Will my 1972 skylark support xenon bulbs

Discussion in 'Sparky's corner' started by indy_007, May 31, 2010.

  1. indy_007

    indy_007 Well-Known Member

  2. Steve Craig

    Steve Craig Gold Level Contributor

    You need to verify what wattage the original bulbs are.
    Divide the watts by 12V & you will see the current in amps.
    Compare to the new set-up ex. 65w/12V=5.42Amps.
    If you can prove the amps drawn are reasonably close (+/- 5%)to the factory set-up you should be OK. Worst case install a couple of relays & a new fused conductor from the battery. The load on the original lighting system will be only what the coil in the relay draws, milli-amps. As it opens & closes the real load will be taken by the relay contacts & the new conductor.
    I would advise against messing too much with 40 year old wiring.
     
  3. GS455Coupe

    GS455Coupe Silver Level contributor

    I am more than a little nervous after looking at the eBay website. First, our cars use 2 (not 4 as cited in the ad) H4 bulbs for Hi/Low and two H1 bulbs for Hi only. Second, why spend that kind of $ for a mere 50% (claimed) brighter than stock light output (the old T3? Or a replacement halogen?). Third, typically the wattages cited will possibly (unless you have replaced the dash light switch) cause the thermal circuit in the old dash light switch to cycle.
    If you really want to see get TRUE xenon lights. I've written several posts about them. Yes, you'll wind up spending more but a 3x factor in light increase over halogens is what you get. The ones on my GS are superb.
     
  4. william.ali.kay

    william.ali.kay Needs more cowbell!

    I thought about the upgrade also, but it just doesnt seem to be worth all hassle for minamal improvement to me. Although I do like the newer style bulbs and brightness of them on my other (newer) cars.
    Regular ones for these older cars should last long enough and are cheap enough so I went with these. They should be here tomorrow and if you care to hear, I can share with you how well they work out.
    I believe they have them for your car also. I spoke with them on the phone and they were really cool and shipped out the same day with tracking info.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/58-5...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
    :Do No:
     
  5. indy_007

    indy_007 Well-Known Member

    Yes let me know what brand they are and how much of a improvemnt they are.
     
  6. RAbarrett

    RAbarrett Well-Known Member

    You might also consider the use of replacement units, having the envelope, and the bulb separate. This allows the use of the brighter aftermarket bulbs. I suggest using relays with bulbs exceeding 60 watts, but the conversion is a lot easier, and cheaper than HID units,and the glare is less objectionable is when incorrectly aimed. Just food for thought...
     
  7. william.ali.kay

    william.ali.kay Needs more cowbell!

    I got my headlights yesterday. All 4 are made by Wagner. The low beam part number is 4000 and the high beams are 5001. I didnt do alot of shopping around locally before ordering these so maybe the part numbers will help out if you came find them in your town and save on shipping. It cost me $38.94 packaged VERY well and shipped UPS to my door.
    Hope this helps
     
  8. indy_007

    indy_007 Well-Known Member


    That sounds like a good deal i was looking onluine and found some that were 13 a piece, not including shipping, How do they do? I know with the old ones it is hard to drive 70 mph because you can't see far enough ahead.

    Thanks for all the info guys!!!!
     

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