

Just got my 72 Jimmy about a month ago. I've had a previous 72 Jimmy and don't remember, but when I turn on the headlights, low beams are the outer two lights and the inner high beam indicator is on. And when I hit dimmer floor switch, all four lights are on and the high beam indicator goes off!

Is that correct for the outer two lights to be on for low beams, and all four to be on for high beams? Plus, when I switch to high beams, the lows seam like they have a dual filament and actually shine the beam lower on the ground! And I know the high beam indicator is incorrect, how is that fixed?

**jaros44sr** · 01-02-2009, 07:59 PM

Don't have an answer for ya, but hang around someone will know

BTW, welcome to the boards from Philly, Pa. Got pics?

Cap'n Hook · 01-02-2009, 09:47 PM

I will get some pix up by tomorrow, guaranteed!

old man jimmy · 01-03-2009, 03:58 AM

Yep, all four are on for the brights, and just the outer two are on for the dims. But your indicator seems to be a little confused.

**Yukon Jack** · 01-03-2009, 09:26 AM

Interesting - I'd start with replacing the dimmer switch - easy to do and they often are the root of a problem, just not heard of this particular problem before.

**jaros44sr** · 01-03-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yukon Jack

Interesting - I'd start with replacing the dimmer switch - easy to do and they often are the root of a problem, just not heard of this particular problem before.

Wonder if the wires on the dimmer switch could be in the wrong location? Or backwards?

Cap'n Hook · 01-04-2009, 05:17 PM

Pix finally! The color is Hugger Orange. Interior is Black with orange piping on front and black seats.

Jtrux · 01-04-2009, 06:59 PM

Nice

Cap'n Hook · 01-04-2009, 07:26 PM

Thanks!

I'm still pondering the original topic. We established the lows stay on with the highs, but, are the lows supposed to be a dual filament type bulb and switch to a lower projected path when the high beams are on?

I have aimed these headlights at a wall, and when only the low beams are on, the lows actually are aimed higher than when I hit the foot dimmer switch to all four, and the lows switch to a lower projected beam and the high beams come on!

**Stocker** · 01-04-2009, 07:52 PM

Couple of problems here.... lemme just start from scratch.

Inner lamps are high beam only (single-filament units).

Outer lamps are both high and low beams (dual filament units), but:
(1) High beam should be higher than low beam.
(2) When highs are on, low beam filaments should go out -- unless someone has modified the lighting, probably with a simple relay. Not a bad idea, just not stock.

To further clarify (and I may have misunderstood the wording posted above) -- on high beam, all four lamps are lit... but the low-beam filament goes out and the high-beam filament comes on in the outer lamps.

Your lows are higher than your highs,and your high-beam indicator works on low beam only. Both situations are incorrect. I'd guess the two symptoms are the result of one problem.... I'm just not sure exactly what it is. Have you replaced the dimmer switch recently (or done any other wiring work)? I wonder if the high & low wires are simply reversed at the dimmer switch, or possibly somewhere else, as jaros44sr stated.

Very nice Blazer, btw...

Cap'n Hook · 01-04-2009, 08:38 PM

No wiring work done to the headlights by me. I just bought the truck end of November. But I've already had to rewire and fix the backup light switch. The headlights have done this since I've owned the truck!

Now that I think about it, it kinda sounds like maybe the head lamps are simply hooked up opposite each other at the front the vehicle. I'll look into this and the dimmer switch being wired wrong also.

krue · 01-04-2009, 08:41 PM

That is a sweet GMC, just about what I want mine to look like if I ever get a chance to restore it.

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-04-2009, 10:31 PM

**Stocker** · 01-04-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cap'n Hook

Now that I think about it, it kinda sounds like maybe the head lamps are simply hooked up opposite each other at the front the vehicle.

In order for the high & low to be reversed at the lamps, the wiring would have to be cut and incorrectly re-spliced. There's no wrong way to install the plug onto the lamp...

OldCreek · 01-04-2009, 11:48 PM

upside down lamp?

**Stocker** · 01-05-2009, 12:50 AM

Hadn't really considered that, but I guess it's possible.... if someone managed to install that, um -- whatever you call that sheet metal gizmo with the three notches in it, that the lamp rests against -- if that got installed upside down.

Geez, I sound like a idiot trying to describe that!

OldCreek · 01-05-2009, 01:23 AM

I just looked at my GMC headlights (they're already apart.) The buckets are all the same and the dual filament lamp can only mount in them one way...but the buckets mount differently onto the gmc rad support. So, take the entire left assembly and put it on the right and vice versa.

That is if you're still thinking the bulbs may be upside down. i.e. just check to see if the writing on bulb is the right way up.

RLONG · 01-05-2009, 08:39 AM

I bought this 70 GMC a couple of months back All four lights burn on high and thre low beams on the wall are lower than the highs and only the two on the outside burn on low . I want to do frame off resto in a few years but for now Camo and Deer Lease wife wont let me take the 71 Hugger Orange in the Mud we leave it topless all year long. I see your cluster is Cool with the Orange Around the Guages do you know how this was done?

COOL JIMMY!!

**jaros44sr** · 01-05-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

Hadn't really considered that, but I guess it's possible.... if someone managed to install that, um -- whatever you call that sheet metal gizmo with the three notches in it, that the lamp rests against -- if that got installed upside down.

Geez, I sound like a idiot trying to describe that!

Well, I must be an ID10T, because I knew what ya meant

Maybe headlite buckets?

Cap'n Hook · 01-05-2009, 08:50 PM

Not sure on how the orange around the gauges was done. I bought it that way. But it does stand out from the crowd!

OldCreek · 01-05-2009, 10:33 PM

I have to correct my post....the headlight buckets are not all the same. I think the inners are different from the outers. But you should be able to flip them none the less.

**Stocker** · 01-05-2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Well, I must be an ID10T, because I knew what ya meant

Maybe headlite buckets?

Yeah, headlight (or headlamp) buckets... thanks and props also to OldCreek for jogging my memory past another Senior Moment!

muddobber · 01-07-2009, 09:36 PM

as for the gauges being painted all you have to do is take your cluster out and dissassemble it. when you get to the black metal pods that your gauges are in that is what you need to paint. just remember your numbers are light green and need some contrast mine look great red

RLONG · 01-08-2009, 08:27 AM

Thanks i have a extra cluster i will try it out

01-02-2009, 11:41 AM	#1
Cap'n Hook Workin to live... Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 261	Headlight question Just got my 72 Jimmy about a month ago. I've had a previous 72 Jimmy and don't remember, but when I turn on the headlights, low beams are the outer two lights and the inner high beam indicator is on. And when I hit dimmer floor switch, all four lights are on and the high beam indicator goes off! Is that correct for the outer two lights to be on for low beams, and all four to be on for high beams? Plus, when I switch to high beams, the lows seam like they have a dual filament and actually shine the beam lower on the ground! And I know the high beam indicator is incorrect, how is that fixed? __________________ Jason

01-02-2009, 07:59 PM	#2
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,766	Re: Headlight question Don't have an answer for ya, but hang around someone will know BTW, welcome to the boards from Philly, Pa. Got pics? __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

01-02-2009, 09:47 PM	#3
Cap'n Hook Workin to live... Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 261	Re: Headlight question I will get some pix up by tomorrow, guaranteed! __________________ Jason

01-03-2009, 03:58 AM	#4
old man jimmy Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: texas Posts: 329	Re: Headlight question Yep, all four are on for the brights, and just the outer two are on for the dims. But your indicator seems to be a little confused.

01-03-2009, 09:26 AM	#5
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: Headlight question Interesting - I'd start with replacing the dimmer switch - easy to do and they often are the root of a problem, just not heard of this particular problem before. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

01-04-2009, 05:17 PM	#7
Cap'n Hook Workin to live... Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 261	Re: Headlight question Pix finally! The color is Hugger Orange. Interior is Black with orange piping on front and black seats. __________________ Jason Last edited by Cap'n Hook; 01-04-2009 at 05:19 PM.

01-04-2009, 06:59 PM	#8
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: Headlight question Nice __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

01-04-2009, 07:26 PM	#9
Cap'n Hook Workin to live... Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 261	Re: Headlight question Thanks! I'm still pondering the original topic. We established the lows stay on with the highs, but, are the lows supposed to be a dual filament type bulb and switch to a lower projected path when the high beams are on? I have aimed these headlights at a wall, and when only the low beams are on, the lows actually are aimed higher than when I hit the foot dimmer switch to all four, and the lows switch to a lower projected beam and the high beams come on! __________________ Jason Last edited by Cap'n Hook; 01-04-2009 at 07:27 PM.

01-04-2009, 07:52 PM	#10
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,728	Re: Headlight question Couple of problems here.... lemme just start from scratch. Inner lamps are high beam only (single-filament units). Outer lamps are both high and low beams (dual filament units), but: (1) High beam should be higher than low beam. (2) When highs are on, low beam filaments should go out -- unless someone has modified the lighting, probably with a simple relay. Not a bad idea, just not stock. To further clarify (and I may have misunderstood the wording posted above) -- on high beam, all four lamps are lit... but the low-beam filament goes out and the high-beam filament comes on in the outer lamps. Your lows are higher than your highs,and your high-beam indicator works on low beam only. Both situations are incorrect. I'd guess the two symptoms are the result of one problem.... I'm just not sure exactly what it is. Have you replaced the dimmer switch recently (or done any other wiring work)? I wonder if the high & low wires are simply reversed at the dimmer switch, or possibly somewhere else, as jaros44sr stated. Very nice Blazer, btw... __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay Last edited by Stocker; 01-04-2009 at 08:04 PM.

01-04-2009, 08:38 PM	#11
Cap'n Hook Workin to live... Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 261	Re: Headlight question No wiring work done to the headlights by me. I just bought the truck end of November. But I've already had to rewire and fix the backup light switch. The headlights have done this since I've owned the truck! Now that I think about it, it kinda sounds like maybe the head lamps are simply hooked up opposite each other at the front the vehicle. I'll look into this and the dimmer switch being wired wrong also. __________________ Jason

01-04-2009, 08:41 PM	#12
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Headlight question That is a sweet GMC, just about what I want mine to look like if I ever get a chance to restore it. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

01-04-2009, 10:31 PM	#13
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: Headlight question __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

01-04-2009, 11:48 PM	#15
OldCreek Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Coast California Posts: 1,026	Re: Headlight question upside down lamp? __________________ 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 1984 K10 SWB 7.4L/4L80e/NP208 Corp 10/12 bolt Sold 1988 V30 CCLB 7.4L/TH400/NP205/Dana 60/Dana 70/3.73!!! (Sold) 2003 K2500HD 8.1/Allison1000/NP263

01-05-2009, 12:50 AM	#16
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,728	Re: Headlight question Hadn't really considered that, but I guess it's possible.... if someone managed to install that, um -- whatever you call that sheet metal gizmo with the three notches in it, that the lamp rests against -- if that got installed upside down. Geez, I sound like a idiot trying to describe that! __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

01-05-2009, 01:23 AM	#17
OldCreek Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Coast California Posts: 1,026	Re: Headlight question I just looked at my GMC headlights (they're already apart.) The buckets are all the same and the dual filament lamp can only mount in them one way...but the buckets mount differently onto the gmc rad support. So, take the entire left assembly and put it on the right and vice versa. That is if you're still thinking the bulbs may be upside down. i.e. just check to see if the writing on bulb is the right way up. __________________ 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 1984 K10 SWB 7.4L/4L80e/NP208 Corp 10/12 bolt Sold 1988 V30 CCLB 7.4L/TH400/NP205/Dana 60/Dana 70/3.73!!! (Sold) 2003 K2500HD 8.1/Allison1000/NP263



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01-05-2009, 08:39 AM	#18
RLONG Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: BROOKELAND,TX Posts: 228	Re: Headlight question I bought this 70 GMC a couple of months back All four lights burn on high and thre low beams on the wall are lower than the highs and only the two on the outside burn on low . I want to do frame off resto in a few years but for now Camo and Deer Lease wife wont let me take the 71 Hugger Orange in the Mud we leave it topless all year long. I see your cluster is Cool with the Orange Around the Guages do you know how this was done? COOL JIMMY!! Attached Images

01-05-2009, 08:50 PM	#20
Cap'n Hook Workin to live... Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 261	Re: Headlight question Not sure on how the orange around the gauges was done. I bought it that way. But it does stand out from the crowd! __________________ Jason

01-05-2009, 10:33 PM	#21
OldCreek Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Coast California Posts: 1,026	Re: Headlight question I have to correct my post....the headlight buckets are not all the same. I think the inners are different from the outers. But you should be able to flip them none the less. __________________ 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 1984 K10 SWB 7.4L/4L80e/NP208 Corp 10/12 bolt Sold 1988 V30 CCLB 7.4L/TH400/NP205/Dana 60/Dana 70/3.73!!! (Sold) 2003 K2500HD 8.1/Allison1000/NP263

01-07-2009, 09:36 PM	#23
muddobber muddobber Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: lavaca ar Posts: 78	Re: Headlight question as for the gauges being painted all you have to do is take your cluster out and dissassemble it. when you get to the black metal pods that your gauges are in that is what you need to paint. just remember your numbers are light green and need some contrast mine look great red

01-08-2009, 08:27 AM	#24
RLONG Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: BROOKELAND,TX Posts: 228	Re: Headlight question Thanks i have a extra cluster i will try it out

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