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Discussion Topic:
Dim Headlights
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1931 Flamingo |
04-16-2021 @ 12:22 PM
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Member
Posts: 381
Joined: Nov 2019
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Try adding a seperate ground wire at the headlights themselves. Paul in CT
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supereal |
04-16-2021 @ 11:42 AM
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Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
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Usually the problem with dim headlights is that most of the power is lost at the dash switch, the dimmer switch, and the numerous "bullet" connectors. I solved the problem in my '47 by operating the lights though a pair of 6v starter solenoids controlled by the stock headlight wiring. Now the headlights are as bright as modern vehicles. If you need instructions, I can post them, or use the personal message to have it mailed.
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JayChicago |
04-16-2021 @ 9:46 AM
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Member
Posts: 471
Joined: Jan 2016
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I have no experience with a headlight relay, but here's my thoughts on it for what its worth: If your problem is with too much resistance thru the switch, circuit breaker, and associated wiring, then a relay may solve the problem. But if your problem is too much resistance at the headlight wiring and grounds (which is more likely), then a relay will probably not solve anything. After the relay, the current will still need a clean path to ground thru the headlight wiring and grounds. I think you are on the right track in first checking/cleaning the connections and grounds at the headlights themselves.
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TomO |
04-16-2021 @ 9:25 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7243
Joined: Oct 2009
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The headlights need at least 6 volts going to them to acheive normal brightness. You can get that by cleaning all of your connections and repairing or replacing switches that have high resistance. I have explained how to find the poor connections and corroded switches many time on this forum using a voltage drop test. The voltage drop test also checks the grounding system, eliminating many hours fixing what is not broken. The relay will also work, because it delivers 6 volts to the headlights by bypassing all of the connections. Once you have 6 volts to the bulbs, you will also need to make sure that your lens and reflectors are clean and not scratched I would not put halogen bulbs in your stock headlight buckets due to the heat that they generate.
Tom
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carcrazy |
04-15-2021 @ 2:59 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1587
Joined: Oct 2009
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I have installed one of these relays on a 1953 Ford and found that the headlights are brighter with it. They may not be as bright as the headlights are in a 12V system but are definitely brighter than 6V headlights with the standard system.
This message was edited by carcrazy on 4-15-21 @ 3:00 PM
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Dream38v8 |
04-15-2021 @ 2:27 PM
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New Member
Posts: 154
Joined: May 2016
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There are many strings discussing dim headlights on this forum. I am in the process of checking grounds. I was on the Fifth Avenue Internet Garage site and discovered a "Heavy Duty 6V Headlight Relay". The site claims a 30% increase in headlight brightness plus a 50% longer service life for the headlight switch. Has anyone tried this relay? If so, what were your results? Thank heavens I have foglights, but I want to increase my headlight brightness. Thanks
Ray
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