H4 headlight conversion question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Fred T · 05-17-2004, 11:54 PM

A while back Shawn (Rick's parts) was selling H4 headlight conversions. Did anyone install them, and how did they work?

72C203503ONTHETREE · 05-18-2004, 09:17 AM

I have had Hella H4 conversions on my 74 Corolla and 76 Landcruiser FJ40. It makes a big difference, much more light and the pattern was also perfect. I am wanting to put H4 lights on my truck also, still have the ones from the FJ40 but they are in Iowa and wont be able to get them until July. Its easy to do, just like putting sealed beam headlights in, just remove three screws and a plug and put in the new H4 assembly.

Shane65 · 05-18-2004, 09:33 AM

I'm running Bosch H4's on mine. The hi/lo bulbs are 55/100 watt. They sure light up the night on high beam. Use a relay so that the bulbs get full voltage to them.

Bill72BB · 05-18-2004, 11:02 AM

I put the H4 conversion from one of the other vendors on the board . One of the best mods I ever done really improves visibility at night.

truck69 · 05-18-2004, 12:01 PM

Where did you find them on Ricks Part site? I did a search on h4 headlight but didnt find it. So I could get these for my 69 chevy custom camper...Take the light out and just plug the other in?

Thanks. Truck69

Fred T · 05-18-2004, 03:50 PM

They are listed in his 2004 catalog, not in his electronic shopping.

32-3046 67-72 exc. GMC H4 headlight conversion set up DOT approved (includes 2 glass housings and 2 H4 bulbs), no modifications are needed - 35.00

Thanks for info, all.

*rickspickuppart* · 05-18-2004, 07:32 PM

they don't require any mods to install them and Fred pretty much covered everything else.

Shawn

**BOSS** · 05-18-2004, 07:47 PM

Shawn do you also carry the relays for the lights?I bought a set off of you a while ago and will be putting them in soon.Do you really need the relays for them?Thanx

*rickspickuppart* · 05-18-2004, 07:58 PM

I don't carry relays because they can be bought about anywhere for almost nothing, as far as needing them - IMO it would depend on what shape the harness and s/w are in, I have done them both ways w/ no great gain by using a relay, but that is w/ good harnesses and conectors (any corrosion will affect the final result). If you have a concern of the headlights overheating the s/w and burning it out, I know for a fact that ours sat at a show on a battery charger for 10 hours a day for 3 days with the lights on High Beam and it didn't have any problems.

The biggest difference you can make is by getting rid of the external voltage regulator and going to an internal one.

Shawn

jorgensensc · 05-18-2004, 09:20 PM

I bought the lights from ricks and they are absolutely the best!! They light up the night really nicely. I also did a relay after the install and must admit that I really didn't see much of an improvement, however my wiring harness was newer in the front. I will say that I do feel a little better about my headlight switch not going out... hope this helps a little.
Shawn

68C15 · 05-18-2004, 09:55 PM

Hey shawn, is there a setup available for a GMC with 4 headlights. $? already have relays working the original T-3 bulbs. just a little dim for my taste.

*rickspickuppart* · 05-18-2004, 10:21 PM

I have contacted the company that makes them and they don't have any plans to make them for a 4 headlight setup.

Shawn

68C15 · 05-18-2004, 11:45 PM

Carl71 · 05-18-2004, 11:50 PM

I got mine from Ricks, work great...

jimfulco · 05-19-2004, 01:59 AM

There are 5-3/4" H4/H1 conversions on ebay, both as single lamps or as sets of four lamps (2-H1 for high beam only & 2-H4 for high/low). Search words: hella conversion

Stepsides 4Ever · 05-19-2004, 02:48 AM

Quote:

The biggest difference you can make is by getting rid of the external voltage regulator and going to an internal one.

Forgive my naivete, but why would that matter? Don't they both serve the same function? Do you get more voltage out of an internal regulator?

68C15 · 05-19-2004, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stepsides 4Ever

Forgive my naivete, but why would that matter? Don't they both serve the same function? Do you get more voltage out of an internal regulator?

the biggest gain comes from the fact that an int. reg. alt. can put out a higher amp rating. ext. type is limmited to 63A (I think)
go for the 3 wire style, they hold up better in the long run.

truck69 · 05-19-2004, 07:02 AM

Sorry if this has been covered... question ...So with my 1969 Chevy Camper Custom I can take the orginal lights out and just throw these H4 headlights in and they will be alot brighter than what I have?

Truck69.

kbs71 · 08-28-2004, 02:26 AM

Go to www.suvlights.com They have both the &' and 5" available.

rustyg · 08-28-2004, 06:56 AM

Hey Shawn , can I get an 04 catalog to 13887 gardenia ct Corona Ca. 92880

72C203503ONTHETREE · 08-28-2004, 11:15 AM

I installed my H4's in my 72 with no relay. They are very bright and it has the orignal 72 wiring, but nothing much corrodes here in the south like it does in the north. The switch hasnt given me any troubles yet either.

05-17-2004, 11:54 PM	#1
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	H4 headlight conversion question A while back Shawn (Rick's parts) was selling H4 headlight conversions. Did anyone install them, and how did they work? __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

05-18-2004, 09:17 AM	#2
72C203503ONTHETREE Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Grant, Alabama Posts: 504	I have had Hella H4 conversions on my 74 Corolla and 76 Landcruiser FJ40. It makes a big difference, much more light and the pattern was also perfect. I am wanting to put H4 lights on my truck also, still have the ones from the FJ40 but they are in Iowa and wont be able to get them until July. Its easy to do, just like putting sealed beam headlights in, just remove three screws and a plug and put in the new H4 assembly. __________________ 72 Chevy C20, SOLD (Dang it.) 09 Challanger RT six speed in all black. 74 Datsun 710 wagon, all 1.8 liters of screaming Datsun power. 73 C10 long bed, 350/350 combo, nice shape.

05-18-2004, 11:02 AM	#4
Bill72BB Thats the Hillbilly way Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance,Ca Posts: 5,979	I put the H4 conversion from one of the other vendors on the board . One of the best mods I ever done really improves visibility at night. __________________ BILL Torrance Calif 90504 Member DUF Club Member Old Farts Club 72 3/4ton Custom Camper BB402/400 trans Dynomax Cerama-coat headers , Hei distributor ,Edelbrock 1411 air,ps,pb,leafsprings ,98 chevy 60/40 seat,S10 shoulder belts tilt,3.54 Dana 60 rear. 16" Eagle wheels with LT265/75 16 tires,Gaylord Lid,H4 headlights with 100W relay conversion. " If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself " Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative. A GUY'S PRAYER.... Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and likes to fish and hunt and has a Harley .Amen ,

05-18-2004, 03:50 PM	#6
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	They are listed in his 2004 catalog, not in his electronic shopping. 32-3046 67-72 exc. GMC H4 headlight conversion set up DOT approved (includes 2 glass housings and 2 H4 bulbs), no modifications are needed - 35.00 Thanks for info, all. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

05-18-2004, 07:47 PM	#8
BOSS Just here to help Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Norwood,Mo Posts: 3,890	Shawn do you also carry the relays for the lights?I bought a set off of you a while ago and will be putting them in soon.Do you really need the relays for them?Thanx __________________ Support our site Norwood Survivor

05-18-2004, 09:33 AM	#3
Shane65 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Ontario Posts: 108	I'm running Bosch H4's on mine. The hi/lo bulbs are 55/100 watt. They sure light up the night on high beam. Use a relay so that the bulbs get full voltage to them.

05-18-2004, 12:01 PM	#5
truck69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 323	Where did you find them on Ricks Part site? I did a search on h4 headlight but didnt find it. So I could get these for my 69 chevy custom camper...Take the light out and just plug the other in? Thanks. Truck69

05-18-2004, 07:32 PM	#7
rickspickuppart Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,284	they don't require any mods to install them and Fred pretty much covered everything else. Shawn

05-18-2004, 07:58 PM	#9
rickspickuppart Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,284	I don't carry relays because they can be bought about anywhere for almost nothing, as far as needing them - IMO it would depend on what shape the harness and s/w are in, I have done them both ways w/ no great gain by using a relay, but that is w/ good harnesses and conectors (any corrosion will affect the final result). If you have a concern of the headlights overheating the s/w and burning it out, I know for a fact that ours sat at a show on a battery charger for 10 hours a day for 3 days with the lights on High Beam and it didn't have any problems. The biggest difference you can make is by getting rid of the external voltage regulator and going to an internal one. Shawn

05-18-2004, 09:20 PM	#10
jorgensensc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cypress, Tx Posts: 4,005	I bought the lights from ricks and they are absolutely the best!! They light up the night really nicely. I also did a relay after the install and must admit that I really didn't see much of an improvement, however my wiring harness was newer in the front. I will say that I do feel a little better about my headlight switch not going out... hope this helps a little. Shawn __________________ 1972 C20 Suburban- Big Blue Betty '56 Chevy Bel Air Sedan- Frame up Restoration -What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?- -I Refuse To Tiptoe Through Life, Only To Arrive Safely At Death's Door- R.I.P. EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

05-18-2004, 09:55 PM	#11
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Hey shawn, is there a setup available for a GMC with 4 headlights. $? already have relays working the original T-3 bulbs. just a little dim for my taste. __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

05-18-2004, 10:21 PM	#12
rickspickuppart Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,284	Gmc I have contacted the company that makes them and they don't have any plans to make them for a 4 headlight setup. Shawn

05-18-2004, 11:45 PM	#13
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	__________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

05-18-2004, 11:50 PM	#14
Carl71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 242	I got mine from Ricks, work great...

05-19-2004, 01:59 AM	#15
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	There are 5-3/4" H4/H1 conversions on ebay, both as single lamps or as sets of four lamps (2-H1 for high beam only & 2-H4 for high/low). Search words: hella conversion



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05-19-2004, 07:02 AM	#18
truck69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 323	Sorry if this has been covered... question ...So with my 1969 Chevy Camper Custom I can take the orginal lights out and just throw these H4 headlights in and they will be alot brighter than what I have? Truck69.

08-28-2004, 02:26 AM	#19
kbs71 71 rustless in texas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 257	Go to www.suvlights.com They have both the &' and 5" available.

08-28-2004, 06:56 AM	#20
rustyg Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Gap-Pa. Posts: 186	Hey Shawn , can I get an 04 catalog to 13887 gardenia ct Corona Ca. 92880 __________________ 71 k10 swb 72 k5 72 Burb 4x4 72 GMC Burb 4x4 Last edited by rustyg; 08-28-2004 at 06:58 AM.

08-28-2004, 11:15 AM	#21
72C203503ONTHETREE Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Grant, Alabama Posts: 504	I installed my H4's in my 72 with no relay. They are very bright and it has the orignal 72 wiring, but nothing much corrodes here in the south like it does in the north. The switch hasnt given me any troubles yet either. __________________ 72 Chevy C20, SOLD (Dang it.) 09 Challanger RT six speed in all black. 74 Datsun 710 wagon, all 1.8 liters of screaming Datsun power. 73 C10 long bed, 350/350 combo, nice shape.

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