Headlamp Relay Conversion

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Tue Jan 08, 13 5:53 pm

Bit of an update.... Dropped lucky on a pair of very good used Autopal 103 outers with side lights, thanks to a friend and they look great! Keeping eyes open for home main beam units now but no rush....

Went to my winter storage today and mocked up the loom with the relays in final position so will make it up properly over the next day or so.

One question though..... Did a voltage drop test on the original wiring and was very surprised at the results! Without engine running, dipped beam only, drivers side 12.3v, passenger side 12.2v, mainbeam, drivers side 10.9v, passenger side 10.7v.

I was expecting lower readings considering the length of wires and the fact that they go through the switch! Are these 'normal' readings or should I expect anything different??

Cheers Steve

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Sat Jan 12, 13 5:13 pm

Job done!....had a good result with this today.... Did a test fit on the loom today, everything works ok thankfully, steady 12.3V at each lamp. Everything switches fine so am pleased with the results!

Cant do a permanent fit yet as I need to drill a few holes etc and cant do that at the garage I rent. Ive taped the loom up now and its ready to go in next time car is at home (Thursday hopefully).

Thanks for all your help with this gents,

Cheers Steve

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Sat Jan 12, 13 5:54 pm

Was that voltage with the engine switched off?

You should have around 14.5 volts with the engine running.

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Sat Jan 12, 13 6:09 pm

Switched off Dave....just wanted to make sure it works before I start the car up and bring her home to do final fit.....was very cold so couldnt be bothered to un clamp her etc. Going back over Thursday to collect her (weather permitting) so will do a full test then

Post by **MattH** » Wed Mar 02, 16 9:26 am

Just found this Steve, I have the bits to do this, got all 4 lights new with bulbs from ebay for under £50 delivered.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261821542765? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Your thread is very useful so I shall be doing this soon, once I have got the relays.

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Wed Mar 02, 16 10:17 am

Not sure if this has been posted but Nathan does the looms and headlights.

http://www.brightlight-customs.co.uk/ha ... lamps.html

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Thu Mar 17, 16 5:57 pm

Thats great value Matt and the Autopals are good because they have the correct domed glass unlike some of the more modern stuf that can be very flat in comparison and just dont look 'period'.

Thanks for posting this link Matt!

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Thu Mar 17, 16 5:59 pm

Bryan wrote:Not sure if this has been posted but Nathan does the looms and headlights.

http://www.brightlight-customs.co.uk/ha ... lamps.html

Thats too easy Bryan...I prefer to mess around for days, mess it up a few times, scratch my head, hit the beer, cut my fingers, bang my head on the bonnet catch etc....much more fun

Thanks for the link, thats very good value and I think it cost me more to do it myself than it would be to buy this kit and harness

drewcrane · Post by **drewcrane** » Wed Mar 23, 16 2:30 pm

After reading this, and knowing I should have done this a long time ago.

We are in a blizzard warning today so I am home bound,and bored,so I thought I would share what I did.

I t does require some thinking ,and some labor, but it is worth every bit of time and money.

i started with by passing the Amp Gauge,and I had redline gauges convert the amp gauge to a volt meter,(I also had them re do the clock as well as the tach.)and it totally eliminates the alternator wire from the dash ,so I ran a whole new 8 gauge wire to the starter relay, removing the old wire completly.

Then I installed the head light relays, and electric fan relays, as well as an electric fuel pump oil pressure switch,to make the car safer in case of a crash leaving the driver unable to shut of the pump, so if there is no oil pressure ,the pump will not run, this specific switch is from a Cosworth Vega, as those cars had a duel overhead cam and would not allow the mechanical fuel pump ,so yea a chevy part, but I could not find another way to safely use the pump,and this was the easiest way for me.

The fans and headlights work perfectly,much brighter headlights,and now I have all the power distribution on one fender, with 3 mains power studs in line, as well as all my grounds, my grounding block is there due to the age of the car ,and I just don't trust using the body as in the past I have had grounding(earth) issues and this eliminated those issues, so now the car is good on the electrical side,and should provide alot more enjoyment not having to worry about the amp gauge causing issues.

drewcrane · Post by **drewcrane** » Wed Mar 23, 16 2:32 pm

I removed alot of old wire, and replaced it with much larger gauge.