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

Drive!!

Took Lucille out for a spin this afternoon. Went to the Burbank post office, then on up Hollywood Way to Glenoaks. Took that west to Sunland and on out north to the hill area The road winds through some hills and eventually you come across an onramp to the 210. I got on that and went west, but decided I didn't want to go all the way up the pass to Magic Mountain. ;-) Got off and turned around, only to come back to the same ramp I got on at in Sun Valley. So I just headed home. Ended up being around a 20 mile run. Would have stayed out longer but realized I was hungry. I couldn't have stopped for a bite either because stupid me had forgotten my wallet. Oops! Next time I may go out Sunland farther and not get on the 210 onramp, just to see where it goes. Guess I better take my GPS along with me though, since I forgot to take it with me this time.

The left tail/stop/turn light is now converted to LED. I was not able to leave the original bulb socket in place on this side, but it could be put back (as long as I don't loose the part). I had to cut a larger rectangle in the tail lamp housing to set the LED card in place. The cone shape is quite different from the right side. Replaced all the Satellite radio hardware with a LiquidAUX and iPod Nano 4th gen.

The right tail/stop/turn light is now converted to LED. I left the original bulb socket in place so I can revert if I want. I had to cut a small rectangle in the back of the tail lamp housing to slide the LED card in place, but that can be covered over if a reversion is done. Brighter than the 1157 bulbs were.