Better round lights - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

slotard · 12-09-2014, 10:30 PM

I'm looking for a headlight upgrade on my '73 C20. I've gotten spoiled by more modern headlights in more modern cars, and was hoping to find a new setup that'll work better without changing the appearance too much.

I've swapped from refractor type housings (where the lens plays a major role) to reflector type housings (where the lens is clear) on motorcycles and it seems to help. Are there any swaps like that for square bodies? I'd be happy with a different grill, but want to stick to the round headlights and would rather not go with HIDs unless I can find a housing designed for them.

dfrank · 12-09-2014, 10:48 PM

Lmc truck sells what they call euro style headlights that look like the factory originals but use a modern style replacement bulb. They are very bright. I had them on my 86 for a while but took them off. The headlitht wiring harness is f'd up so when the high beam light is on the low beams are on and with the two stage bulb and 4 headlights it just pissed me off as the low beams where brighter than the high beams.

MalibuSSwagon · 12-09-2014, 10:53 PM

I'm sure the LMC ones are the same types you can buy on ebay, Amazon, etc. It's a conversion housing that allows you to use H4 bulbs.

GMC Guy · 12-09-2014, 11:02 PM

I was thinking about buying a pair of these..
http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/60...ogen-Lamp-pair

*JonnyC10* · 12-09-2014, 11:32 PM

I upgraded using the Hella Vision Plus ECE headlights that come with the Hella H4 bulbs and an upgraded headlight relay harness. I tell what, probably one one of the best mods I have done to the truck to date.

slotard · 12-10-2014, 12:09 AM

GMC Guy, the problem with buying drop in HIDs is that the pattern they throw is poor in a housing designed for halogens. This can blind oncoming traffic as well as making "hot spots" that decrease your night vision.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130951094047 is about what I have on the motorcycle. I'm not sure if it would drop in without changes. It should provide better lighting, but isn't right for HIDs.

I might go with HIDs, but I'd need to do a proper retrofit rather than just drop bulbs in. I'm not sure if there are any high quality projectors mounted in 7" round housings.

GMC Guy · 12-10-2014, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slotard

GMC Guy, the problem with buying drop in HIDs is that the pattern they throw is poor in a housing designed for halogens. This can blind oncoming traffic as well as making "hot spots" that decrease your night vision.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130951094047 is about what I have on the motorcycle. I'm not sure if it would drop in without changes. It should provide better lighting, but isn't right for HIDs.

I might go with HIDs, but I'd need to do a proper retrofit rather than just drop bulbs in. I'm not sure if there are any high quality projectors mounted in 7" round housings.

or you could throw these in there

Amazon.com: Sylvania 9003 SU SilverStar Ultra...

Ziegelsteinfaust · 12-10-2014, 12:46 AM

Some jeep model with mods fit the housing and I am thinking of those.

67swb72klb · 12-10-2014, 12:55 AM

just Google 7" headlight you will find a lot of options

slotard · 12-10-2014, 12:56 AM

The LED Truck Lites: http://www.ebay.com/itm/281437873317 look nice, but are a little more money than I'd like to spend.

There are some Jeep-ish headlights that come with HIDs http://www.ebay.com/370871749214 but I'm still concerned they may not have a good pattern. The price is reasonable though, and I could also try running typical H4s in them.

andrewmp6 · 12-10-2014, 03:23 AM

.

There are some Jeep-ish headlights that come with HIDs http://www.ebay.com/370871749214 but I'm still concerned they may not have a good pattern. The price is reasonable though, and I could also try running typical H4s in them.[/QUOTE]

That ebay kit is total junk don't use any of it.The housings are the diamond cut/euro cut which won't focus the light.The hid part is cheap and using a hid in a none projector housing will blind people.For a good h4 housing hella brand or the stand autopal brand not the diamond cut ones.Get a h4 wiring harness with the relays that will help you get more power to the lights.The next step up is leds truck lite or jw speaker brand are nice but pricey.

jjzepplin · 12-10-2014, 04:46 AM

Subbed

*gmachinz* · 12-10-2014, 08:19 AM

Do a HD relay upgrade first-you'll notice a huge difference in light output.

**hatzie** · 12-10-2014, 09:58 AM

2008 Jeep Wrangler H13 Headlight assemblies are an improvement in reflector design. The convex Jeep lens looks like it belongs unlike the flat Hella E-Code assemblies that also have very good light output with Halogen bulbs. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318973

You'll need a conversion harness. A good H4 to H13 relay harness will get more electrons to the lights than the 40 year old 18ga wiring... Without chopping up the original harness.
Like this --->http://puredieselpower.com/products/...onversion.html

As far as HID conversions go I'll just quote another member that has the same opinion as me. "I'm by no means an expert on this, but every car or truck that the owner slapped some cheap-o HID replacement bulb into didn't work worth $h!t. The factory or aftermarket manufacturer sells their headlights with H4, H1, H7, etc....bulbs because the reflector and lens were [hopefully] designed to work with the light output of those particular lamps. Putting in an HID H4 replacement bulb will do nothing but make your lights look blue and annoy oncoming traffic with their horrible glare. If you want true HID performance lighting you need to look for a unit that is designed from the get-go for HID lamps. IMHO- projector (aka- ellipsoidial) headlights are precisely designed for this application. Below is an example of what I'm talking about. Can you pick up a set for $80? No way, more like $500-$600! So if you are serious about performance lighting you'll need to shell out some cash. If that's out of the budget- go get some nice Hella E-Code Halogen units and put them in with some Silverstar bulbs and the ever-necessary relay upgrade and you will have very good light output!"
--http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...8&postcount=11

slotard · 12-10-2014, 11:43 AM

I'll keep my eyes open fora set of Wrangler headlights, that's about what I was thinking of. Nice to know there's a good OEM one rather than ebay crap.

cadillac_al · 12-10-2014, 12:21 PM

FWIW my 76 GMC with plain old halogens is brighter than my newer Buick or Caddy so I have no idea what you guys are talking about. I'm sure I could probably get some blinding lights for my '03 Caddy that would make the truck lights look dim, but I'm happy enough with stock. You can't beat those big round spotlights imo.

TexasJeff · 12-10-2014, 01:39 PM

I added SilverStars to my truck and I am SUPER happy with them, they were about $24 a lamp, but they have been in the truck now for about 10 years with not one fail.

https://www.sylvania.com/en-us/produ...aled-beam.aspx

*gmachinz* · 12-10-2014, 01:51 PM

Here's a generality about relay harness kits for headlights....nobody ever seems to produce numbers to put things into perspective so, as far as the relay headlight kits I build, I observe on average a 1.5V gain in voltage to the headlights which represents roughly a 25% increase in brightness-that is huge! That's why I suggest converting stock headlights to relay power first because oftentimes, you may not need anything more.

But no matter what style of bulb you decide on, a relay kit makes life much brighter! I just had my wifes cousin bring me his $75 HID kit he bought off Fleebay from a company called OPT7 and it was junk quality with inadequate wire material, 2 adapters were wrong size, etc. Buy a quality relay kit.

slotard · 12-10-2014, 01:58 PM

I'm picking up a pair of JK (07+ Wrangler) headlights for $40 locally. They use H13 bulbs, any suggestions for where to buy a relay kit triggered by the stock bulbs that powers H13s?

*gmachinz* · 12-10-2014, 02:00 PM

I can help you out. PM me if ya want-I've done quite a few of them already for members. I need some info about your charging system first tho.

man7sell · 12-10-2014, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasJeff

I added SilverStars to my truck and I am SUPER happy with them, they were about $24 a lamp, but they have been in the truck now for about 10 years with not one fail.

https://www.sylvania.com/en-us/produ...aled-beam.aspx

That sounds like a good way to go Jeff.

I have a couple of spot light relays that came with mt PIA spots on my FJ. I installed factory relays and switches so these were extras. I should try hooking them up to the truck headlights of more V's

slotard · 12-11-2014, 08:49 PM

Picked these up locally today. They're off a Jeep JK, which is what people suggested.

gmachinz, it has an alternator but I'll need to take a look at what alternator it is tomorrow.

*gmachinz* · 12-11-2014, 09:18 PM

Cool. Let me know if you need anything!

wideopen1967 · 12-24-2014, 04:50 PM

Trucklite, I have one of these on my Harley RoadKing, http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lighting-...GNbBoCSejw_wcB

roger97338 · 12-25-2014, 05:51 AM

I put a pair of these (http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...1576&ppt=C0335) in my '75. They light up the road far better than any headlight in my Nissan or my Caddy...may it rest in peace.

12-09-2014, 10:30 PM	#1
slotard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 877	Better round lights I'm looking for a headlight upgrade on my '73 C20. I've gotten spoiled by more modern headlights in more modern cars, and was hoping to find a new setup that'll work better without changing the appearance too much. I've swapped from refractor type housings (where the lens plays a major role) to reflector type housings (where the lens is clear) on motorcycles and it seems to help. Are there any swaps like that for square bodies? I'd be happy with a different grill, but want to stick to the round headlights and would rather not go with HIDs unless I can find a housing designed for them.

12-09-2014, 10:48 PM	#2
dfrank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 627	Re: Better round lights Lmc truck sells what they call euro style headlights that look like the factory originals but use a modern style replacement bulb. They are very bright. I had them on my 86 for a while but took them off. The headlitht wiring harness is f'd up so when the high beam light is on the low beams are on and with the two stage bulb and 4 headlights it just pissed me off as the low beams where brighter than the high beams.

12-09-2014, 10:53 PM	#3
MalibuSSwagon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Weare,NH Posts: 1,592	Re: Better round lights I'm sure the LMC ones are the same types you can buy on ebay, Amazon, etc. It's a conversion housing that allows you to use H4 bulbs. __________________ Eric 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1986 Chevrolet C10\|5.3L\|TKO600\|Shortbed\|Custom Deluxe 1983 Malibu Wagon\|TPI 305\|T5 5 speed\|3.73 non-posi

12-09-2014, 11:02 PM	#4
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Re: Better round lights I was thinking about buying a pair of these.. http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/60...ogen-Lamp-pair __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)]

12-09-2014, 11:32 PM	#5
JonnyC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: NH Posts: 280	Re: Better round lights I upgraded using the Hella Vision Plus ECE headlights that come with the Hella H4 bulbs and an upgraded headlight relay harness. I tell what, probably one one of the best mods I have done to the truck to date.

12-10-2014, 12:09 AM	#6
slotard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 877	Re: Better round lights GMC Guy, the problem with buying drop in HIDs is that the pattern they throw is poor in a housing designed for halogens. This can blind oncoming traffic as well as making "hot spots" that decrease your night vision. http://www.ebay.com/itm/130951094047 is about what I have on the motorcycle. I'm not sure if it would drop in without changes. It should provide better lighting, but isn't right for HIDs. I might go with HIDs, but I'd need to do a proper retrofit rather than just drop bulbs in. I'm not sure if there are any high quality projectors mounted in 7" round housings.

12-10-2014, 12:46 AM	#8
Ziegelsteinfaust Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Temple City Posts: 3,628	Re: Better round lights Some jeep model with mods fit the housing and I am thinking of those.

12-10-2014, 12:55 AM	#9
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,471	Re: Better round lights just Google 7" headlight you will find a lot of options __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project

12-10-2014, 12:56 AM	#10
slotard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 877	Re: Better round lights The LED Truck Lites: http://www.ebay.com/itm/281437873317 look nice, but are a little more money than I'd like to spend. There are some Jeep-ish headlights that come with HIDs http://www.ebay.com/370871749214 but I'm still concerned they may not have a good pattern. The price is reasonable though, and I could also try running typical H4s in them.

12-10-2014, 03:23 AM	#11
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Better round lights . There are some Jeep-ish headlights that come with HIDs http://www.ebay.com/370871749214 but I'm still concerned they may not have a good pattern. The price is reasonable though, and I could also try running typical H4s in them.[/QUOTE] That ebay kit is total junk don't use any of it.The housings are the diamond cut/euro cut which won't focus the light.The hid part is cheap and using a hid in a none projector housing will blind people.For a good h4 housing hella brand or the stand autopal brand not the diamond cut ones.Get a h4 wiring harness with the relays that will help you get more power to the lights.The next step up is leds truck lite or jw speaker brand are nice but pricey.

12-10-2014, 04:46 AM	#12
jjzepplin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ruskin Florida Posts: 4,566	Re: Better round lights Subbed __________________ 70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350

12-10-2014, 08:19 AM	#13
gmachinz Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA. Posts: 4,143	Re: Better round lights Do a HD relay upgrade first-you'll notice a huge difference in light output.

12-10-2014, 09:58 AM	#14
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,977	Re: Better round lights 2008 Jeep Wrangler H13 Headlight assemblies are an improvement in reflector design. The convex Jeep lens looks like it belongs unlike the flat Hella E-Code assemblies that also have very good light output with Halogen bulbs. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318973 You'll need a conversion harness. A good H4 to H13 relay harness will get more electrons to the lights than the 40 year old 18ga wiring... Without chopping up the original harness. Like this --->http://puredieselpower.com/products/...onversion.html As far as HID conversions go I'll just quote another member that has the same opinion as me. "I'm by no means an expert on this, but every car or truck that the owner slapped some cheap-o HID replacement bulb into didn't work worth $h!t. The factory or aftermarket manufacturer sells their headlights with H4, H1, H7, etc....bulbs because the reflector and lens were [hopefully] designed to work with the light output of those particular lamps. Putting in an HID H4 replacement bulb will do nothing but make your lights look blue and annoy oncoming traffic with their horrible glare. If you want true HID performance lighting you need to look for a unit that is designed from the get-go for HID lamps. IMHO- projector (aka- ellipsoidial) headlights are precisely designed for this application. Below is an example of what I'm talking about. Can you pick up a set for $80? No way, more like $500-$600! So if you are serious about performance lighting you'll need to shell out some cash. If that's out of the budget- go get some nice Hella E-Code Halogen units and put them in with some Silverstar bulbs and the ever-necessary relay upgrade and you will have very good light output!" --http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...8&postcount=11 __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

12-10-2014, 11:43 AM	#15
slotard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 877	Re: Better round lights I'll keep my eyes open fora set of Wrangler headlights, that's about what I was thinking of. Nice to know there's a good OEM one rather than ebay crap.

12-10-2014, 12:21 PM	#16
cadillac_al Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Maine Posts: 2,375	Re: Better round lights FWIW my 76 GMC with plain old halogens is brighter than my newer Buick or Caddy so I have no idea what you guys are talking about. I'm sure I could probably get some blinding lights for my '03 Caddy that would make the truck lights look dim, but I'm happy enough with stock. You can't beat those big round spotlights imo. __________________ 76 Chevy K20 76 GMC K15 77 Chevy C10 77 Chevy K10



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12-10-2014, 01:39 PM	#17
TexasJeff Don't Crush em Restore em Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Pinehurst, Texas Posts: 764	Re: Better round lights I added SilverStars to my truck and I am SUPER happy with them, they were about $24 a lamp, but they have been in the truck now for about 10 years with not one fail. https://www.sylvania.com/en-us/produ...aled-beam.aspx __________________ TexasJeff 2009 Silver with Linen Interior Cadillac DTS 1990 Red with White Top and Interior Ford Mustang GT convertible 1998 Red with Gray Interior, C3500 Chevy Crew Cab Dually

12-10-2014, 01:51 PM	#18
gmachinz Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA. Posts: 4,143	Re: Better round lights Here's a generality about relay harness kits for headlights....nobody ever seems to produce numbers to put things into perspective so, as far as the relay headlight kits I build, I observe on average a 1.5V gain in voltage to the headlights which represents roughly a 25% increase in brightness-that is huge! That's why I suggest converting stock headlights to relay power first because oftentimes, you may not need anything more. But no matter what style of bulb you decide on, a relay kit makes life much brighter! I just had my wifes cousin bring me his $75 HID kit he bought off Fleebay from a company called OPT7 and it was junk quality with inadequate wire material, 2 adapters were wrong size, etc. Buy a quality relay kit. Last edited by gmachinz; 12-10-2014 at 01:57 PM.

12-10-2014, 01:58 PM	#19
slotard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 877	Re: Better round lights I'm picking up a pair of JK (07+ Wrangler) headlights for $40 locally. They use H13 bulbs, any suggestions for where to buy a relay kit triggered by the stock bulbs that powers H13s?

12-10-2014, 02:00 PM	#20
gmachinz Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA. Posts: 4,143	Re: Better round lights I can help you out. PM me if ya want-I've done quite a few of them already for members. I need some info about your charging system first tho.

12-11-2014, 08:49 PM	#22
slotard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 877	Re: Better round lights Picked these up locally today. They're off a Jeep JK, which is what people suggested. gmachinz, it has an alternator but I'll need to take a look at what alternator it is tomorrow. __________________ 1973 C20, 350/350

12-11-2014, 09:18 PM	#23
gmachinz Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA. Posts: 4,143	Re: Better round lights Cool. Let me know if you need anything!

12-24-2014, 04:50 PM	#24
wideopen1967 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: New Bern NC Posts: 142	Re: Better round lights Trucklite, I have one of these on my Harley RoadKing, http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lighting-...GNbBoCSejw_wcB

12-25-2014, 05:51 AM	#25
roger97338 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 34	Re: Better round lights I put a pair of these (http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...1576&ppt=C0335) in my '75. They light up the road far better than any headlight in my Nissan or my Caddy...may it rest in peace.

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