NE1 tried any LED headlight conversions?
#2863972
12/23/20 04:55 PM
12/23/20 04:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,548 Albany, NY
67SATisfaction
OP
The member whose name is actually Art
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OP
The member whose name is actually Art
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,548
Albany, NY
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Hey, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, New Years, etc etc.... I didn't get results other than halo lights when I searched here for any posts on LED headlight conversions. I'm thinking the lower amperage draw of LED headlights would improve light output and voltage drop in the wiring without having to go to relays.. .. Has anyone installed any of the direct replacement, plug-and-play LED headlight products that are available? There are some from HELLA.. https://smile.amazon.com/HELLA-0023...608756209&sr=8-1&tag=googhydr-20... then there are products from websites that are just resellers of probably Chinese products... with varying customer reviews... https://ledheadlight.com/products/h...TC_yBeDU3PJIOjNdusN9rCkn-KBoCsc8QAvD_BwECheers, - Art
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
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Re: NE1 tried any LED headlight conversions?
[Re: topside]
#2864109
12/23/20 10:20 PM
12/23/20 10:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,525 Michigan
MarkZ
Worthy
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Worthy
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,525
Michigan
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This was just a test - I haven't actually installed these yet. The bulbs are 5000 lumen LED H4 conversion, in a 4x6 sealed beam to H4 conversion housing. So a conversion on a conversion I guess. The housings I got off of eBay for $40 for a set of four and the bulbs are from Superbrightled.com. What was weird is the high/low wiring is reversed on the connector for these bulbs even though its the standard three prong plug. The photos show the LED in low beam mode looking at the car and in high beam mode looking across the street.
1987 Fifth Avenue - 512/518/D60
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Re: NE1 tried any LED headlight conversions?
[Re: buzz440]
#2864138
12/23/20 11:28 PM
12/23/20 11:28 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,309 Laveen, Arizona
GTSDart340
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,309
Laveen, Arizona
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I agree, all I can find are the euro styles which are flat glass, which looks ok in my Dart. I want to convert my 49 International truck, but since everything is curved the flat lights would look funny.
Last edited by GTSDart340; 12/23/20 11:28 PM.
1949 International KB-2 "Mater" - 302/T5
1968 Dodge Dart GTS "The Drat" - 340/727
2006 Dodge Magnum R/T - Hemi
2016 Dodge Durango Limited - 3.6
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Re: NE1 tried any LED headlight conversions?
[Re: GTSDart340]
#2864147
12/23/20 11:47 PM
12/23/20 11:47 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,951 Spokane Valley, WA
Big Bad Bee
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,951
Spokane Valley, WA
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It’s seriously odd that there is no direct replacement yet that looks like the convex shape of the original bulb. At any rate, for me, I did the wiring conversion with relays and ceramic plug ends so that the headlight power is coming directly from the battery. I think that’s a good decision no matter which way you go with headlights.
I’m listening.
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Re: NE1 tried any LED headlight conversions?
[Re: GTSDart340]
#2864172
12/24/20 01:14 AM
12/24/20 01:14 AM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,616 Downtown Roebuck Ont
Twostick
Still wishing...
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Still wishing...
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,616
Downtown Roebuck Ont
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I agree, all I can find are the euro styles which are flat glass, which looks ok in my Dart. I want to convert my 49 International truck, but since everything is curved the flat lights would look funny. There's a wack of different ones. If you live in the land of ice and snow, you absolutely need heated ones because they generate no heat and 5 seconds into a snow fall the lights a an inch thick in snow and you can't see. Link to Iowa 80. Lots of OEM truck stuff but the list has a bunch of conventional type bulbs. https://www.iowa80.com/lighting/hea...oCNikQAvD_BwE&product_list_limit=110Kevin
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Re: NE1 tried any LED headlight conversions?
[Re: Sniper]
#2864233
12/24/20 10:32 AM
12/24/20 10:32 AM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 752 North of the Motor City
DartGTDan
super stock
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super stock
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 752
North of the Motor City
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I put 2012 Jeep Wrangler headlamps (using relays) in my '71 Dart GT. It is a bolt in, but you will need the donor wiring connector shell.
Last edited by DartGTDan; 12/27/20 06:50 PM.
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Re: NE1 tried any LED headlight conversions?
[Re: 67SATisfaction]
#2864267
12/24/20 11:44 AM
12/24/20 11:44 AM
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Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 3 CT
Rollo!
member
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member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 3
CT
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I bought into the 4 Delta LEDs for my 71 bee with hidden headlamps. I had a relay set up for halogens but it is not necessary. Pros: Made in USA 6000 K white light Plenty of lumens Curved bulbs similar to OEM Great distance and illumination for low beams vs halogens Even better distance with high beams. Maybe 150+ yards. High beams have a full developed pattern Significantly reduced amp draw vs halogens Cons: EXPENSIVE. My restoration guy is a dealer so I got a better price. The lense line pattern on the bulb glass is similar to but does not match OEM style The lense curve is slightly flatter compared to OEM (With hidden head lamps its no problem.) Low beam pattern is oddly splotchy up close to the car but blends in at about 50 feet due to the LEDs. I am used to it. Buckets needed to be slightly trimmed, no big deal. I bought these for Drag Week 2020 to enhance night driving. I raced last year and found the halogens lacking. I am satisfied with the purchase. There are other MFGs with cheaper set ups. They had less lumens and lower K temps. https://www.deltalights.com/5-3-4-led-headlight-kit-hi-lo-system/p25
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Re: NE1 tried any LED headlight conversions?
[Re: Rollo!]
#2864447
12/24/20 06:45 PM
12/24/20 06:45 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,235 north of coder
moparx
"Butt Crack Bob"
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"Butt Crack Bob"
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,235
north of coder
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this comparison is like apples to kumquats, but i got some 6k 9007 [?] LED bulbs [with the little fan motors] for my wife's 1994 chrysler concorde. anyone who has driven one of those, or the dodge intrepid or eagle version of it, know how bad those headlights were when they were new. anyway, these bulbs have a definitely different pattern, but did improve the lights. not by a lot, but enough to be noticeable. it did, however, take a bunch of screwing around to get them aimed so you could see. nobody has given the high beams yet [after a couple of night drives], so the aim must be close. now the 5 3/4" sealed beam aircraft landing lights, [for high beams] now THOSE throw the light !! it's a good idea to use relays with them. also, don't stand in front of them. they get kinda warm.
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Re: NE1 tried any LED headlight conversions?
[Re: GoodysGotaCuda]
#2864499
12/24/20 09:25 PM
12/24/20 09:25 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,951 Spokane Valley, WA
Big Bad Bee
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,951
Spokane Valley, WA
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I have not been flashed by anyone. Me neither, Goody, but I keep cruising past Victoria’s Secret hoping to get lucky.
I’m listening.
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Re: NE1 tried any LED headlight conversions?
[Re: crackedback]
#2865114
12/26/20 11:40 PM
12/26/20 11:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,894 Between Houston & Galveston TX
SattyNoCar
Smarter than no class Flappergass by a mile
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Smarter than no class Flappergass by a mile
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,894
Between Houston & Galveston TX
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Go check out 'Modern Bulitt Build' over in the member projects section >>>> LINKY Keepat used LED bulbs from Delta on his '68 Charger project. He bought them from Classic Industries. Any questions, ask him, not me!
John
The dream is dead, long live the dream.......😥
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Re: NE1 tried any LED headlight conversions?
[Re: SattyNoCar]
#2867054
12/31/20 03:55 PM
12/31/20 03:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,548 Albany, NY
67SATisfaction
OP
The member whose name is actually Art
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OP
The member whose name is actually Art
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,548
Albany, NY
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Thank for all the replies!
So, there's a lot to look into..
The backstory is I installed relays in my Alfa Romeo. It wasn't hard and it made a noticeable difference in light output and reduced heat build-up at the light switch - a very common weakness in the GTV6.
So, thinking the same for our Satellites, which are running four/two Wagner sealed-beam halogens. Then I wondered why not modern LED headlights. The '67 has a glitchy hi-beam switch I need to troubleshoot, and I know the light output is a little dim because of the voltage drop across all that wiring, so I might as well upgrade while I'm sorting out the glitches.
Blinding oncoming traffic?.. why would that be a problem with LED headlights any more than conventional lights - the headlight buckets are fully adjustable up/down and side to side for the right lightcast! .. or do Mopar owners no longer know how to adjust headlight patterns? ...am I missing something?
I'll read through and check all your links again to educate myself more, see if I can map out an approach that makes sense for me. I like the Jeep conversion on the Dart above, even if it's a little more work. I could try it on the '65, see how it looks with the modern reflector appearance..
I'd only install relays if I keep the sealed beam halogens. - Art
Last edited by 67SATisfaction; 12/31/20 03:57 PM.
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
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Re: NE1 tried any LED headlight conversions?
[Re: 67SATisfaction]
#2867065
12/31/20 04:15 PM
12/31/20 04:15 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050 Texas
GoodysGotaCuda
5.7L Hemi, 6spd
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5.7L Hemi, 6spd
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050
Texas
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Thank for all the replies!
Blinding oncoming traffic?.. why would that be a problem with LED headlights any more than conventional lights - the headlight buckets are fully adjustable up/down and side to side for the right lightcast! .. or do Mopar owners no longer know how to adjust headlight patterns? ...am I missing something? - An H4 housing is designed for an H4 halogen bulb, which is very much standardized in shape and light pattern, the optics are built around that.
- Most any "H4" LED you find will be whatever shaped bulb that happens to fit into an H4 socket. Not ideal.
- Typical retrofit LEDs will "scatter" light much more when retrofitted into a different housing. The optics aren't tuned for it, nor isn't something up/down left/right adjustments will cure.
That said, I currently have H4 LEDs retrofitted into a halogen housing. It's not ideal, but it is working fine. I simply don't want the daytime appearance of a modern "LED headlight" on my car, they look out of place to me on muscle cars.
Last edited by GoodysGotaCuda; 12/31/20 04:18 PM.
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