Re: Halogen Lights (Was: Re: Flasher Fizzle)

[vwnate1@juno.com]

Here's the deal on Halogen headlamps ;

 They draw more current so you're wiring has to be up to snuff - if
you've got dim lights ,have to tap or wiggle the headlight switch to make
it work , DO NOT install Halogen lamps ! you will cause all kinds of
electrical problems ~ I get most of my vintage electrical work this way -
the owner installs new fancy Halogen lamps and soon has electrical fire
or burns out the original switch , generator , regulator etc. - you must
first  repair all the crummy splices in your harness using SOLDER , not
crimp connectors, then remove and clean ALL the ground connectors , check
the charging system and then you may install more powerfull lights - may
I suggest using # 6016 headligh bulbs ? these are very bright (truck
lamps) and do not draw much more current .  

 If you decideto gothe Halogen route - use H-1's not H-4's - they will
draw a LOT ofcurrent ,morethan your generator produced when it was new
,30 + years ago . I'd highly recomend installing an alternator if you
want Halogen lamps . I find that with properly serviced wireing and the
headlamps correctly adjusted , you can see very well indeed with the
stock lamps - remember too , seal beams get dim after many years , a set
of new # 6014 or #6016 bulbs might just be all the fix you need .

 To make  the very best of Halogen lamps , install a headlight booster
relay - this takes the heavy current draw away from the headlight switch
- it is available from NAPA .

 They make neato Halogen tail lamp conversion kits too - NO ! I have a
Met taillight lens that is melted from just this thing - they are very
hot and there's not enough room between the bulb and the lens to
dissapate heat . Meguiere's makes some really good plastic polish that I
use to bring back old , dead lenses ,you will not believe how bright your
taillights will be after you polish   the lenses .


   -Nate