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Old 08-05-2015, 04:29 PM   #1
72step
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Best 7" Sealed Beam Headlight?

So I about finally have my truck on the road and it is running sweet. One thing I'm wondering is who makes the best regular halogen sealed beam? I mean I know they make all kinds of H4 type conversions and such but I just want the best light for the money with regular sealed beams. I know one of the headlights that's on there must be halogen and the other not because one side looks okay and the other not so bright. Any ideas?
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Old 08-06-2015, 12:31 PM   #2
luvbowties
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Smile Re: Best 7" Sealed Beam Headlight?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 72step View Post
So I about finally have my truck on the road and it is running sweet. One thing I'm wondering is who makes the best regular halogen sealed beam? I mean I know they make all kinds of H4 type conversions and such but I just want the best light for the money with regular sealed beams. I know one of the headlights that's on there must be halogen and the other not because one side looks okay and the other not so bright. Any ideas?
Regardless of bulbs used--even if keeping stock ones--you need to by-pass the high amperage going thru your h/l switch. Following is a schematic if you wanna do it yourself; else you can count on his quality of product, already wired and shielded in a kit, including easy-to-mount relays.
Sam
>> http://www.persh.org/pickup/Headlights.htm <<

The guy furnishing this schematic, a member on here, has done it all and knows the ins and outs for DIY'ers and upgraders.
Sam

Last edited by luvbowties; 08-06-2015 at 12:37 PM.
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Old 08-06-2015, 12:38 PM   #3
PGSigns
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Re: Best 7" Sealed Beam Headlight?

I did the LMC full kit on my truck and it is a world of difference between the old and the new. Well worth the work going to a modern bulb.
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Old 08-06-2015, 01:06 PM   #4
theastronaut
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Re: Best 7" Sealed Beam Headlight?

GE H6024NH Nighthawk will be the best performing sealed beam. It's still only 35/65 watt though so they'll be weaker than decent H4's. They will be better than cheap or "pretty" H4's (LMC, eBay, no-name lights).

As posted above, a relay harness will make any light you choose brighter and take the load off of the original wiring and switch. You may have a bad ground or more voltage drop on one side causing the one headlight to be dimmer than the other.

If you do much driving at night, I would suggest a relay harness and GOOD (not chinese!) H4's like Cibie, Bosch, or Hella. You need headlights that will light up farther out than your brakes can stop so you have enough time to react and avoid anything in your lane.


Here are a couple shots of the beam pattern in my daily driver with Cibie H4's, a relay harness, and Hella 80/100 watt H4 bulbs.

Low beam:






High beam:



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Old 08-06-2015, 01:13 PM   #5
61K10
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Re: Best 7" Sealed Beam Headlight?

just get a relay harness, plenty on e-bay or make your own. probably not much difference in regular halogen sealed beams.
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Old 08-06-2015, 02:07 PM   #6
markeb01
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Re: Best 7" Sealed Beam Headlight?

I don't use the high beam lamps that often on my truck, so I still run sealed beams on those. I only avoid Philips brand sealed beams as I've owned some that were not painted on center and I could never get them aimed correctly.
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Old 08-06-2015, 05:02 PM   #7
argonaut
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Re: Best 7" Sealed Beam Headlight?

I installed Hella 7" H4 lamps in my 66. They retain the old school look but provide much brighter light and better pattern. Mine look great and I'm still running them through the headlight switch for now since I have all new wiring. I suppose they mifgt get a little better if run direct off of relays.
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