Dad's '59 C1

So one of the T3 high beams on my '59 is out. I'm looking at replacing all the lights now and would like opinions on modern replacements.

61 Roadster

I've been using the GE Halogen replacements; much better at night than the T-3's but not NCRS approved.

You'll need matching L/R Hi and Low beam bulbs.

ZIP, Eckler's, Corvette Central should have them.

vetsvette2002

Your local FLAPS will carry what you need in halogen.

Don

SDVette

Halogens are much brighter - you won't believe the difference.. and as Don says, you can buy them anywhere car parts are sold.

It's rules like that turn me off to NCRS.. If you drive the car at night it's _crazy_ not to use halogen bulbs.

Frankie the Fink

Yes get the Halogens.....take those remaining good T3s out, put some good silicone clear caulk all around the terminals on the back and set them on the shelf... After years those lights will suck air and fry the element and be useless - which may be what happened to your fourth light.

cbernhardt

While you are at it, check the voltage at the headlamp connectors. With the motor revved up and the generator (or alternator) charging you should be getting over 12v. If not you may want to look into putting some relays on the headlamps. I used to drive our '62 a lot at night and replaced the headlamps with halogens and then Zeons and neither was much brighter than the originals. Found out I was getting only 9v at the lights. Relays made a world of difference.
Also check the wires at the push-in connectors, they are prone to breaking at the connectors so you may have only one strand making contact.

Charles

Frankie the Fink

True. Even a small drop in voltage at the headlights can dramatically affect the illumination amount. More info here: http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...adlights.shtml

If you are running original T3s with original wiring you are almost certainly doing a "Mr. Magoo" number after dark.

C-1 Generation 2

These may not be for you if your trying to look more stock.
I added halogen angel eye quad headlights that were made for mid 70s Chevy Caprice. i had to modify the headlight cans to get them to fit. Plus added relays from Mad Electrics to keep the high beams from flashing.



Others pictures of headlight at:

http://s35.photobucket.com/user/62f7...sort=3&page=12

Ozruss61

That's interesting, I've been wanting to change over my headlamps but unsure what to get. I thought halogen with H4 globes would draw more power/amps than the generator would handle. What size/wattage globes are you using?
Cheers, Russell

BillbUrruss

This is what I've been searching for, an article from someone who's installed Angel eye headlights in a C1. I have been looking at BMW lights that I saw on a 60 Corvette built by Art Morrison Enterprizes. It's a spectacular YouTube and they mentioned it took a 125 hours to fabricate and install them. I thought it was a mistake so I ordered a set and after spending a couple hours I realize it's way more than I can do. I hate to admit it but I'm sending them back.
Would mind telling what brand you installed?
Thanks

jim lockwood

Halogen headlights draw the same amount of current as regular headlamps. The only difference is that they are significantly brighter.

Jim

Betty Floyd

I put a set of Hella lights in my 60 and they work great.

GTOguy

Jim is 100 % correct. No penalty swapping in halogens, just better lighting!

Loren Smith

For a little bit more than halogens, you could get the repro T3s from Lectric Limited. Corvette Central sells a set of 4 for $120. I think they look nicer than the halogens with the T3 triangle and moniker. Plus the repros are brighter than stock and they claim meet current federal safety standards:

http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...50e&ukey=43446