Best Affordable Headlight ($150 or less)

[Aruba1]

The stock replacements headlights on my 1972 GCM are a little dim. Even though I plan to clean the grounds, I want to go ahead and upgrade to better lights.

What do you have on your GMC that does good, is reliable and cost around $150 or less? I prefer to stay away from "shiny halo" style headlights unless they are very conservative (no pun intended).

Thanks!!

[Stocker]

First, by all means do the headlight relay mod. That's the only way to get full voltage to your lamps, no matter which ones you end up with.

My recommendation for replacement lamps is unfortunately hard to find and well beyond your stated budget, but their performance is stellar. Cibie H4 E-codes are the best that I'm aware of. Many years ago I installed a set in my '66 Corvette and even with standard wattage, the results were outstanding. Daniel Stern sells them http://www.danielsternlighting.com/home.html and a Google search might locate other, more affordable sources.

Good luck with whatever you get, but be sure to start with the relay mod.

[Steeveedee]

Mike is right about the relay mod. Here is a link to a thread where I posted pics of the difference, with stock headlights. I'd recommend the relay mod, even if you are using different headlights. Notice that even the marker lights in the grill are brighter when the current the headlights draw goes through the relays instead!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782071

[special-K]

I have always been perfectly happy with Halogens. I've never felt I needed more once the other (way more expensive) styles of lighting came along. Nice white light.

[toolboxchev]

Ask around for the ones that Randall at Rtech Fabrications uses and likes. Not 150 dollars affordable but the man has taste. Good taste that is.

[68 P.O.S.]

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

Ask around for the ones that Randall at Rtech Fabrications uses and likes. Not 150 dollars affordable but the man has taste. Good taste that is.

Or we could save everyone's time and you can tell us

[Aruba1]

Thanks guys, I am going the Relay way first and look at the results. If I am still unhappy I will be looking at your suggestions. It sounds like the logical way according to this thread. I normally don't like upgrading headlights but mine's are awful :-( although the Bright will wake up the dead, lol.

[leddzepp]

Relay harness and Sylvania Silver Star headlights. Done this on three trucks and very happy with the results.

[SkidmoreGarage]

Just want to echo installing dedicated power and ground with a relay, you have no idea what you are missing until you see what 14.4v instead of 11v looks like. I'd recommend a good quality bulb that isn't super bright, the bulbs that are traditional size but " brighter" also die early. I've had a set last less than a year.

[jimijam00]

Along with the relay upgrade, a set of Hella Vision Plus H4 Conversion, or Wagner BriteLight if you want to stay with a sealed beam.

[toolboxchev]

Originally Posted by 68 P.O.S.

Or we could save everyone's time and you can tell us

Sorry, could not find it on his website, I do remember he speaks of them in his interview with Jay Leno.

I thought he was a vendor of those specific lights. There now I am becoming biased.

Just like my rusted chevy!

[toolboxchev]

Originally Posted by Aruba1

Thanks guys, I am going the Relay way first and look at the results. If I am still unhappy I will be looking at your suggestions. It sounds like the logical way according to this thread. I normally don't like upgrading headlights but mine's are awful :-( although the Bright will wake up the dead, lol.

Clean all the electrical grounds on your vehicle, it will wake up the entire system. Mine barely dim running at a stop light.

[Richard]

Definitely do a relay mod. Plenty of inexpensive 5 3/4" lenses that accept the new halogen bulbs. Here is one I found with just one search https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-3-4-Halog...-/253210370412

[Big Kev-O]

I swapped out my sealed beams to Halogen H4 type bulbs using HELLA 002850811 135mm H4 High/Low Beam Halogen Conversion Headlamp Kit. You will need to install relays to use these bulbs but the results are outstanding. I converted all four High/Low.

[CastIron]

I think GMC low beams just seem dim compared to Chevy headlights because of the smaller diameter. The high beams generally work well though. I have some some Hella H4 conversions and relays for my GMC, but I have yet to install them. I'm confident that they will improve performance though. There is too much volt drop in the original harness/switch.

[bmfm64]

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

Ask around for the ones that Randall at Rtech Fabrications uses and likes. Not 150 dollars affordable but the man has taste. Good taste that is.

He may have taste but he has ZERO integrity. I wouldn't let that guy build my worst enemy a go kart.

For the thread- I used Amazon H4 housings so I retain the stock appearing look (not clear, plain glass and no halos or anything like that) and I used the Headlight Revolution H4 bulbs. Literally a night and day difference. The bulbs are a little more than your budget but worth it. The lenses were 20 ish dollars delivered.

[gmc684x4]

I have hellas in my 72 since dad installed them in the 70s there good for what they are keep looking at retrofitiing a set of hid projectors in a round headlight
Seen prices on them are astronomical

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by gmc684x4

keep looking at retrofitiing a set of hid projectors in a round headlight
Seen prices on them are astronomical

Be cautious and research thoroughly before jumping in..... high price is no guarantee of quality, and some HID conversions are junk.

[Aruba1]

Originally Posted by Stocker

Be cautious and research thoroughly before jumping in..... high price is no guarantee of quality, and some HID conversions are junk.

That is pretty true, specially when purchasing through ebay or amazon.

With that being said, is there any super doper easy write-up with a lot of illustration on the relay upgrade? I am totally 12v challenged although somehow I was able to wire up my LS, lol

[Stocker]

Start with this, it explains it pretty well. There are other threads too. Search the board for "headlight relay mod".

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=507368

[Andy4639]

I did the relay upgrade then the H-4 headlights. I also check PicClick to get all the prices in one spot. Amazon has about any type & price range you want for them also.
I bought mine at the car show a few years ago.
I have the LED turn signals hooked up to my parking lights.