Brighter headlights
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: Valparaiso Indiana
Re: Brighter headlights (boodyman)
Cool! I did not realize the 4537 was the entire 5 3/4" Beam- I butt-umed it was just the lamp. I wonder if GE makes a similar-sized unit that is less intense than the 4537, but significantly more than stock. My luck I'd hit the highs by accident and they'd be so bright I wouldn't see the oncoming lights flashing until I saw them in the Rearview mirror!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 1
From: Anchorage Alaska
Re: Brighter headlights (Ironcross)
I'm going for the best of both worlds; aircraft lights ( :cheers: thank you Ironcross) and, relays ( :cheers: thank you 7t2Vette). I like the idea of reducing the load, thereby increasing the voltage (less voltage drop), on the ignition and other accessories, as well as having killer brights. Thank you all. :D
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Re: Brighter headlights
Did some searching and see the GE4537 has a rated life of 25 hours. Hmmm.
The GE4537 is a 100W bulb. Found a GE4480 that is 60W, 5-3/4", with the two lug connectors.
Wattage of high beam stock is 37.5, of low beam is 60. I presume the higher low beam wattage is for when highs are on.
So, check out this link: http://www.asltg.com
The low beam has what is known as an A3 base (3 contacts), this high beam an A2 base (two contacts).
What you don't know is the dispersion of the lights - wide or narrow.
[Modified by Larry82, 5:48 PM 5/1/2004]
The GE4537 is a 100W bulb. Found a GE4480 that is 60W, 5-3/4", with the two lug connectors.
Wattage of high beam stock is 37.5, of low beam is 60. I presume the higher low beam wattage is for when highs are on.
So, check out this link: http://www.asltg.com
The low beam has what is known as an A3 base (3 contacts), this high beam an A2 base (two contacts).
What you don't know is the dispersion of the lights - wide or narrow.
[Modified by Larry82, 5:48 PM 5/1/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 16,483
Likes: 1
From: The Only Corvette in Gila Bend, Az.
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Brighter headlights (Larry82)
Great link Larry.... :cheers:
Here's what I found, If we are using the 4000 & H40001, Then this is the versions with matching plug, (A2-A3) and the size (par46) voltage (12.80).
4000 C6 A3 PAR46 12.80 37.500 200
4431 C6 A3 PAR46 12.80 45.000 160
4467 C6 A3 PAR46 12.80 50.000 320
H4467 A3 PAR46 12.80 50.000 320
4492 C6 A3 PAR46 12.80 60.000 300
H4001 C6 A2 PAR46 12.80 37.500 200
H5001 C6 A2 PAR46 12.80 50.000 200
4478 2C6 A2 PAR46 13.00 60.000 800
4480 2C6 A2 PAR46 13.00 60.000 800
Now to wait until monday to call and ask them if we are looking at this correctly.
Here's what I found, If we are using the 4000 & H40001, Then this is the versions with matching plug, (A2-A3) and the size (par46) voltage (12.80).
4000 C6 A3 PAR46 12.80 37.500 200
4431 C6 A3 PAR46 12.80 45.000 160
4467 C6 A3 PAR46 12.80 50.000 320
H4467 A3 PAR46 12.80 50.000 320
4492 C6 A3 PAR46 12.80 60.000 300
H4001 C6 A2 PAR46 12.80 37.500 200
H5001 C6 A2 PAR46 12.80 50.000 200
4478 2C6 A2 PAR46 13.00 60.000 800
4480 2C6 A2 PAR46 13.00 60.000 800
Now to wait until monday to call and ask them if we are looking at this correctly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Re: Brighter headlights (Desertdawg)
Let us know what you find out. Was going to call them also. No need for two to call.
For those who have not gone to the website the layout of the info in Dawg's post is:
Bulb number
Filament type
Connector type
Size of light (5-3/4 sealed beams are Par 46)
Cost
Watts
Life
Dawg has given the low beam and high beam stock numbers (4001 and H4001) followed by possible choices.
Dawg: Vendor might tell you they are not for automotive purposes, we just need to get around that comment if they say that.
[Modified by Larry82, 1:17 PM 5/2/2004]
For those who have not gone to the website the layout of the info in Dawg's post is:
Bulb number
Filament type
Connector type
Size of light (5-3/4 sealed beams are Par 46)
Cost
Watts
Life
Dawg has given the low beam and high beam stock numbers (4001 and H4001) followed by possible choices.
Dawg: Vendor might tell you they are not for automotive purposes, we just need to get around that comment if they say that.
[Modified by Larry82, 1:17 PM 5/2/2004]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: Valparaiso Indiana
Re: Brighter headlights (boodyman)
Next to last number is AMPS rather than wattage according to the chart, but I find this hard to believe. I think you are correct that this is watts-not amps. Talk about voltage sag! :confused:
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: Columbia SC
Re: Brighter headlights (boodyman)
I have been a Pilot since 1990 and I can't for the life of me figure out why I did not come up with the landing light for a high beam idea... But it is a great idea for sure and I have 2 on order now.
I will also do the headlight relay mod as this will get 14 volts to all 4 headlights.
In my opinion, while landing at night with the landing light on (we have to do it with and without) I would say the landing light is a flood light and not a spot light. Which would be a wide bean and not a narrow beam.
a Pilot does not need to see down the runway, he needs to see within 50 yards in front of the plane and he MUST see to the sides. So this would lead me to say that the landing light is a flood (wide beam) light.
Anyway, I got 2 on order and I will do the headlight relay mod from scratch parts, actually 2 horn relays or any 12 volt coil relay will do the trick.
This discussion has been great. Thanks to all for sharing your ideas.
:steering:
I will also do the headlight relay mod as this will get 14 volts to all 4 headlights.
In my opinion, while landing at night with the landing light on (we have to do it with and without) I would say the landing light is a flood light and not a spot light. Which would be a wide bean and not a narrow beam.
a Pilot does not need to see down the runway, he needs to see within 50 yards in front of the plane and he MUST see to the sides. So this would lead me to say that the landing light is a flood (wide beam) light.
Anyway, I got 2 on order and I will do the headlight relay mod from scratch parts, actually 2 horn relays or any 12 volt coil relay will do the trick.
This discussion has been great. Thanks to all for sharing your ideas.
:steering:
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Re: Brighter headlights (Pete76Shark)
Check out this information. Limited in number of applications, but it has the horizontal (meaning, distance in front of car) and vertical (height of the beam). The 4537 has a very short horizontal measurement (11ft) vs. the stock 4001 (34ft). So, it is a flood rather than a spot. Other applications seem to be a better alternative.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Re: Brighter headlights (Pete76Shark)
Check out this information. Limited in number of applications, but it has the horizontal (meaning, distance in front of car) and vertical (height of the beam). The 4537 has a very short horizontal measurement (11ft) vs. the stock 4001 (34ft). So, it is a flood rather than a spot. Other applications seem to be a better alternative.
Here is the link, since that picture is too small.
http://www.dee-inc.com/netstore/cata...oductCode=4537
[Modified by Larry82, 6:45 PM 5/2/2004]
Here is the link, since that picture is too small.
http://www.dee-inc.com/netstore/cata...oductCode=4537
[Modified by Larry82, 6:45 PM 5/2/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Re: Brighter headlights (Pete76Shark)
I though I was done with this thread but some doubts apparently has come up as to the longevity and lighting ability of 4537`s. So in defense of my choice of lights. I believe that they are standard equipment in my 210. Never burned one out yet so I`m not 100% positive of that fact. So far, no replacements in my 62 or 68 Vettes in well over 35 years. And to the lumination of 200,000 candlepower on the highway, I can light up those roadside reflectors on I-75 for a couple of miles on my way to Boyne Mountain. No fancy relays or any other add on junk. My light switchs handle the increased heat without any problems and I guarantee that you cannot out drive them at any speed. Most light general aviation aircraft land at around 80 mph depending on where the flaps are set and the FAA wouldn`t allow bad lighting on a aircraft. I like them, but as you can read from the posts, they are not for everbody. :D And in closing, I`m now ready for a Cohiba and a Corona. :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 16,483
Likes: 1
From: The Only Corvette in Gila Bend, Az.
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Brighter headlights (Ironcross)
I though I was done with this thread but some doubts apparently has come up
I'm going to call them tomorrow, and NOT tell them what I want to use them for. Hopefully we can find some suitable replacements. :thumbs:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 8
From: Where are the Smoky Mountain Cruisers? Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Re: Brighter headlights (Desertdawg)
Great post, now I need to run to Wal-mart and return my high-beam purchased last week for some of those landing lights. :D
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Re: Brighter headlights (Ironcross)
Ironcross - I wasn't doubting you either. I am just eternally curious about things and stumbled onto this info. Only a layman, so just trying to sort things out also. I was wondering about the 25 hour life, which seemed ridiculously low that they would not be practical, airplanes especially. So, guessed the actual life would be longer. Don't usually drive long periods of time with the highs on anyway. This thread has been one of the more interesting for me as its something I can get my pea-brain around w/o too much effort.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
From: Baja Oregon
Re: Brighter headlights (Ironcross)
. . . go to Http://www.airsuppliers.com Click on lights, then enter the part #. The part # is GE 4537, 13 volt lights. $14.95. . . .
Whaaaat???? Unless I'm missing something here (always a strong possibility :D ) the shipping charges from these people are outlandish. I went to their website to order a couple lights - $29.08 total - and for this they want at least $21.18 for ground freight and up to $50.17 for Next Day Air!
Is this really the case or do you guys see something I don't? :confused:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 929
Likes: 5
From: Marietta GA
Re: Brighter headlights (Touringpro)
I haven't looked but I don't doubt it. Many of these places draw you in with a low price and then hit you with outrageously high shipping and handling fees. I saw another sight that had the GE 4537 for $36.08. Not sure of the shipping though.