Re-locate headlight high-beam foot switch

[utee05]

I am looking to put kick panels in my '72 GMC and wanted to relocate the foot switch in the driver-side kick panel area. Does anyone have diagrams or suggestions as to where they relocated the switch? I was thinking of putting it underneath the dash near where the horn is.

[utee05]

This thread proved a bit useful: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=233146

Now I just need to get s double throw switch and mount it on my dash so I can remove my foot dimmer switch. Looks like I got another project for the weekend along with installing my alternator, building headlight relays and relocating the switch.

[fixit-p]

If you're going to keep the headlight switch go with a 2 position SPTD switch. http://www.mcmaster.com/#7343K751

[utee05]

Do most normally just remove the switch and run with all the headlights on?

Did you mean SPDT instead of SPTD?

Thanks for the link. Would a switch with an amp rating of 15 be sufficient?

[fixit-p]

Yeah SPDT, I'm a dyslexic typer. 15 amps is good especially if your going to use relays, the high beams draw about 5 amps each(depending on wattage). I've never done the swap but would keep the OEM headlight switch if I were to do it myself.

[jhaymon]

Originally Posted by utee05

Do most normally just remove the switch and run with all the headlights on?

well that guy is not from tx and doesn't know our troopers. i am in tx and just payed a ticket i got coming back from Austin. it's a $160 fine for defective equipment(non compliant dot stnd). you can also find a newer column with the switch on the column.

[utee05]

Thanks for the confirmation. I will be keeping the foot dimmer switch there just moving the wiring to underneath the dash. I just didn't want to worry so much on my kick panels blocking the switch when I installed them.

[VetteVet]

Originally Posted by utee05

I am looking to put kick panels in my '72 GMC and wanted to relocate the foot switch in the driver-side kick panel area. Does anyone have diagrams or suggestions as to where they relocated the switch? I was thinking of putting it underneath the dash near where the horn is.

I quoted your post because I wanted to know if you had a separate horn switch or is the horn under the dash.

You can use the switch the fixit p mentioned and wire the blue wire from the headlight switch to the single pole, then wire the tan and green wires to the double throw poles whichever way you want the switch to go for high and low beams. If you use a set of relays like the diagram below for GM 4 headlight systems, you can use about any amperage switch because you are only powering the relays and not the head lights.

[utee05]

The horn is underneath the dash. I don't have pics at the moment but it is just underneath the steering column just off to the left. Is this a concern?

[VetteVet]

Well no not really except that it must be awful loud in the cab when it blows. It's up to you where you want stuff but most of them are mounted next to the radiator on the left side.

[utee05]

Actually just the horn switch is underneath the dash. Sorry got confused on your previous comment. Yeah it would get loud if it was in the cab.

As you said the actual horn is next to the radiator on the driver side.

[utee05]

Didn't think the troopers would give out that kind of fine. I moved the wiring to a switch and placed that underneath the dash for now. I kept the old switch still there at the driver foot area.

[utee05]

Decided to add on another question onto my first one.

I got some new headlights from GMCPaul Parts to replace my current ones and they are meant for H4 bulbs. However the highbeams in my truck only allow for a 2 prong bulb while the H4 bulbs are 3 prong. Is there some sort of adapter to convert the plug?

Can I just disregard the middle prong since in H4 bulbs the middle prong relates to the low beam?

Also I assume I can't just put an H1 bulb in a H4 housing correct?

It is odd that they would sell H4 housings for GMC. Guess I'll need to try and find a H1 housing to fit in my GMC.

[jhaymon]

in TX you must be able to turn you HB off 500feet from an on coming vehicle. and 300 feet when approaching . i know coming through san marcos they were pretty serious about it. my dad lives out that way and said it was due to the recent deaths blamed on flash blindness from hid retrofit you choice on what you wanna do it's your money.
the codes were on the transcript so looking them up for isn't hard

Texas Transportation Code 541.302
Text
(11) "Roadway" means the portion of a highway, other than the
berm or shoulder, that is improved, designed, or ordinarily used for
vehicular travel. If a highway includes at least two separate
roadways, the term applies to each roadway separately.


Texas Transportation Code 547.333
(c) A person who operates a vehicle on a roadway or shoulder
shall select a distribution of light or composite beam that is aimed
and emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle at a safe
distance ahead of the vehicle, except that:

(1) an operator approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500
feet shall select:

(A) the lowermost distribution of light or composite beam,
regardless of road contour or condition of loading; or

(B) a distribution aimed so that no part of the
high-intensity portion of the lamp projects into the eyes of an
approaching vehicle operator; and

(2) an operator approaching a vehicle from the rear within
300 feet may not select the uppermost distribution of light.

[utee05]

Thanks for the information. I am still working on where to ideally place the switch to make it easy accessible when needed to avoid any issues. Till that time I'll try to avoid driving my truck at night when I need lights.

Hopefully the upgraded relay and newer lights will help to keep me from needing my high beams.

I went ahead and ordered some sealed beam H1 headlights for the high beams to replace the H4 headlights that I had ordered. Not sure why they would sell H4 headlights for high beams in our GMCs.

[Billett]

I'm considering doing this as well, and for the same reason. However, I'd really like to keep the switch as a button on the floor. I really like the feel of it there as opposed to a toggle switch or something else on the dash. Has anyone else just moved theirs farther in towards their clutch/brake pedals? Pics would be awesome!