Need a headlamp upgrade? Check this out --

[TRMark]

I did something very similar to Geo, two Bosch relays, no fuse. I used Sylvania Silverstars for headlights. Pleased

 

[TR3driver]

I did not use two relays for each headlamp but rather one relay for high beams and another for low beams. No idea if that is a good idea but it works and solved my immediate problem.

Probably it's fine.

I wanted some overcurrent protection for those wires, as I had a bad experience once with a short in the headlight wiring (which led to installing relays on TS39781LO). For that conversion, I used a purpose-made box (from Warshawsky) that had two relays and two fuses with nice screw terminals. Worked great for many years, but then one dark night while I was doing perhaps 80 mph down a mountain (into Durango, CO as I recall), both headlights went out! :eeek:

Of course, all I had to do was find the dimmer switch to get the headlights back on, but it was still an experience that I would rather not repeat. And as you've pointed out, the relays are cheap.

PS, I later determined that the problem was an invisible (to me) layer of corrosion on a fuse clip. The tiny bit of resistance it provided was enough to heat the fuse over time and melt the solder inside. It happened twice more before I figured that out, but fortunately both times were in areas with street lights.

 

[foxtrapper]

I installed a set of these Bosch E-code lights about a month ago in my Miata, from Busdepot.

Honestly, my Sylvania DOT Halogen bulbs produced a better pattern. Especially on high beam. The low is ok, with a slight improvement in close in side illumination. High beam hot spots the tree tops, and has poor reach (yes, they are aligned correctly). Side illumination is very poor, making turns on country roads effectively blind, as the light doesn't hit the road you're turning on.

These units aren't worth the $50 they cost.

 

[hondo402000]

I think I put my relays in the harness after the dip switch so only low voltage goes thru the light switch and the dip switch.

Hondo

 

[trfourtune]

FYI,
Just remember to use 12 ga. wire for the heavy load side to the lights. If you run one supply line to both lights then use 10 ga. The switching side of the relay can use regular "skinny" wire. Run a 10 ga. to supply the load side of the relays with a fuse.
IMHO
Rob
ps-i don't like kits because they usually have too small wire gage and don't have soldered connectors as well as i like to fit/route mine the way i like with shielding/protection- IMHO

 

[TFR]

FYI: I have been working for a lamp mfr. for 33 years. The glass lines in the lens is called a flute.
They determine how the light is dispersed onto the road.

Can go on for hours but basically back in the day DOT was strict. But because the EPA forced the auto makers to have less rolling wind resistance the DOT conceded and allowed the auto makers to use composite bumper / lens lamps. The composite lamps don't control the light dispersion as well as the old sealed beam. Thus allowing the Europian lamps into the US.
When I was a kid my Dad brought home some decorative headlight covers for the 65 Ford Fairlane. When he took it in for the NJ tag inspection it failed the headlight aim test and they made him remove them. Go figure...

 

[WedgeWorks]

I find the best way to have better lighting is the old fashioned way!

 

[trfourtune]

Nice,
But if you get caught with those on, on the street, (without covers on them) you're going to get about $100 fine per light-$600. I saw an ad for some rally lights by someone lately, said he could'nt afford the fines any more and was forced to take them off. He'd put them back on every time he had to take them off but finally got fed up.
Rob

 

[TR3driver]

But if you get caught with those on, on the street, (without covers on them)

I've read somewhere that in some jurisdictions, you can get a ticket even with a cover installed.

However, in CA, you are allowed to have two "auxiliary driving lamps" uncovered, as long as they only come on with the high beams.

It also appears to be almost impossible to get a ticket for illegal driving lamps, at least in the Los Angeles area, as I see people running around all the time with their driving lamps on and headlights on low beam.

 

[HerronScott]

Randall,

Are driving light really treated different there from fog lights which only come on with low beams?

Scott

 

[TR3driver]

Are driving light really treated different there from fog lights which only come on with low beams?

Yes, I believe so, although I don't have the details at hand. Different requirements as to mounting location, beam shape, intensity, etc.; basically so they don't blind other drivers. You can't just call driving lamps "fog lamps" and run them all the time.

 

[TonyPanchot]

I ordered a pair just because I am still using "Lucas" brand and figured it is time for an upgrade from those
just not sure how they process their orders as I have not been charged yet.

anyone have any idea on this co's order procedure?

and is there any value in the original 'Lucas" lamp ?

 

[Geo Hahn]

...anyone have any idea on this co's order procedure?

Ron will send you an email order confirmation fairly soon (well, possibly Monday since it is the weekend) followed almost immediately by a shipment notification (FedEx) with a tracking number.

<span style="font-style: italic">Well, of course, that synopsis is for shipments on the mainland -- things may be a bit different in your neck of the woods.</span>