C3 daytime running light setup...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 1
From: "Too Low, Too Fast, Too Loud" TX
C3 daytime running light setup...
Hi all,
Does anyone know if there is a setup or how to set up your running lights(park lights) to be bright during the day. Love the late C5 vettes with this option. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks,
Joe :)
Does anyone know if there is a setup or how to set up your running lights(park lights) to be bright during the day. Love the late C5 vettes with this option. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks,
Joe :)
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
I just turn mine on! :) I also like the look; I pull my light switch out 1/2 way, parking lights go on but not far enuf out to turn on (and raise) the headlights. :) MJ
Oh, and then I almost always forget to turn them off after I stop the car! :lol:
[Modified by MNJack, 5:02 PM 3/27/2003]
Oh, and then I almost always forget to turn them off after I stop the car! :lol:
[Modified by MNJack, 5:02 PM 3/27/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: (MNJack)
I just turn mine on! :) I also like the look; I pull my light switch out 1/2 way, parking lights go on but not far enuf out to turn on (and raise) the headlights. :) MJ
Oh, and then I almost always forget to turn them off after I stop the car! :lol:
[Modified by MNJack, 5:02 PM 3/27/2003]
Oh, and then I almost always forget to turn them off after I stop the car! :lol:
[Modified by MNJack, 5:02 PM 3/27/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: C3 daytime running light setup... (81' Corvette Guy)
I don't know if anyone else sells it, and I don't know of anyone that has it, but JCWhitney sells what looks like a module that goes between in the headlight circuit and provides 80% power when the switch is off / ignition on, and 100% when the switch is on.
Now, they're selling this of course, for normal, non-hidden headlights, but I would think you could use the module on the parking light circuit. I don't know if you could isolate the front lights or if all parking lights would come on or what.
Just a thought. Let us know what you figure out.
Now, they're selling this of course, for normal, non-hidden headlights, but I would think you could use the module on the parking light circuit. I don't know if you could isolate the front lights or if all parking lights would come on or what.
Just a thought. Let us know what you figure out.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: (Simon Alexander)
I asked this question well over a year ago. Someone was working on a conversion to do exactly what was asked: have those front parking lights on a constant turn signal brightness mode. But the thread faded (bad pun!) and I went with Hella daytime driving lights behind the grille as shown. I am sure it is doable but I do not know how without affecting normal turn signal operation. And cutting into the original harness. I did not: things are on a separate circuit. As you can see from the pics. The Hella lamps are wired directly into the 30 amp auxiliary cooling fan circuit in the fuse box. I do not have that option so it was a convenient source of power. The lights are controlled by a toggle switch under the dash but that circuit is ignition-switched so the lights do go off with shutdown even if the toggle is on.
My install is not an option for the 1981 unfortunately as the horizontal slats in the grill are not straight-on as with the 1979. The 1980-82 are angled. Wish I could be of more assistance. But just a general comment. I truly believe in driving lights for a C3. That low oncoming profile is hard to see for many drivers. Hope the poster finds a solution.
[Modified by paul79, 8:27 PM 3/27/2003]
[Modified by paul79, 8:46 PM 3/27/2003]
My install is not an option for the 1981 unfortunately as the horizontal slats in the grill are not straight-on as with the 1979. The 1980-82 are angled. Wish I could be of more assistance. But just a general comment. I truly believe in driving lights for a C3. That low oncoming profile is hard to see for many drivers. Hope the poster finds a solution.
[Modified by paul79, 8:27 PM 3/27/2003]
[Modified by paul79, 8:46 PM 3/27/2003]
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: (REDSHARKONBOYDS)
I always document my projects and it seems that this one is still in the archives from last year :) . My goal was install without touching the stock wiring as suggested by Hella for European driving standards. Those lights can be pulled out in 10 minutes and my stock wiring harness is untouched. The only casualty is these holes in the steel grille frame mount brackets (see pic below). And I can live with that. E-mail me if you need additional pics.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zero...911235#3911235
[Modified by paul79, 9:31 PM 3/27/2003]
[Modified by paul79, 9:44 PM 3/27/2003]
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zero...911235#3911235
[Modified by paul79, 9:31 PM 3/27/2003]
[Modified by paul79, 9:44 PM 3/27/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: C3 daytime running light setup... (JRODDVETTE)
Hella Optilux 1500.
http://www.autobarn.net/helopperdriv.html
http://www.autobarn.net/helopperdriv.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Re: C3 daytime running light setup... (paul79)
I looked into having this done for my 82. The problem I ran into was the 80-82 front grille slats seem much larger and more down slanted than the 79s.
If I put a light behind it, I wouldn't get much light coming through the grille area. So far I haven't figured a way past this without destroying the grille.
Paul, I saved your pictures just for doing this same job, but have this put on hold for now.
Brent....
If I put a light behind it, I wouldn't get much light coming through the grille area. So far I haven't figured a way past this without destroying the grille.
Paul, I saved your pictures just for doing this same job, but have this put on hold for now.
Brent....
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,176
Likes: 88
From: State of Confusion
Re: C3 daytime running light setup... (MN-Brent)
I think that 'Corvette Central' has a kit, that 'plugs-in' to our existing wiring system, that uses the OEM lights just like the C5s. I think it costs $195/$205 US.....
Pro
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Hill Ontario
Re: C3 daytime running light setup... (81' Corvette Guy)
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 0
From: Gettin crazy with the Cheez Whiz! OK
Re: C3 daytime running light setup... (Ghostrider)
I installed C4 lights in my C3 that are used as running lights, fused "switched" 12V is all you need. See sig.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Re: (SanDiegoPaul)
Yes, buy 1157H, which are halogens and 50% brighter. They are about $9 apiece so that is $18 for the front and $18 for the tail lights. Pretty cheap for the desired effect.
You can get them at JC Whitney or some place that has Truck Add-ons in the name. I bought some last month and there is an improvement. But, you have to remember that the plastic lens in the new cars is "clearer" than the older thicker lens in our cars. Still worth it.
You can get them at JC Whitney or some place that has Truck Add-ons in the name. I bought some last month and there is an improvement. But, you have to remember that the plastic lens in the new cars is "clearer" than the older thicker lens in our cars. Still worth it.