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 :)

 

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]

 

:iagree:

 

I think the Q was, how to make them BRIGHT. Suggestions?

 

Careful... make them too bright and you start melting lenses.

 

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.

 

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]

 

Paul, those lights look good! i really like that setup....any tricks or advice...i'd like to do the same to mine. thanks :cheers:

 

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]

 

whats the hella part number on those lights?

 

Hella Optilux 1500.
http://www.autobarn.net/helopperdriv.html

 

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....

 

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.....

 

Really like that Hella set up. I have been thinki9ng of doing that for some time but wondered what it would look like... NICE JOB!

 

I installed C4 lights in my C3 that are used as running lights, fused "switched" 12V is all you need. See sig.

 

http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkP...51273e&size=lg

 

Now that is hella :cool:

 

THAT IS COOL :cool:

 

Very nice! My setup will not work post-1979 as the grille slats are angled. You have offered a very pretty and functional alternative!

 

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.