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1960 original headlamps are now too weak for my old eyes for night driving.
Any recommendations for replacement of at least the low beams?
I tried to search for a pertaining tread but failed to find anything useful. Search tool seemed difficult to use.
I think one of the first things to check is that your generator/alternator is producing enough power for the headlights to be as bright as they can be. Do you really have Guide T-3 bulbs in there now? I use Sylvania halogens in my '67 and my '72.
Garden variety Halogen lamps, available at your FLAPS, are a direct replacement, use no more electricity than vintage T3s, and are significantly brighter.
or Holley/Morimoto “Retrobright” LED made to direct fit the same wiring plug as your incandescent bulbs, draw less power and Much Brighter.
Pricey, but BRIGHTER.
More info here and available for sale from many sites… Holley RetroBrite
Garden variety Halogen lamps, available at your FLAPS, are a direct replacement, use no more electricity than vintage T3s, and are significantly brighter.
No need to get fancy.. Jim is right. Same power draw... much brighter lights!
We may drive R66 a couple of times a year after dark, so I just put the halogens in and they are adequately brighter than the original Incandescent bulbs. They do not compare to the modern LEDs however. Thus you should evaluate your need based on how often and far you drive after dark. No two people have the same night vision, so that should also be considered.
Ron
I'll add another voice to suggest trying some halogen replacements first. I have halogens in all four places on my '63, and find them to be adequate to suit me. You can always step up to a more expensive option if a set of halogens doesn't satisfy you.
I did an upgrade on my 65 using Octane LED bulbs in the Octane housings. The pics show the difference between the halogen bulbs that I had been using. The LED's work very well and give unparalleled lighting.
Low beam comparison Hi beam comparison Halogen off LED off
I drive quite a bit at night on country roads as well as Intestates, halogens work just fine. I do use relays on my C2 to keep the load off the switch.
How's the pattern on those LEDs, Fred? Is it controlled to avoid blinding other drivers? I've seen some that are, and too many that are not.
Live well,
SJW
Steve,
As with any LED headlight, they are bright. The housing lens seems to mitigate the intensity of the LED and diverts the glare ( to a certain extent ). A proper adjustment of the headlight assembly is a must as after almost sixty years most of these C2's headlamps are out of adjustment. I don't drive a lot at night, but do head out early to cars and coffee and sometimes roll in after 7pm in the evening from other outings.
I have also noticed that having these low beams on during the day heightens other drivers awareness of my car. Especially down here in Florida where we have a large number of older drivers who need help identifying an oncoming vehicle. Be safe. - Fred
How's the pattern on those LEDs, Fred? Is it controlled to avoid blinding other drivers? I've seen some that are, and too many that are not.
Live well,
SJW
I installed the Holley LED's on my '66 a couple of years ago, and they have an excellent cutoff line (I think the engineering that went into their lights is pretty top notch) unlike the cheap LED's that blind everyone. The lights are amazing and on par with our modern vehicles we have.
Dennis
replace headlight lamps
