Light weight headlights
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,193
Likes: 16
Light weight headlights
Are these worth the money. The regular ones are ten bucks a piece, these are $32.00. I don't use them much so I don't think they will wear out the motor and gears. Opinions
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,193
Likes: 16
Originally Posted by Mr Dave
They came from the factory in my 96. It has 116,000+ miles on it with lots of headlight use. Never had a problem with the headlight doors.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
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From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
This is one of the first things Gordon Killebrew tells you to do in his class on C4s. You can buy them at NAPA for a WHOLE lot less than what you were quoted!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Glen Carbon IL
I have never heard of this. Light Weight headlights? If I go to NAPA is there a part number, or do I just say I want Light Weight headlights for my C-4? Just wondering if the guy behind the counter would look at me like I am a dumb-azz for asking. Also, how can I tell if I already have them? No point in replacing them if they are already there.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
I got mine at Ecklers. The first time the right original went out. So I trucked down to the local parts store and got replacements (glass). When I was installing them I noticed how much heavier they were. A couple months later my right headlamp motor (post bushing replace) when to headlight motor heaven. So after $285 for a new motor, I bought a set of the lightweight plastic one's and have had no problems since.
I can't say for certain the heavy lamps blew the cam off the sprocket, but something sure caused it. But it's a awful coincidence.
My advise unless your changing to the exotic technology lamps stay with the plastic lightweigh lamps. Save your motors the extra work.
I can't say for certain the heavy lamps blew the cam off the sprocket, but something sure caused it. But it's a awful coincidence.
My advise unless your changing to the exotic technology lamps stay with the plastic lightweigh lamps. Save your motors the extra work.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
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From: Lake Mary Florida
Originally Posted by Harsh
I have never heard of this. Also, how can I tell if I already have them? No point in replacing them if they are already there.
It says Wagner Plastic Halogen on the box.
HP6054
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Originally Posted by mfi
Are these worth the money. The regular ones are ten bucks a piece, these are $32.00. I don't use them much so I don't think they will wear out the motor and gears. Opinions .
.My suggestion is to buy Bosch or CIBIE European E-Spec reflectors, 100/130 watt Narva clear bulbs, rewire the headlamp wiring with 10 gauge wiring and relays to limit resistance.
The parts will cost you about $200 and you will be able to see the road for 120 MPH nighttime jaunts.
I got my parts thru Daniel Stern lighting (do an internet search. he knows what you need).
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
I've had problems with my headlights since I got them. I can tell you what you should NOT do. Dont buy the heavy duty bronze gears for '84-'87 headlights. They weigh a ton and will kill your motor.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
The plastic headlights started in 1995 and they light the road just fine in my car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
Originally Posted by dizwiz24
I dont want to question Gordon Killebrew's wisdom, but headlights that light the road properly (stock ones dont) should be your first priority.
My suggestion is to buy Bosch or CIBIE European E-Spec reflectors, 100/130 watt Narva clear bulbs, rewire the headlamp wiring with 10 gauge wiring and relays to limit resistance.
The parts will cost you about $200 and you will be able to see the road for 120 MPH nighttime jaunts.
I got my parts thru Daniel Stern lighting (do an internet search. he knows what you need).
My suggestion is to buy Bosch or CIBIE European E-Spec reflectors, 100/130 watt Narva clear bulbs, rewire the headlamp wiring with 10 gauge wiring and relays to limit resistance.
The parts will cost you about $200 and you will be able to see the road for 120 MPH nighttime jaunts.
I got my parts thru Daniel Stern lighting (do an internet search. he knows what you need).
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Originally Posted by newbecorvetteguy
The potential problem with that is people often fail to realize the impact they're having on oncoming traffic when they put aircraft landing lights on their car so they can see better. There are laws for how bright and what color headlights are to be for a reason. Just something to keep in mind.
Low-beams have a cut out in the path of oncoming traffic. High beams are *****-out-max lighting-I-dont-care-who-I-am-going-to blind.
Also, I discourage the use of silly, toy, tinted-blue, HID-simulator bulbs. The yellowish hue of a clear halogen bulb is the best for lighting (your eye is most sensitive the reflected yellow light) .
I also want to mention. A lower cost option is the sylvania silverstars. I havent used them, but ive heard good things from forum members.
Good luck.
except my 93 had them.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by Mr Mojo
The plastic headlights started in 1995 and they light the road just fine in my car.
Gordon looked at my new-to-me 96 and proclaimed that "You need to change these over to plastic units - it will save your motors."
Now, since I am just babysitting this car for the summer and will return it to Brandt this fall I hate to change his "obviously after-market" lights back to plastic without his permission.
The plastic units I put on the 87 were more than adequate.
My $.02
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,531
Likes: 35
From: Lecanto Florida
I put the "Diamond Cut" headlights that were on eBay. I guess they're plastic because they only weigh a few ounces each. They light the road up pretty well, but I don't see a big difference between low & high beam. I'm sure the light weight is helping with the gears and motors...so far all original.
Racer
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
My 94 came with the plastic units. When one burned out, I replaced it with a glass light. There was a big difference in how fast the lights flipped open. The glass one was considerably slower. I replaced the glass unit with a plastic one and after replacement, both lights open at the same speed. I was concerned that the extra weight would cause the motor to fail sooner.
The plastic unit was made by Wagner and came with a lifetime guarantee. I think I paid about $12, certainly no more than $19. I bought it at a local autoparts store that is no longer in business. It was a direct match to the other unit that came with the car. One of the other posts has the part number.
The plastic unit was made by Wagner and came with a lifetime guarantee. I think I paid about $12, certainly no more than $19. I bought it at a local autoparts store that is no longer in business. It was a direct match to the other unit that came with the car. One of the other posts has the part number.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by dizwiz24
I dont want to question Gordon Killebrew's wisdom, but headlights that light the road properly (stock ones dont) should be your first priority.
My suggestion is to buy Bosch or CIBIE European E-Spec reflectors, 100/130 watt Narva clear bulbs, rewire the headlamp wiring with 10 gauge wiring and relays to limit resistance.
My suggestion is to buy Bosch or CIBIE European E-Spec reflectors, 100/130 watt Narva clear bulbs, rewire the headlamp wiring with 10 gauge wiring and relays to limit resistance.
The highly-esteemed Hella units are also a good choice. If you go with 90/100W H4's, you won't have to relay/rewire...and the lighting is far superior to the stock type 55/60W headlamps. As far as bulb brands go, try to stick with either Sylvania or Philips/Osram.
Plastic lights? I had them on my '96, but was not impressed with their light output. If you still want to use them, I have the units I took out (Wagner Halogen)...I think they are in the "pay it forward" stickie. Pay shipping and they are yours. ( I sent a pair of SilverStars to a CF member through that same thread, and the shipping was $13 as i recall )
Larry
code5coupe
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Sheboygan Wisconsin
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by Mr Mojo
The plastic headlights started in 1995 and they light the road just fine in my car.
