Replacement Headlight Bulbs for More Light?
#1
Burning Brakes
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Replacement Headlight Bulbs for More Light?
For my '86 NA, are there any replacement headlight bulbs that will give me more light without the problem of overloading the wiring? I've looked around a little and all the replacements seem to draw more current. I thought there may have been some advancements in bulb technology the past 20 years. I'd like more light if it's easy to come by, but I don't want to hassle with rewiring or running the risk of burning up!
Thanks,
Paul
Thanks,
Paul
#2
I did a replacement with the Sylvania SilverStar lights. I found them to be somewhat of an improvement over stock (assuming doing nothing than just changing the sealed beam units).
#3
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Try E-code units made by Cibie, Hella, or Bosch.
Use a standard 55/60 watt H4; you see better because the light is better focused/distributed by better optics. Don't waste your money on bulbs with any color film or tint on them to fake a hotter/whiter color temperature! Just get haloge or halogen + xenon bulbs, but the colorless ones (I think that's what the SilverStars are - ?).
Where to find E-code lighting (a few suggestions of many possibilities):
Cibie - Iceshark on this list I think sells them. Or try www.danielsternlighting.com
Hella - www.rallylights.com
Bosch - www.mbclassiccincinnatti.com will sometimes have them on the shelf
I've heard most people say that Cibie are the best in terms of quality and light distribution/pattern. Any of them should be an improvement over sealed beam. . .
- TK
Use a standard 55/60 watt H4; you see better because the light is better focused/distributed by better optics. Don't waste your money on bulbs with any color film or tint on them to fake a hotter/whiter color temperature! Just get haloge or halogen + xenon bulbs, but the colorless ones (I think that's what the SilverStars are - ?).
Where to find E-code lighting (a few suggestions of many possibilities):
Cibie - Iceshark on this list I think sells them. Or try www.danielsternlighting.com
Hella - www.rallylights.com
Bosch - www.mbclassiccincinnatti.com will sometimes have them on the shelf
I've heard most people say that Cibie are the best in terms of quality and light distribution/pattern. Any of them should be an improvement over sealed beam. . .
- TK
#4
This will sound like some sort of Ancient History lesson but I have a pair of Hella 7" round headlights with replaceable halogen bulbs that I bought in 1971 (I bought them from a guy with a BMW and put them in a Volvo). I believe they are obsolete now but they still shine great and a huge improvement over the regular old sealed beams. Last time a bulb burnt out I was able to find two so bought them both and now I have a spare. My point would be to see if you can find something like this only a newer model. Good luck and let us all know if you find something.
#6
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The wiring kit is great but you can also get tons of light from E code lamps and decent H4 bulbs. I am running E codes from (gasp!) JC Whitney that have been great. The bulbs they sell are crap but I was able to buy lenses without bulbs and got some good H4's at the auto parts store. Just do not go overwattage with the stock wiring. It'll melt stuff.
-Joel.
-Joel.
#7
Rennlist Member
Putting in a couple of relays and wiring a hot to the battery is not hard then you can go 90W and really see the light.
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#12
Chainsaw
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I'm not meaning to be a wise guy but...
I find a great improvement in lighting if I wipe the lenses off. They get dirty and when cleaning the car, I often forget to open the lights and clean them.
I find a great improvement in lighting if I wipe the lenses off. They get dirty and when cleaning the car, I often forget to open the lights and clean them.
#13
I put some H4 conversion headlights w/halogens. They look much better than the sealed beams one that where 20years old. I plan to replace the bulbs with xenon bulbs soon. Then xenons are rated 35 watts vs the 50/60 watt halogons. So, I hope that I don't need to upgrade my wiring.