R-Overland
Adventurer
the LED's compare to HID but are almost indestructible , which is a great thing for off roading
Headlight Conversion for RRC advice
- Thread starter livetoride
- Start date
I have the Hella H4 conversion headlights on my 1955 classic since 2002. Originally I used the Hella +50 bulbs that came with the H4 conversion headlights,and they were much brighter than the stock headlights. These Hella bulbs had the same amperage draw as the stock headlights, so there is no issue with regards to upgrade with a new harness and relays. Years later, when one of the Hella +50 went out on the low beam, I was looking for an immediate replacement, as the bulbs had to ordered and shipped (3 to 5 day wait). I did some research and found out that the Silvania Silverstar bulbs were even brighter that the Hella +50 bulbs, and still had the same amperage draw as the stock headlights. I was able to immediately purchase the bulbs at Napa, Autozone, O'reilly's, Pep boys, etc. After installing the Silverstar bulbs, my fog lights and driving lights looked orange in color, compared to the headlights. So I changed out to Silverstar bulbs in these lights as well. A year ago one of the Silverstar bulbs went out on low beam, so I replaced it with the Silverstar Ultra, which is even brighter than the standard Silverstar, and still had the same amperage draw as the stock headlights.
The higher amperage bulbs are fantastic, but required heavier wiring and relays, due to higher amperage draw, to prevent burning up the light switch and the existing harness. These bulbs can be hard to find, if you don't carry a spare set with you.
For ease of replacement, as well as availability, when on or off the road, I have been very happy with the Silverstar products. I still have the original light switch in my 1955 Classic, and have no problems with any of the wiring harness.
The higher amperage bulbs are fantastic, but required heavier wiring and relays, due to higher amperage draw, to prevent burning up the light switch and the existing harness. These bulbs can be hard to find, if you don't carry a spare set with you.
For ease of replacement, as well as availability, when on or off the road, I have been very happy with the Silverstar products. I still have the original light switch in my 1955 Classic, and have no problems with any of the wiring harness.
VanIsle_Greg
I think I need a bigger truck!
Hella or Cibie are an excellent option for an upgrade. I tried the Autopal route, was not worth it. Scattery light pattern, only ok quality. They work, but I would not buy them again. I lucked out and found a set of 200 MM Hella E Code (ECE) with 100 Watt High in them used for $40.00 (Cherokee XJ). The things looked like they were never installed they were so mint. Anyhow, I had already installed an upgraded wiring harness from eautoworks, swapped the fuseable links for some water tight fuse holders and have never looked back.
Great cutoff, excellent light output and with the fused/relayed harness, far superior and safer light! Highly recommended upgrade, even better in round!
Great cutoff, excellent light output and with the fused/relayed harness, far superior and safer light! Highly recommended upgrade, even better in round!
Red90
Adventurer
I had Hella H4s with upgraded wiring and the light was great. I did find two problems though.
1) They are not waterproof and I do not believe any H4 units can be. If you wade with water over the headlights, they get water in them.
2) H4 bulbs have fairly low bulb life. If you run with your lights on a lot, this is a PITA.
Other than HID and LED units (both expensive), the only other option I found was lamps from a Hummer H2, sold by Detroitspeed as a kit. The light pattern is really nice, they are completely waterproof and you can use very long life bulbs.
My review is here: http://rovers.red90.ca/Bright_Driver/Lights.html
1) They are not waterproof and I do not believe any H4 units can be. If you wade with water over the headlights, they get water in them.
2) H4 bulbs have fairly low bulb life. If you run with your lights on a lot, this is a PITA.
Other than HID and LED units (both expensive), the only other option I found was lamps from a Hummer H2, sold by Detroitspeed as a kit. The light pattern is really nice, they are completely waterproof and you can use very long life bulbs.
My review is here: http://rovers.red90.ca/Bright_Driver/Lights.html