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Topic: Headlight Replacement

in Forum: C3 Electrical

Headlight Replacement

Posted: 11/18/18 6:00am Message 1 of 6
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SAUTEE NACOOCHEE, GA - USA
Joined: 7/16/2016
Posts: 14
Vette(s): '78 Silver Anniversary
I am in need of replacing both sets of headlights.  I'm not interested in high powered or anything requiring re-wiring.  Just good, quality standards and hi beams.

Suggestions / warnings ?

Thanks.  





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Re: Headlight Replacement

Posted: 11/18/18 8:18am Message 2 of 6
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Any parts house will have standard replacement bulbs. Go for the halogens, tho....more plentiful. GE or Sylvania brands are good quality. 


Joel Adams
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Re: Headlight Replacement

Posted: 11/25/18 3:39pm Message 3 of 6
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Gordonvillle, TX - USA
Joined: 11/28/2003
Posts: 228
Vette(s): 1968 Roadster 427
I went with the Halogen head lights, however they were drawing too much power and the lights would come on and off during a night drive. not a battery or alternator problem. Just not enough juice. 
I also have radiator fans drawing on the same current. 
The solution was to add relays to the head light circuit, not too much trouble and now my lights work probably better than most new cars. Great idea for any antique vehicle you want to drive at night. 




Re: Headlight Replacement

Posted: 11/25/18 6:46pm Message 4 of 6
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Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2465
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
Do you have the O.E.M. alternator, and what amperage is it. What do you have drawing power when driving at night? 60 amps should be adequate to power the lights with fans. If you run AC and a big stereo You may want to try a larger alternator.


Re: Headlight Replacement

Posted: 12/4/18 2:54pm Message 5 of 6
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Gordonvillle, TX - USA
Joined: 11/28/2003
Posts: 228
Vette(s): 1968 Roadster 427
125 amp alternator. With the elect fans, radio, halogen headlights the electrical system would not keep up. No AC, the relays really did the trick. 
I have all new wiring so that wasn't the problem. 





Re: Headlight Replacement

Posted: 12/4/18 7:33pm Message 6 of 6
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Could you hear a "click/clicking" noise from behind the dash when the headlights would go off? Chances are the problem with the doing the on/off thing is the headlight switch itself. There is a circuit breaker built into the headlight switch that will go open if there is too much of a draw on the circuit. Sometimes, it's not  just a large draw tho...the circuit breaker can fail, or weaken over time, and even flicker or go on/off with the stock lamps installed. Adding the relays is a good work around, and will work just fine....removes all of the amperage from the headlights off of the switch itself.  Thumbs Up


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

in Forum: C3 Electrical


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