Headlights

[JimNolan]

Do I need to add relays to be able to run halogen headlights on my 57. And, if you do, who sells a system already put together. Thanks

[SkylinerRon]

Normally standard replacement Halogens will work ok.
Higher power ones will definatelly require higher capacity parts.
Just remember you may have a 58 yr old relay and wiring.
Goodluck,
Ron.

[RICH MUISE]

What Ron said. Sylvania makes a halogen in 3 different brightnesses that use the same connector plug as the originals. I opted for the cheap lower output ones because I found out it was what I pulled out of the car 10 years ago and had them on my shelf. I thought they were just the old fashioned sealed beams, and dusted them off just to check out my new wiring. I was surprised to find out they were halogens. I figured if I used them nightly with my old wiring when the car was my daily driver, they certainly should be ok, as others have posted, with my new wiring. The lower output ones are at Walmarts...8.88 ea.The higher output ones are at AutoZone. They look just like the original sealed beams.
From there you can move up to lenses usually with smooth glass, and replaceable bulbs...like our newer cars. I believe those type should definetly use a relay kit. The connectors are different on those also.
So, my suggestion would be to buy a set a the cheapies and see if they improve the lighting enough for you
After testing these, I may go to a higher output. If I do, relay circuits are readily available that use a relay and bypass the headlight switch with the main current.

[Ecode70D]

   
     I'm using halogen headlights with my stock wires and relays and don't have any problems..   They are just old headlights  that I took from cars in the junk yard.

[Ford Blue blood]

Jim if you go with "off the shelf" bulbs you will be good to go.  If you are talking about the hi output seperate bulb/reflector system you should use relays.  If you want to see if the stock switch will handle the increased current install the hi output lamps and keep your hand on the light switch.  If you feel any warming that means you will need a relay system.

Ron Francis and Painless both sell kits to install the hi output lamps.

[MrArt2u]

I really need to update the headlights on my 1958 (other brand) truck that has a painless wiring harness and Sylvania halogens. I was directed to this site and, though I haven't spent any money here yet, I found it very informative on updating headlight wiring circuits:

http://danielsternlighting.com/tech/tech.html

Let me know what you think, I will be doing some headlight updating over the holidays.

[RICH MUISE]

Sure beats the heck out of a "I don't actually know anything, I just sell" ebay purchase. You mentioned a painless system. I'd check their offerings just to keep it in the family.

[Zapato]

Jim, ebay seller rodtique has exactly what you are asking for.

H4 headlight relay wiring harness 2 head light sytems. 

Zap

[JimNolan]

Jim, ebay seller rodtique has exactly what you are asking for.

H4 headlight relay wiring harness 2 head light sytems. 

Zap

Zap,
  I couldn't find Rodtique but I found Octane Lighting and they have two Halogen bulbs. One is 60/55 W and the other is 100/90 watt. They claim 30% and 50% increase respectively. They also have a harness that looked like what I needed for $35 bucks. Would I need a harness for the 60/55W bulbs. Thanks, Jim

[Ford Blue blood]

Yes!

[JimNolan]

Also, is the 100/90 bulb too much. I don't want to be that guy that I hate coming at me. But, I don't know what kind of lights those are that I hate coming at me. Jim

[hiball3985]

Also, is the 100/90 bulb too much. I don't want to be that guy that I hate coming at me. But, I don't know what kind of lights those are that I hate coming at me. Jim

Is it just me or do you also feel like shooting at those people  Some of those damn things should be outlawed..

[Ford Blue blood]

Also, is the 100/90 bulb too much. I don't want to be that guy that I hate coming at me. But, I don't know what kind of lights those are that I hate coming at me. Jim

No problems if they are properly adjusted.  Those style lights have a much sharper cut off (focus) on the low beams much like modern cars.  Hi beams are a different story, they cover a bunch of road for a long distance ahead.  I personally think this is a much needed mod for cars that are more then show queens.

[hiball3985]

It's not only the guy coming towards you, I had a guy in a truck behind me that was blinding me in the mirrors, I was ready to slam on the brakes and take out his grill and lights. That was with the wifes car of course  I don't think these are Halogens, they are some other killers

[JimNolan]

Alright guys,
    Done, got the relay harness ($35) and two Clear Glass H6024 bulbs ($35) that suppose to push 30% more light that standard bulbs and still fit my 57 without cutting the back out of my original headlight buckets. Would have liked to had the brighter lights but they are longer than original bulbs. Shipping was $24 but I'm getting what I think would look good and do a better job than what I have now.