Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Houston Ben · 07-26-2018, 09:32 PM

Hi all,
Low beams burn out and am considering upgrading. For those that upgraded, what did you upgrade to, how much, and where to buy? I have searched and there are many broken links and I'm afraid to buy the wrong things.

I could go with LMC, or just go to auto parts store and buy sylvania replacement.

Please help this troubled soul...

*gmachinz* · 07-26-2018, 09:41 PM

Single square or quad? I have kits available with relay upgrade...also with adjustable delay off also. Typically with my harnesses there is about a 20% increase in light output based on higher voltage tonthe headlights-and it doesnt matter if its sealed beam or composite.

cerial · 07-26-2018, 09:47 PM

I hate led/hid conversions and you will also. Sealed lights are simple and easy to replace. You never need to worry about frying, any kind of box, anything overheating, the lenses yellowing, water/condensation inside the light, or the light cracking.

Keep your factory sealed beams and run $10 lights. If you want brighter lights for off road install a led light bar. If the front end goes under water or you hit a deer you can go to your local parts store and be legal with sealed beam replacements before dark.

If you go with a conversion led/hid kit the company may disappear or it may take several days to get replacement parts.

Been there done that which is why I run sealed beams.

akart · 07-26-2018, 10:06 PM

Hello HB, I got the Hella housings from Amazon for about 50.00 each and a harness w/the relays for about 40.00. Not complicated. It uses the H4 bulbs and there is a wide selection of those any brightness you want and they switch out for less then new sealed beams and w/less hassle. They just plug into the back of the lamp housing. If you want to be the dullest/dimmest on the road stick to the original sealed beams.

DieselSJ · 07-27-2018, 02:01 PM

I used the Hella e-code housings. Got them from Amazon. Note these are not DOT approved and you will fail inspections if your state has them. Awesome pattern. Sharp cut-off at the top. The e-code has a way better pattern than the DOT versions.

SunSoaked · 07-27-2018, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akart

Hello HB, I got the Hella housings from Amazon for about 50.00 each and a harness w/the relays for about 40.00. Not complicated. It uses the H4 bulbs and there is a wide selection of those any brightness you want and they switch out for less then new sealed beams and w/less hassle. They just plug into the back of the lamp housing. If you want to be the dullest/dimmest on the road stick to the original sealed beams.

The Vortec style lights are the shizzzzz.

**MikeB** · 07-27-2018, 07:33 PM

Hella Vision Plus. Great lenses and reflectors that blow away sealed beams. Plug 'n' Play.

sweetk30 · 07-28-2018, 12:40 PM

j.w.speaker makes great lights for plug and play with no adaptors and control box's required .

i have a set of 4 in my quad light 81-87 style front nose and LOVE

them at night . true white light and hard defined cut off lines NOT a blob of light like cheep online import lights . i have not had anyone flash me yet thinking there high beams . and when you click all 4 they still do low beam with the high . they add the extra wire in there low beam to stay on with high .

i am in the north east snow belt so i got the heated for winter snow/ice and they work super . all automatic no extra wires or switches needed .

yes there big money but if you need to drive at night these are the one's for you . this coming from a guy who drives for a living .

top / pic's 1 and 2 = stock halogen off the shelf bulbs .

bottom / pic's 3 and 4 = j.w.speaker led bulbs .

low beam then high beam in each pic . the last pic is the fence at the end of my street with a sign on it . thats only my lawn and 1 house away from were i parked the truck and took pic's from driver seat . .. yes crappy cell phone 2m-pixal .

68longhorn · 07-28-2018, 07:15 PM

I went the same route as akart but added led h4 bulbs. Best decision ever

Houston Ben · 07-28-2018, 10:16 PM

Thanks for all the replies and thanks for the pics Sweetk30!! Decisions, decisions lol. I am going to look into all. I like the ease of new stock ones, but can't see crap on the road!

I also like the idea of having all 4 lights on at the same time when on hi beam. I will let you know what I decide!

Justins76 · 07-28-2018, 10:49 PM

Hella H4 housings with relay harness here. Hella replacement H4 bulbs are only about $5, plus they make overwattage bulbs for use with relay harnesses.

Justins76 · 07-28-2018, 10:57 PM

Low and High beams.

Houston Ben · 07-28-2018, 11:05 PM

akart, are these the items you bought?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0FMGLP3U&psc=1

Houston Ben · 07-28-2018, 11:06 PM

NICE! Thanks Justin!

peabobble · 07-29-2018, 12:37 PM

I also installed the Hellas and a relay harness. I love being able to see at night vs the dim sealed beams.

peabobble · 07-29-2018, 12:44 PM

I also installed the Hellas and a relay harness. I love being able to see at night vs the dim sealed beams.

Houston Ben · 08-04-2018, 05:41 PM

Hi all,
I still want to upgrade but need to know if the links in post #13 are the ones everyone bought? Sorry, I don't know much about electrical work and don't want to buy the wrong stuff.

Ben

akart · 08-04-2018, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston Ben

akart, are these the items you bought?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0FMGLP3U&psc=1

Hey Ben,I bought the Hella 003427291 @ 48 ea. 190X132MM (7 1/2"x 5 3/16") single light on each side. 1986 C10 body. The ones you have listed appear to be smaller ones for a dual head light setup. Measure your lamp housings as there are 2 sizes. Same harness I bought.

Houston Ben · 08-04-2018, 07:50 PM

Thanks Akart! Mine are measuring 6 1/2 x 4, I think I remember the guy I bought it from said he had an 85 burb front end on it, don't know if they would be different size or not.

akart · 08-05-2018, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston Ben

Thanks Akart! Mine are measuring 6 1/2 x 4, I think I remember the guy I bought it from said he had an 85 burb front end on it, don't know if they would be different size or not.

If you have the 6 1/2 X 4 the 164 X 103mm which you have selected would be correct. I seem to remember that in 1986 and other years close to that trucks could have either 2 or 4 head lights depending on the model. Same year.

Houston Ben · 08-05-2018, 02:39 PM

Well, I ordered them. Will let everyone know how the install goes!

focusedontheprize · 09-19-2018, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston Ben

Well, I ordered them. Will let everyone know how the install goes!

Any update on this Ben? Was following along and am thinking of doing the similar mod.

bbbc10 · 09-20-2018, 12:34 AM

I had h.i.ds in mine

trixter99 · 09-20-2018, 01:22 AM

JS speaker makes direct replacement high and low beam for the quad headlights they work awesome I have them in my Kenworth.

SBTork · 09-21-2018, 11:08 AM

I've had sylvania silverstars and HID's and these LED lights that TruckLite makes are 10000X better than anything. They're far superior to the headlights in the 2006 Silverado I had in the past. I've got these in my '85 Suburban and they're insanely amazing. I'll be getting a set for my '83 K5 too. They're not going to meet anyone's opinion of cheap or inexpensive but, in my opinion, they're worth every penny...
http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wcs...atalogId=10002

07-26-2018, 09:41 PM	#2
gmachinz Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA. Posts: 4,143	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? Single square or quad? I have kits available with relay upgrade...also with adjustable delay off also. Typically with my harnesses there is about a 20% increase in light output based on higher voltage tonthe headlights-and it doesnt matter if its sealed beam or composite.

07-26-2018, 09:47 PM	#3
cerial Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Ionia, MI Posts: 199	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? I hate led/hid conversions and you will also. Sealed lights are simple and easy to replace. You never need to worry about frying, any kind of box, anything overheating, the lenses yellowing, water/condensation inside the light, or the light cracking. Keep your factory sealed beams and run $10 lights. If you want brighter lights for off road install a led light bar. If the front end goes under water or you hit a deer you can go to your local parts store and be legal with sealed beam replacements before dark. If you go with a conversion led/hid kit the company may disappear or it may take several days to get replacement parts. Been there done that which is why I run sealed beams. __________________ 1991 Metro commuter 1991 s10 future project truck 1987 V10 backup daily/junk truck 1985 K20 Winter beater 1991 R30(squarebody) c/c flatbed towrig 1994 s10 80"wb custom build

07-26-2018, 10:06 PM	#4
akart Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Manley Hot Springs Alaska Posts: 253	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? Hello HB, I got the Hella housings from Amazon for about 50.00 each and a harness w/the relays for about 40.00. Not complicated. It uses the H4 bulbs and there is a wide selection of those any brightness you want and they switch out for less then new sealed beams and w/less hassle. They just plug into the back of the lamp housing. If you want to be the dullest/dimmest on the road stick to the original sealed beams.

07-27-2018, 02:01 PM	#5
DieselSJ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 574	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? I used the Hella e-code housings. Got them from Amazon. Note these are not DOT approved and you will fail inspections if your state has them. Awesome pattern. Sharp cut-off at the top. The e-code has a way better pattern than the DOT versions. __________________ 87 R30 CC Dually, TBI 454, NV4500, zero rust barn find 87 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 6.5 turbodiesel, 700R4

07-27-2018, 07:33 PM	#7
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,409	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? Hella Vision Plus. Great lenses and reflectors that blow away sealed beams. Plug 'n' Play. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 34 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 23 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

07-26-2018, 09:32 PM	#1
Houston Ben Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 713	Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? Hi all, Low beams burn out and am considering upgrading. For those that upgraded, what did you upgrade to, how much, and where to buy? I have searched and there are many broken links and I'm afraid to buy the wrong things. I could go with LMC, or just go to auto parts store and buy sylvania replacement. Please help this troubled soul... __________________ 1986 C10, 2011 5.3 w/6L80, 3.42 w/ Detroit TrutTrac Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584532

07-28-2018, 12:40 PM	#8
sweetk30 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: horseheads,ny rust belt Posts: 2,794	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? j.w.speaker makes great lights for plug and play with no adaptors and control box's required . i have a set of 4 in my quad light 81-87 style front nose and LOVE them at night . true white light and hard defined cut off lines NOT a blob of light like cheep online import lights . i have not had anyone flash me yet thinking there high beams . and when you click all 4 they still do low beam with the high . they add the extra wire in there low beam to stay on with high . i am in the north east snow belt so i got the heated for winter snow/ice and they work super . all automatic no extra wires or switches needed . yes there big money but if you need to drive at night these are the one's for you . this coming from a guy who drives for a living . top / pic's 1 and 2 = stock halogen off the shelf bulbs . bottom / pic's 3 and 4 = j.w.speaker led bulbs . low beam then high beam in each pic . the last pic is the fence at the end of my street with a sign on it . thats only my lawn and 1 house away from were i parked the truck and took pic's from driver seat . .. yes crappy cell phone 2m-pixal . Attached Images __________________ 77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great. Last edited by sweetk30; 07-28-2018 at 12:49 PM.

07-28-2018, 07:15 PM	#9
68longhorn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 1,123	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? I went the same route as akart but added led h4 bulbs. Best decision ever __________________ 1986 Custom Deluxe 10 1978 Caprice 2 door - sold 1937 Chevrolet 2 door sedan - project

07-28-2018, 10:16 PM	#10
Houston Ben Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 713	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? Thanks for all the replies and thanks for the pics Sweetk30!! Decisions, decisions lol. I am going to look into all. I like the ease of new stock ones, but can't see crap on the road! I also like the idea of having all 4 lights on at the same time when on hi beam. I will let you know what I decide! __________________ 1986 C10, 2011 5.3 w/6L80, 3.42 w/ Detroit TrutTrac Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584532

07-28-2018, 10:49 PM	#11
Justins76 OutOfMyMind & I'llNeverKnowWhy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Another world, some other time Posts: 672	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? Hella H4 housings with relay harness here. Hella replacement H4 bulbs are only about $5, plus they make overwattage bulbs for use with relay harnesses. Attached Images __________________ -Justin-Out of my mind and I'll never know why 1976 Chevrolet Silverado C10 350 4bbl / TH350 Big10 longbed 1986 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TPI 700R4 WS6 1992 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TBI 700R4 My cardomain page I don't like to save, it's more fun to spend!!

07-28-2018, 10:57 PM	#12
Justins76 OutOfMyMind & I'llNeverKnowWhy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Another world, some other time Posts: 672	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? Low and High beams. Attached Images __________________ -Justin-Out of my mind and I'll never know why 1976 Chevrolet Silverado C10 350 4bbl / TH350 Big10 longbed 1986 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TPI 700R4 WS6 1992 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TBI 700R4 My cardomain page I don't like to save, it's more fun to spend!!

07-28-2018, 11:05 PM	#13
Houston Ben Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 713	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? akart, are these the items you bought? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0FMGLP3U&psc=1 __________________ 1986 C10, 2011 5.3 w/6L80, 3.42 w/ Detroit TrutTrac Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584532

07-28-2018, 11:06 PM	#14
Houston Ben Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 713	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? NICE! Thanks Justin! __________________ 1986 C10, 2011 5.3 w/6L80, 3.42 w/ Detroit TrutTrac Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584532

07-29-2018, 12:37 PM	#15
peabobble Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Drop Posts: 25	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? I also installed the Hellas and a relay harness. I love being able to see at night vs the dim sealed beams.

07-29-2018, 12:44 PM	#16
peabobble Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Drop Posts: 25	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? I also installed the Hellas and a relay harness. I love being able to see at night vs the dim sealed beams.



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08-04-2018, 05:41 PM	#17
Houston Ben Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 713	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? Hi all, I still want to upgrade but need to know if the links in post #13 are the ones everyone bought? Sorry, I don't know much about electrical work and don't want to buy the wrong stuff. Ben __________________ 1986 C10, 2011 5.3 w/6L80, 3.42 w/ Detroit TrutTrac Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584532

08-04-2018, 07:50 PM	#19
Houston Ben Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 713	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? Thanks Akart! Mine are measuring 6 1/2 x 4, I think I remember the guy I bought it from said he had an 85 burb front end on it, don't know if they would be different size or not. __________________ 1986 C10, 2011 5.3 w/6L80, 3.42 w/ Detroit TrutTrac Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584532 Last edited by Houston Ben; 08-04-2018 at 07:56 PM.

08-05-2018, 02:39 PM	#21
Houston Ben Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 713	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? Well, I ordered them. Will let everyone know how the install goes! __________________ 1986 C10, 2011 5.3 w/6L80, 3.42 w/ Detroit TrutTrac Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584532

09-20-2018, 12:34 AM	#23
bbbc10 Diggin The SquareLife Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: garland,tx Posts: 1,933	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? I had h.i.ds in mine

09-20-2018, 01:22 AM	#24
trixter99 I have no time for this Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Fort St John B.C. CANADA Posts: 434	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? JS speaker makes direct replacement high and low beam for the quad headlights they work awesome I have them in my Kenworth. __________________ 1986 Chevy short box ( PROJECT ) 1994 Chevy Blazer lifted 6" 2009 Gmc 2500 HD 1999 Hugger orange Camaro SS 2007 BMW X5 Sport

09-21-2018, 11:08 AM	#25
SBTork Garage wrench Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaCrosse, WI Posts: 1,856	Re: Upgrade low beam headlights or replace with slyvania? I've had sylvania silverstars and HID's and these LED lights that TruckLite makes are 10000X better than anything. They're far superior to the headlights in the 2006 Silverado I had in the past. I've got these in my '85 Suburban and they're insanely amazing. I'll be getting a set for my '83 K5 too. They're not going to meet anyone's opinion of cheap or inexpensive but, in my opinion, they're worth every penny... http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wcs...atalogId=10002 __________________ -Adam 90 V1500 GMC Suburban 350/700R4/NP241..... 01 Saturn SL1 stock DD.....

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