Headlight Downgrade...

Removing the Hellas from Lucille today. Why? It was an expensive upgrade and I'd just as soon not pass it on to the next owner... and have them not appreciate it. It also is just a bit overkill, being super bright. I might have gone a bit too hot with the wattage on these. :-) Anyway, took about 45 minutes to do all 4 lamps and there were no issues. If I keep the car and decide I need to drive it in the dark, I can put them back in.

Headlights Done

Well my modification to accept the modern headlight adjusters was off a bit, so had to rework that. Good thing I can weld. But the headlights are in and semi adjusted... I made a paper template to tack to the wall of the shed/carport and followed some directions I go online for adjusting E-code headlights. Seems OK. I haven't test driven the car to see if the adjustment is OK yet. Another time.

I've got the new Hellas in, but there was a problem with the headlamp assembly on the driver's side. The two clips that hold the bottom of the chrome bezel were gone. Snapped off, apparently. I got a new assembly from AZ Vintage, but that had the headlight adjusters snapped off. And they are an odd, unusual kind. I had to modify the buckets to accept standard Dorman/GM 42119 adjusters. Assuming the length is OK, I'm set to put the replacement bucket in tomorrow.

Have mostly completed the wiring upgrade for the headlights. The relays are in place and the wires are run to the radiator support. 10g from the alternator BATT terminal, through a 30 amp breaker, then 12g to the bulbs. The factory has spade connectors in rubber sockets going through the radiator support sheet metal. I think these are going to prove to be unreliable, so may replace them with weatherpack or bullet connectors and a grommet. The portion of the wiring from the radiator support to the headlamps is still original so I will want to change that section out when I replace the current T3 bulbs with the new Hellas that are coming.

Headlight Upgrade

Since it's dark early now (shortest day of the year just passed) I decided it's time to get some decent headlights on Lucille. I ordered upgrade E code Hella Hi/Lo and High conversion kits with high wattage bulbs. Got started on wiring up a pair of relays to carry the load.

These dudes ought to be bright enough for LA streets, even in the rain!

H5006 5-3/4" Round E-code Hi-Lo Conversion Headlamp Kit
H4 Bulbs : H5006J 85/80W Osram Hyper

H5001 Hella 5-3/4" Dia H1 E-code Conversion High Beam Headlamp Kit
H1 Bulbs : H5001G 100W Optilux Xenon XB