Headlights; Amer Autowire vs DSE vs Truck-Lite

[Marty G Cars]

After searching posts on headlight options, I'm trying to see the least expensive way to put these poly carb halogens in my 68.

I had the DSE's in a 69 Camaro I sold so I'm ok with the looks/performance, but I'd like to see if I can duplicate the same set-up for less dough just for the fun of it.

The three options all seem to use the same poly carb housing.

AA kit = $209
http://shop.americanautowire.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=19808

DSE kit = $190
http://www.detroitspeed.com/productpages/indproduct/electricalprod/driver_headlights_prod.htm

TL kit = not sure yet
http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=23781&langId=-1

Also, the TL kit doesn't seem to have the proper pigtail or connectors so I'd have to see if I could maybe get the stuff at AA and for how much $$.

I'm just curious and it seems like I'd be able piece the kit together myself for a lot less (and I got the idea from an '06 post by "aonghus").

Anyone here done it yet? I also looked at Classic Ind, but all I could find was 7" halogen bulbs, not the poly carb housing set.

Thanks - Marty

[ProTouring442]

Frankly, they all look to be the same kit to me. My only concern would be the light pattern. My experience with motorcycle headlights tells me that the less expensive polycarbonate lenses frequently put out a very poor pattern, but these kits seem to be in a higher price point and thus are more than likely OK.

If it were me, I would be more apt to utilize a kit like this: http://www.myhellalights.com/halogen_lamps/7_inch_Round_Conversion_Headlamp.html# from Hella. They aren't a rear focus design, but they are very well made. I am running the 5-3/4 versions in my 442, though I haven't actually driven with them, so I cannot comment on how well they work. I do run a Hella in my Motorcycle, and I LOVE how well it works.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[Taylor1969]

These are the lights to get for sure...

http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=739

[Marty G Cars]

Ok ProTouring 442 and Taylor 1969, if both you guys are saying to go with the Hella kit, can you tell me if it's a complete kit? Meaning, is there anything else needed to replace my sealed beam set-up?

[ProTouring442]

I believe they are "plug & play," thought here may be a difference in the wire locations on the plug. I would run a relay to get the best performance out of any lighting upgrade.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[Ishmael]

Hey guys, the H4 bulb requires more power. I've put these bulbs in and got dim light and burnt wires. The solution is a relay kit from Classic Industires. Heavier guage wire with a relay. just my 2c

[thedodgeboys]

Hey guys, the H4 bulb requires more power. I've put these bulbs in and got dim light and burnt wires. The solution is a relay kit from Classic Industires. Heavier guage wire with a relay. just my 2c


I agree add a relay or 2 one for the low side and one for the high.

[Marty G Cars]

Just ordered:

http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=739 (http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=739)

7" Lamp kit (two lamps/bulbs) with 100w/80w halogen (not xenon) bulbs for under $100 (including freight).

American Autowire halogen relay kit for $100

So, for about $200 I'll have a bright, properly wired (with relays), halogen set-up that should perform much better than my H6024 halogen sealed beams.

That's about the same price DSE and American Autowire charge just for the lights alone. I also spoke to the Truck-lite rep and he said that their products can only be bought through their retailers (NAPA was closest to me). The price for their two lamp kit (#27004 on truck-lite.com) was $218, so for the poly carb set-up it seems everyone is close to the same price.

The kit I bought has an aluminum housing with a tempered glass lense and for half the price of everyone else, it looked to be a good deal for me so I pulled the triger :machine:

Thanks Taylor1969

[CarlC]

I have the same bulbs. The differance is like night and day (pun intended) vs. the DSE setup.

A very functional relay setup can be made for about $20 in parts using standard Bosch relays and wiring connectors. It takes a few hours to properly integrate it into the stock harness and run new wiring.

[Marty G Cars]

Carl - My headlights showed up along with my AAW weather packed relays just before I had to head out of town (I'll sorta be in your neck of the woods, San Diego, for a tradeshow, then leisure for about 10 days).

Man, they do look cool. Flat lense instead of the curved and I got the 80w/100w bulbs. I did a test fit and they mount up into the stock buckets, using the stock retaining rings, requiring no modifications what so ever.

As soon as I get my custom, handmade RS replacement grill back from powdercoating I'll see how it all fires up. My lights are positioned to shine through my grill (no doors), so I wanted them as bright as possible, while still maintaining my definition of a budget build.

[CarlC]

Something is different between ours. Mine required increasing the diameter of the bucket hole to fit the headlight. Humm....

[Marty G Cars]

Carl -

You're right. On my initial test fit I didn't have the weather boot fitted on the back of the housing. Once I had everything wired up and ready to install . . . that's when I found out I'd need to open up the headlight buckets at bit with my dremel in order to clear the additional width.

Man these things are BRIGHT!! Only thing is that AAW sent me a bad relay, which they are replacing. So in a couple of days I'll put in the new relay and then try to figure out how to aim these beacons.

[texasdvldog]

:pics2::pics2::pics2: