Headlight upgrade options?

[rebby]

When I restored my car I used the standard sealed bulbs for my headlights but did add relays to the circuit (to remove the load from the switch). Now I think it's time to upgrade the headlights to something brighter. I've looked at various H4 upgrades and a few HID conversions but the information has been pretty slim.

Before ordering anything I figured that I'd ask to see what some of you have done to upgrade your headlights. A straight H4 upgrade is attractive due to the easy availability of bulbs but an HID upgrade, and it's additional brightness, is a big draw as well. Thoughts? What headlight upgrades have you guys installed?



Just as an FYI... All the wiring in my car is less than 1 year old. As I mentioned earlier, I also added relays to the factory dim/bright wiring, so the headlights get power directly from the battery (new Optima Red Top) via the relays. I'm also running a high amp alternator that has been rewired to bypass the ammeter. At this point I don't think that there is much that I can do to with my electrical to see any improvements and I should be able to support the additional load from more modern options without additional (significant) modifications.

[myk]

Check with White & Red 69; he's done something that may interest you...

[Dino]

I was lazy so I stuck the $5 sealed halogens in there and with the upgrade it worked just fine! Plenty light on the dark country roads here.

I didn't like the stock set up with only the two outer bulbs lighting up though so I changed it to all four being low beam/high beam. I haven't tested it out yet because the grille assembly is in the house. 

[garner7555]

I like the idea of these LED headlights.  Super bright with little amp draw.   
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291262795532?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I haven't decided which upgrade I want to do either.   

[rebby]

I like the idea of these LED headlights.  Super bright with little amp draw.   
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291262795532?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I haven't decided which upgrade I want to do either.   

LEDs are an interesting idea. I hadn't even considered LED until earlier today when I read this -> http://lp5000.blogspot.com/2014/06/led-575-headlight-upgrade.html?m=1

I'm not crazy about the idea of limited voltage on the dim side but it's another option worth considering. Prior to reading about a viable LED option I was leaning toward a dual H1 conversion of some sort, now I'm not so sure. The research continues...

[A383Wing]

I got standard Wagner Halogens in all my cars...very happy with them

[myk]

I was lazy so I stuck the $5 sealed halogens in there and with the upgrade it worked just fine! Plenty light on the dark country roads here.

I didn't like the stock set up with only the two outer bulbs lighting up though so I changed it to all four being low beam/high beam. I haven't tested it out yet because the grille assembly is in the house. 

I agree with just using the relay upgrade and the standard sealed halogens; they are plenty bright for night use.  Trust me on that, unless you're trying to compete with the super blue LED HID jerks who like blinding everyone else on the road...

[WHITE AND RED 69]

I'm running LEDs on mine and love them. Way brighter than standard H4 conversion but not as blinding as HIDs. You've already got the relays wired up so it is a simple swap.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-headlight-bulbs-conversion-kits/led-headlight-kit-h4-led-headlight-bulbs-conversion-kit-with-flexible-tinned-copper-braid/2221/4993/

[rebby]

I'm running LEDs on mine and love them. Way brighter than standard H4 conversion but not as blinding as HIDs. You've already got the relays wired up so it is a simple swap.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-headlight-bulbs-conversion-kits/led-headlight-kit-h4-led-headlight-bulbs-conversion-kit-with-flexible-tinned-copper-braid/2221/4993/

Are you running these on both the bright and dim side? How did you wire it all together? Also, what H4 inserts did you run? Any pics of your setup?

Sorry for the 20 questions. Thanks!

[WHITE AND RED 69]

I'm running LEDs on mine and love them. Way brighter than standard H4 conversion but not as blinding as HIDs. You've already got the relays wired up so it is a simple swap.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-headlight-bulbs-conversion-kits/led-headlight-kit-h4-led-headlight-bulbs-conversion-kit-with-flexible-tinned-copper-braid/2221/4993/

Are you running these on both the bright and dim side? How did you wire it all together? Also, what H4 inserts did you run? Any pics of your setup?

Sorry for the 20 questions. Thanks!

Yep, highs and low beams are now LEDs. It all runs through a Painless Performance quad H4 relay harness that powers all 4 headlights. Had to trim a tiny piece off the stock plug to fit into the harness connector but that was the only modification.

I'll try to get some pics of the all 4 lights on and post them up.

These are the lenses I used:

http://classicgarage.com/he-71456b.html