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-   -   Headlight options - Updates? (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=729974)

cpnbnanamn 02-10-2017 01:55 PM

Headlight options - Updates?
 
So, I've been reading through many of the threads, most of which are very dated, as to what options there are for updating the headlights in the truck. I've read about the pros/cons of HID's, and don't think I"m going to go that route. I'm more interested in changing out the headlight in my '67 C10 to something that has a good light pattern, and I can change out the bulb without having to tear apart the front end to do it.. I looked at the Hella option, too.. not sure I'm a fan of that, either.

What have you all found that works well? I'd like to see some options that are more up to date. I do have a relay harness en route from GMachinz, so that's taken care of..

onebigjohn 02-10-2017 02:10 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
I have these in my VW Thing...And got a set for my 72' but not installed yet.
They work awesome!!!
Perfect White
Perfect Pattern
Wish I had pics...
https://vintagecarleds.com/

Willie Makeit 02-10-2017 03:21 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
E-cod Hellas and a relay harness upgrade. Best bang for the $$$.

Mollzyie 02-10-2017 04:08 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Thanks for making this thread op ... Iv been meaning to make same one ... I've googled to see what's out there . Interested in aftermarket headlight/taillights . What have u guys tried ? Regretted ? On your wish list ?

Thanks dudes :metal:

74baggedbug 02-10-2017 04:34 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Makeit (Post 7854403)
E-cod Hellas and a relay harness upgrade. Best bang for the $$$.

Yep!!!!

cleszkie 02-10-2017 05:32 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
3 Attachment(s)
I run a set of KC Daylighter DOT approved LED headlamps. They cost a bit more than those Vintage Car LEDs, but that is probably due to the DOT rating. I also did the headlight relay upgrade.

71BUCKET 02-10-2017 07:03 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
I'm looking at doing the JW speaker evolution led headlights

LockDoc 02-10-2017 07:55 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
-
I used Jeep Wrangler headlights in my '67 Panel Truck. Jeep JK Wrangler headlights ('07-current) are a direct bolt in swap for the old sealed beam headlights in our trucks. They even have the 3 lugs on the back for alignment and use the stock '67-'72 trim rings. I went ahead and bought the headlight conversion pigtails for the swap too.

I bought both on e-Bay. Here are the actual pigtails I bought and the headlights I bought were from a private seller that changed his over to something different. They are in excellent condition. You have to be careful because there are a lot of look alikes. They do make exact replacements too but you have to watch, some of them come with bulbs and some don't. The easy way to tell the OEM's are by the back. I think the lights are the same from 2007-2015.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130940451329...AIT&rmvSB=true

LockDoc

HO455 02-10-2017 07:58 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
1995 vintage Hella euro non dot H-4's. Over 90,000 miles on them and still great. They are on their second vehicle. Hard to beat glass lenses. I have the relay upgrade on my Burban.

Mollzyie 02-10-2017 10:16 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Lots of good info dudes ... from the budget stuff to the jw stuff :metal:

What about tail lights/lenses ? Anybody ever try or thought about putting one of those led light bars that goes across bottom of the tailgate ?

Z10 02-10-2017 11:02 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
4 Attachment(s)
I bought some glass H4 headlights off of eBay which resemble the stock style and LED H4 bulbs. Light output and color is good while maintaining a near OEM look.
:gmc2:

cherokeejohn 02-11-2017 02:31 AM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
2 Attachment(s)
check out a Ebay seller Octane Lighting, they have many options at a wide price range from $35 to $200. I have the glass replacement ones with the H4 bulbs and the LED anytime running lights built in. They also have the relay kit, which I have also for $35 and it is a very good investment. I can run mine with just the LED running lights alone and they put off better lighting than the originals. I might have $125 invested in my headlights, LED wiring and relay and headlamp relay all together. I have bad eyesight, so for me they were almost a necessity. As for the rear LED strip, I have one of these also but have not installed it yet as I have some body work to fix at the mounting area. Hope this helps.

Already Gone 02-11-2017 05:13 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
A set of these with the relay harness will give super bright headlights and keep things simple and inexpensive.

http://www.uapac.com/antique/7-cryst...und-boxed.html

cpnbnanamn 02-11-2017 06:08 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 71BUCKET (Post 7854634)
I'm looking at doing the JW speaker evolution led headlights

How does it look? I looked at the JW Speakers stuff... I'd love to see what it looks like at night, and during the day.

Andy4639 02-11-2017 06:10 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
4 Attachment(s)
Here is what I did. first you need max power at the head light connections which if you are running a stock truck with no relays you are not getting true 12 volts to the lights. All you have to do it test each lead with a volt meter. I was getting like 10.5-11 volts before the relay upgrade.

I installed relays for both L/H beam then bought a set of 7" Tri Bar's lights with replacement bulbs. I ran those for several years.
The lights are 60/55 watt's.
Here is a old thread I did. I have since upgraded the lights to a LED park light and blinker but same bulbs.
:chevy:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=630581


Here are a couple of pictures of the new ones.:chevy:

cpnbnanamn 02-11-2017 06:13 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc (Post 7854683)
-
I used Jeep Wrangler headlights in my '67 Panel Truck. Jeep JK Wrangler headlights ('07-current) are a direct bolt in swap for the old sealed beam headlights in our trucks. They even have the 3 lugs on the back for alignment and use the stock '67-'72 trim rings. I went ahead and bought the headlight conversion pigtails for the swap too.

I bought both on e-Bay. Here are the actual pigtails I bought and the headlights I bought were from a private seller that changed his over to something different. They are in excellent condition. You have to be careful because there are a lot of look alikes. They do make exact replacements too but you have to watch, some of them come with bulbs and some don't. The easy way to tell the OEM's are by the back. I think the lights are the same from 2007-2015.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130940451329...AIT&rmvSB=true

LockDoc

I've been kinda leaning toward Wrangler headlights.. The only thing I'm concerned with is the oxidization of the lenses that Chrysler was so famous for. I'm wondering if there is a glass version of those.
The Hella's have the light pattern stuff in them, and I haven't looked at the KC Lights yet.

HO455 02-11-2017 06:27 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc (Post 7854683)
-
I used Jeep Wrangler headlights in my '67 Panel Truck. Jeep JK Wrangler headlights ('07-current) are a direct bolt in swap for the old sealed beam headlights in our trucks. They even have the 3 lugs on the back for alignment and use the stock '67-'72 trim rings. I went ahead and bought the headlight conversion pigtails for the swap too.

I bought both on e-Bay. Here are the actual pigtails I bought and the headlights I bought were from a private seller that changed his over to something different. They are in excellent condition. You have to be careful because there are a lot of look alikes. They do make exact replacements too but you have to watch, some of them come with bulbs and some don't. The easy way to tell the OEM's are by the back. I think the lights are the same from 2007-2015.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130940451329...AIT&rmvSB=true

LockDoc

I wondered about those Jeep lights. I checked out a broken one at the body shop but it was in too many pieces for me to be sure it would fit. Are there a left and right or just one version for both sides?
Thanks in advance.

LockDoc 02-11-2017 08:01 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by HO455 (Post 7855584)
I wondered about those Jeep lights. I checked out a broken one at the body shop but it was in too many pieces for me to be sure it would fit. Are there a left and right or just one version for both sides?
Thanks in advance.

I don't really know. I just bought mine as a pair.

LockDoc

Mollzyie 02-11-2017 08:56 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
[QUOTE=Andy4639;7855568][B][COLOR="red"]


Nice Andy .... Hey u have a pic of front end w lights off !

Andy4639 02-11-2017 09:33 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
[quote=Mollzyie;7855723]
Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639 (Post 7855568)
[B][COLOR="red"]


Nice Andy .... Hey u have a pic of front end w lights off !

This is all I have. The driving lights come on with the park lights. I need to add another switch but never have.:chevy:



http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1486850775

Mollzyie 02-11-2017 10:19 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
[quote=Andy4639;7855760]
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollzyie (Post 7855723)

This is all I have. The driving lights come on with the park lights. I need to add another switch but never have.:chevy:



http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1486850775



Preciate the reply ... Was interested in your bumper/lower lights . Wanted to see wat u did there .

Blue72slab 02-11-2017 11:02 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
I would start by installing relays and see what you think. They make a big difference and you will need them anyway. Make sure to use fusible link wire or a fuse on your power wire to the relays. MadElectrical.com has good info on upgrading the charging system if you are not keeping it stock.

cpnbnanamn 02-12-2017 12:37 AM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
I've already got a relay harness en route. I should look into upgrading the charging system, too. Might wait on that to do when I upgrade the engine.

Andy4639 02-12-2017 10:41 AM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
[quote=Mollzyie;7855819]
Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639 (Post 7855760)



Preciate the reply ... Was interested in your bumper/lower lights . Wanted to see wat u did there .


Yea hold on. They are the Creed LED lights.
Here you go and a link to when I installed them.
:chevy:


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1468463320

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=7653622

bkent 02-12-2017 10:49 AM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
i was thinking of getting these ones from amazon...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V8ZJ9IU...BQI7KDVY&psc=1

cpnbnanamn 02-12-2017 03:16 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
@ Andy4639: Can you post a link for the headlight assemblies you have now?

Willie Makeit 02-12-2017 04:28 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
gents, do some research on the Hella E code housings before buying the chinese crap. To give you a nutshell version, in Europe, the overhead signage is required to be illuminated by law. In the US it is not. The European (the E in E code) light housings have the lenses made in such a way that it focuses the light on the road (think HID lighting systems where there is a distinct "cut off" light in the light transmission) because there is no need for the light to shine upward.

the US/DOT-approved lights "scatter" light in all directions in front of the vehicle in an effort to illuminate overhead signage (think interstate exit signs). Even with the new HID/LED bulbs, if they are installed in the US standard housings/lenses or the new fancy "crystal" housings then you're still "scattering" light all over the place. Even into the face of oncoming drivers. Just food for thought.

here is a link to the best price out there on Hella E codes that I have found.

https://www.amazon.com/HELLA-0023958...s=hella+e+code

Tdrcreyn4 02-12-2017 05:51 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
sub

jessemthompson 02-12-2017 10:01 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc (Post 7854683)
-
I used Jeep Wrangler headlights in my '67 Panel Truck. Jeep JK Wrangler headlights ('07-current) are a direct bolt in swap for the old sealed beam headlights in our trucks. They even have the 3 lugs on the back for alignment and use the stock '67-'72 trim rings. I went ahead and bought the headlight conversion pigtails for the swap too.

I bought both on e-Bay. Here are the actual pigtails I bought and the headlights I bought were from a private seller that changed his over to something different. They are in excellent condition. You have to be careful because there are a lot of look alikes. They do make exact replacements too but you have to watch, some of them come with bulbs and some don't. The easy way to tell the OEM's are by the back. I think the lights are the same from 2007-2015.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130940451329...AIT&rmvSB=true

LockDoc

How is the light output compared to factory? I have done the relay upgrade but would like a little more performance.

n33k0 02-13-2017 11:26 AM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc (Post 7854683)
-
I used Jeep Wrangler headlights in my '67 Panel Truck. Jeep JK Wrangler headlights ('07-current) are a direct bolt in swap for the old sealed beam headlights in our trucks. They even have the 3 lugs on the back for alignment and use the stock '67-'72 trim rings. I went ahead and bought the headlight conversion pigtails for the swap too.

I bought both on e-Bay. Here are the actual pigtails I bought and the headlights I bought were from a private seller that changed his over to something different. They are in excellent condition. You have to be careful because there are a lot of look alikes. They do make exact replacements too but you have to watch, some of them come with bulbs and some don't. The easy way to tell the OEM's are by the back. I think the lights are the same from 2007-2015.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130940451329...AIT&rmvSB=true

LockDoc

Do you have pics of your truck with the JK lights? I was looking at a jeep the other day and noticed the headlight lens has a significant dome shape. It seemed like it wasn't as flat as a regular sealed beam light. I'm sure it wouldn't affect the installation or operation of the light, but I'm just curious if it will make the truck look bug-eyed.

Signkutter 02-13-2017 02:17 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Makeit (Post 7856664)
gents, do some research on the Hella E code housings before buying the chinese crap. To give you a nutshell version, in Europe, the overhead signage is required to be illuminated by law. In the US it is not. The European (the E in E code) light housings have the lenses made in such a way that it focuses the light on the road (think HID lighting systems where there is a distinct "cut off" light in the light transmission) because there is no need for the light to shine upward.

the US/DOT-approved lights "scatter" light in all directions in front of the vehicle in an effort to illuminate overhead signage (think interstate exit signs). Even with the new HID/LED bulbs, if they are installed in the US standard housings/lenses or the new fancy "crystal" housings then you're still "scattering" light all over the place. Even into the face of oncoming drivers. Just food for thought.

here is a link to the best price out there on Hella E codes that I have found.

https://www.amazon.com/HELLA-0023958...s=hella+e+code

Any modification required to install these on a stock 72 C20?

AJC 02-13-2017 02:54 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
1 Attachment(s)
I put the jeep lights in my truck as my first upgrade. light pattern is a lot better but there not much brighter then the sealed beam ones. They still have the stock jk bulbs. I will get a better pic after work.

Stocker 02-13-2017 06:19 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Makeit (Post 7856664)
gents, do some research on the Hella E code housings before buying the chinese crap. To give you a nutshell version, in Europe, the overhead signage is required to be illuminated by law. In the US it is not. The European (the E in E code) light housings have the lenses made in such a way that it focuses the light on the road (think HID lighting systems where there is a distinct "cut off" light in the light transmission) because there is no need for the light to shine upward.

the US/DOT-approved lights "scatter" light in all directions in front of the vehicle in an effort to illuminate overhead signage (think interstate exit signs). Even with the new HID/LED bulbs, if they are installed in the US standard housings/lenses or the new fancy "crystal" housings then you're still "scattering" light all over the place. Even into the face of oncoming drivers. Just food for thought.

here is a link to the best price out there on Hella E codes that I have found.

https://www.amazon.com/HELLA-0023958...s=hella+e+code

Good info, thanks for posting. I am not familiar with all the new stuff out there, and some is probably very good, but some is also likely not so good. However, I am familiar with E-codes. Until proven otherwise, they are my go-to gold standard for quality and performance. Cibies are my choice over Hellas, though the Hellas are a bit cheaper and much easier to find. Mainly b/c Cibies have a better high-beam pattern, with less light thrown vertically into the sky or the trees, and more light cast onto the roadway. Cibies can be found at http://www.danielsternlighting.com/ or, for less money, at https://www.amazon.com/Cibie-082440-...ywords=cibie+7.

Willie Makeit 02-13-2017 06:48 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Signkutter (Post 7857600)
Any modification required to install these on a stock 72 C20?

no sir, pull out the old bulb and install the new housing. i STRONGLY recommend the relay harness upgrade when installing the new housings/H4 bulbs.

Andy4639 02-13-2017 07:09 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by cpnbnanamn (Post 7856589)
@ Andy4639: Can you post a link for the headlight assemblies you have now?


I bought them at the Myrtle beach car show. I thought I had posted them in another post when I installed them but it's not pulling up. If I run across it I' post the info.:chevy:

Signkutter 02-13-2017 11:48 PM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Makeit (Post 7857847)
no sir, pull out the old bulb and install the new housing. i STRONGLY recommend the relay harness upgrade when installing the new housings/H4 bulbs.

Fire hazard? I had all the wiring redone last year.

Racer382D 02-14-2017 12:12 AM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
I have used the truck light LED's on a few I am very satisfied with them.

Racer382D 02-14-2017 12:15 AM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Not my ad just posting for reference

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/3618955...&ul_noapp=true

Stocker 02-14-2017 01:24 AM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Signkutter (Post 7858230)
Fire hazard? I had all the wiring redone last year.

No, but relays will ensure full maximum voltage to the lamps, and that equates to measurably brighter lights. Stock wiring is marginal, and worse yet the current goes though the light switch on the dash, adding even more resistance.

Signkutter 02-14-2017 03:58 AM

Re: Headlight options - Updates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker (Post 7858331)
No, but relays will ensure full maximum voltage to the lamps, and that equates to measurably brighter lights. Stock wiring is marginal, and worse yet the current goes though the light switch on the dash, adding even more resistance.

10-4 , thanks for the info Stocker


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