H1/H4 Conversion question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

beaterC10 · 09-19-2007, 09:48 PM

I just completed converting my 86 to dual headlights so now I am looking at installing the H1 & H4 conversion bulbs I have.

The stock 2 pring headlight plug will not connect to the H1 headlights I have. The spade lug on the housing is about a 1/4" lower than the spade lug on the actual bulb. I know I can fix this by cutting the factory connector off and using crimp on spade lugs. Is this normal for H1 bulbs?

The stock 3 prong connector fits the H4 headlight with no issues.

BLE 'BURBAN · 09-20-2007, 03:03 AM

Why use the H1's? Why not 4 of the H4's and just utilize the high beam circuit in the high beam location. That way if you ever have a low beam failure out in the middle of nowheres, just sitch the bulbs real quick and your back in business.

BaddBusa2005 · 09-20-2007, 09:06 AM

I have the AutoOptiks/Autopal H1/H4 conversion. I could never get the headlights to work in unison(sp?). I am going to try the new harness and see what happedn

EDIT: if anyone has any tips to hwo to make it work, let me know.

Ryan

**Zoomad75** · 09-20-2007, 10:19 AM

I'm running a H4/H1 bulb in my 75. Just to let you know, H1 bulbs just have one spade and then the bulb is grounded through the socket on the housing. H1's are typically used in fog lights and off road lights, not regular headlights.

My bulbs have an extra socket for the H1's to give me an integrated fog light without having to mount addtional lights on the bumper.

I'd stick with all H4 bulbs unless your bulb housing has an addtional socket for the H1 bulbs. then you will have to wire them up separately (with a relay too).

beaterC10 · 09-22-2007, 08:32 AM

Thanks for the input. The next question I have is about the actual headlight wiring. Regardless of whether I use H1 or H4 bulbs for the high beams it looks like I will have a 20 amp circuit for 4 high beams wired like the factory installation (4 x 60watts/12= 20 amps) which means I need 12 gauge wire. The factory wiring looks like it is 14 or 16 gauge, which seems too small. Since it has worked for 20 years, what am I missing?

09-19-2007, 09:48 PM	#1
beaterC10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,277	H1/H4 Conversion question I just completed converting my 86 to dual headlights so now I am looking at installing the H1 & H4 conversion bulbs I have. The stock 2 pring headlight plug will not connect to the H1 headlights I have. The spade lug on the housing is about a 1/4" lower than the spade lug on the actual bulb. I know I can fix this by cutting the factory connector off and using crimp on spade lugs. Is this normal for H1 bulbs? The stock 3 prong connector fits the H4 headlight with no issues.

09-20-2007, 03:03 AM	#2
BLE 'BURBAN In the Forgotten far North. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,627	Re: H1/H4 Conversion question Why use the H1's? Why not 4 of the H4's and just utilize the high beam circuit in the high beam location. That way if you ever have a low beam failure out in the middle of nowheres, just sitch the bulbs real quick and your back in business. __________________ 1987 R3500 CREW CAB DUALLY (BIG RED)Acquired 06/12/2015 1990 chevy suburban V2500 5.7L My cluster Mods-Nov 2007 overhead console Stereo install Round 2 Aug 2009 Heated/turn signal mirror upgrade

09-20-2007, 09:06 AM	#3
BaddBusa2005 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cleveland, TN Posts: 440	Re: H1/H4 Conversion question I have the AutoOptiks/Autopal H1/H4 conversion. I could never get the headlights to work in unison(sp?). I am going to try the new harness and see what happedn EDIT: if anyone has any tips to hwo to make it work, let me know. Ryan __________________ 1981 Custom Deeluxe SWB 5.3/4L60e 3.73 and Auburn. Mustang Dyno 265hp/258tq

09-20-2007, 10:19 AM	#4
Zoomad75 K5Camper Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Pueblo, CO Posts: 1,513	Re: H1/H4 Conversion question I'm running a H4/H1 bulb in my 75. Just to let you know, H1 bulbs just have one spade and then the bulb is grounded through the socket on the housing. H1's are typically used in fog lights and off road lights, not regular headlights. My bulbs have an extra socket for the H1's to give me an integrated fog light without having to mount addtional lights on the bumper. I'd stick with all H4 bulbs unless your bulb housing has an addtional socket for the H1 bulbs. then you will have to wire them up separately (with a relay too). __________________ Rob Z. 1975 K5 350/465/205/D44/12b 4" lift on 35's- RIP 1991 K5 8.1L/NV4500/241/D44/14b FWC Camper

09-22-2007, 08:32 AM	#5
beaterC10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,277	Re: H1/H4 Conversion question Thanks for the input. The next question I have is about the actual headlight wiring. Regardless of whether I use H1 or H4 bulbs for the high beams it looks like I will have a 20 amp circuit for 4 high beams wired like the factory installation (4 x 60watts/12= 20 amps) which means I need 12 gauge wire. The factory wiring looks like it is 14 or 16 gauge, which seems too small. Since it has worked for 20 years, what am I missing?



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