headlight conversion

[GreyGoose006]

it seems that my headlights in my 84 caprice classic are not as bright as they could be.

i have replaced the low beams and it didnt really help much.

i was thinking about this:
http://www.shop.com/op/~Headlight_Co...-prod-17119496

will it work?

is there such a thing as sealed beam halogens that are higher than 55 amps, because thats the highest i could find.

if i used the conversion kit, then i could go a lot higher than 55 amps, but it seems like it would be hard to do.

any ideas....

[silicon212]

It's not 55 amps, it's 55 watts. You don't want anything more powerful than that, because the dimmer switch (all headlight current flows through the dimmer switch) cannot handle more.

All the conversion kit lets you do is run composite-type bulbs, i.e. 9003 (most common), 9005, 9006 etc.

[GreyGoose006]

yeah, 55 watts.

then how do i get my headlights to be brighter?

i've aimed them as best as i can, and they still seem too dark.


by dimmer switch, do you mean the one on the dashboard that controls the dash lights?

could i upgrade that then?

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by GreyGoose006

yeah, 55 watts.

then how do i get my headlights to be brighter?

i've aimed them as best as i can, and they still seem too dark.


by dimmer switch, do you mean the one on the dashboard that controls the dash lights?

could i upgrade that then?

No, the dimmer switch is controlled by the turn signal lever, controls low and high beam.

If the lights are dim, try making sure they're aimed so that parked at 25' on level ground from a wall, they are aimed slightly below, and to the right of, the headlight centerlines X and Y axis.

I've had good luck running Silver Star lamps for the last 3 years, some don't like them (they have a bluish look to them next to regular headlights). YMMV.

[GreyGoose006]

so i need a new relay?

[GreyGoose006]

anybody?

the dimmer switch, is it upgradeable?

[silicon212]

The best thing is to get the best 55 watt headlamps you can. There are legality issues with more powerful lamps. I don't know about there, but here in Mesa they hand out tickets for that. Remember, as with most traffic laws, these are illegal for a reason - they glare and could cause an accident situation for oncoming drivers. Plus, the upgrading needed done on the headlight circuit ... there is not a more heavy duty version of the switch and the circuit does not use a relay. Theoretically, you COULD add a relay circuit in order to bring the power availability up.

I am using 55 watt bulbs and my car lights the road like no tomorrow.

[GreyGoose006]

well i have 55 watt-ers. they are NAPA brand.
the original high beams work well but the low beams are just not bright enough.
for example, if its night and the road is wet, i can be driving and cant even tell that the lights are on.

[speeddevil]

i was using street glows 100 watters for my car, had no problem, was able to see far enough and gave lights a nice blue glow, i am pretty sure you can use higher wattage bulbs in your ride, by looking at what u posted the lens looks clearer then whats on caprices normally,

[1968 Pontiac]

LMC truck sells an adapter harness that draws power directly from the battery for 1988-1998 Chev/GMC trucks. I don't know how easy it is to adapt for car use, but it may save you from burning up your light switch. That happened to my brother years ago on his 1972 F@#d truck into which he installed some off road halogens that drew lots of current.

[463]

Hi go check http://www.danielsternlighting.com/home.html

[463]

now that i see this posting works. in 1982 in a new olds i was left in the dark after using hi beams (h4 & h1 55/60 watt) when the dimmer switch cooked. thats when i fabed up my 1st wire/relay kit and repeated on 7 more pre 1990 gm auto with great results. as of late i use http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProd...otiveLighting/ silver stars or the ultras with nice results. Iam waiting on a set of projectors for the 2007 colbalt ss s/c that will have a set of hids (my first go with hids)

[silicon212]

HIDs would be great but they don't make HID conversion kits for cars with the older rectangular headlights. I might do an HID conversion on my car as prices come down. That's a great idea. The HID lamps use less power and generate a lot more light in a less harsh, more pleasing color. They last longer too, but where to mount the ballast for them ... hmmm ...

[463]

the hids for the colbalt require slight mods to the houseing to accept the hid bulb. on the caprice this could be compleated with a full quarts 4x6" lamp house and fab to fit the hids. where there is a will there is a way Trueman 463

[kdrolt]

http://impalassforum.com/cgi-bin/ult...f=25&submit=Go

then use the Search button at upper right using the keywords:

headlight harness

You will find many threads concerning buying, or building, an upgraded wiring harness for the headlights. This involves using a smaller (number) gauge wire that's got more copper... so you can get the full voltage at the headlight, and that will make it noticeably brighter even with the stock bulbs.

I'd start there before you do anything else. HTH.