2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Euro Headlights

[Gary - K7GLD]

NOT sure about the projector type, but a couple of related threads have pointed out that MODIFYING older style conventional lighting to HID and similar types is illegal in many states as defined by their vehicle laws.



Like 'em or not, our OEM lights are designed and certified for construction materials and design, light output and pattern by various agencies - SAE, DOT, and probably others - so the arbitrary decision by individual owners to significantly modify their street-driven vehicles just MIGHT place them at legal risk...



There is a difference between what a manufacturer can legally provide on a NEW vehicle - and what's legal for an owner to "improve" on an older one!

 

[edgerat]

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.37.280



http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.37.310



http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.37.320



all for washington state only but you can see that there are restrictions on candlepower of headlamps and the aiming of them. Also restrictions on lights that are not DOT approved. 99% of the time if you operate a clean decent looking vehicle and you arent being malicious you won't get a ticket. There are also municipal codes to watch out for and administrative codes that are in addition to your state laws.

 

[dodgeboy01]

Yes, and yes...



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And tail lights too...



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I too went with these lights and they work excellent. Straight forward swap out did not have to lower the front bumper or anything. A well worth up grade.

 

[Thomas]

http://apps. leg. wa.gov/RCW/default. aspx?cite=46. 37. 280

http://apps. leg. wa.gov/RCW/default. aspx?cite=46. 37. 310

http://apps. leg. wa.gov/RCW/default. aspx?cite=46. 37. 320

all for washington state only but you can see that there are restrictions on candlepower of headlamps ...

Where is there any mention of candlepower of headlamps?

 

[J Shocik]

If anyone is interested in the installation of after-market headlight assemblies on a '97, I just bought a pair on eBay for a little over $140. The guy says they're a direct bolt-in replacement. The existing light system I have now totally stinks! I decided to take the gamble & hope these work as described. When I get them installed, I'll let you know how things went. Until then... .

 

[JR2]

- but DO plan on converting over to relay powered lights instead of increasing the demand on the already marginal light switch.

Starting in 2000 or 2001 Dodge went to a switched ground system so there is NO draw on the headlight switch, the reason to go to relay and direct wiring to the batt's is to get more juice to the lights with bigger wire.....





For those of you interested in Borelais system, PM BRobertson here on TDR. He is still in business but I belive he is only making the HID models and only on trucks he can get work on himself. I know he is planning a cross county trip to do some installs, get on the list early.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Starting in 2000 or 2001 Dodge went to a switched ground system so there is NO draw on the headlight switch, the reason to go to relay and direct wiring to the batt's is to get more juice to the lights with bigger wire.....





For those of you interested in Borelais system, PM BRobertson here on TDR. He is still in business but I belive he is only making the HID models and only on trucks he can get work on himself. I know he is planning a cross county trip to do some installs, get on the list early.

Changing WHERE the actual, physical switch is located in the circuit does NOT in any way change the LOAD on the circuit or switch - the amperage is exactly the same whether you switch the positive, OR negative lead...

 

[Thomas]

Starting in 2000 or 2001 Dodge went to a switched ground system ...

Actually it was model year 1999.

Changing WHERE the actual, physical switch is located in the circuit does NOT in any way change the LOAD on the circuit or switch - the amperage is exactly the same whether you switch the positive, OR negative lead...

Ditto.

 

[J Shocik]

As stated in reply #25, I bought a set of euro style headlight assemblies for my '97 & received them today. The installation was very easy. It took me about 30 min. to install both lights. No modifications required, direct bolt-in.

Now I have to wait for night time to see if & how much better they are.

Until then... ... Oo.

 

[DonTX]

Do you have photos? I am anxiously awaiting your night driving report, with the intention of doing the same thing to my 97, presently equipped with the famous CITW (Candle In The Wind) lighting. I have seen several "solutions" on EBay and other places, not exactly sure what is meant by "Euro Style" lights.

 

[J Shocik]

Don, I don't have photos, sorry. But they are almost like Gary's white CTD pictured in this thread, except mine don't have the amber side reflector like his, mine are clear. Other than that, they're the same.

I'm waiting for the night time driving report too!! :-laf :-laf

 

[Thomas]

... they are almost like Gary's white CTD pictured in this thread, except mine don't have the amber side reflector like his, mine are clear. Other than that, they're the same...

Are you saying that your new headlamps have two bulbs per lamp like Gary's?

 

[J Shocik]

Sorry Thomas, no, mine have only one headlight bulb. I was looking at the exterior of the light assembly.

Don, on the night-time driving report, we'll have to wait another night. One of the new bulbs burnt out after about 1 hrs. work. I'll be changing both headlight bulbs this afternoon-I figure the other one is a cheapo & isn't far behind. The hi-beams worked fine though... better than the stockers by far!!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

One nice feature of the Sport Lights, when the recommended control relays are also installed, is that the simple addition of a cheap Radio Shack diode between the relay coils allows selection of both hi and lo beams on at the same time in hi beam mode, or pull the diode for normal hi/lo only function.



For that matter, an equally cheap switch could also be installed for control, eliminating need to physically remove the diode to change modes. I did that diode mod yesterday for even better lighting with all filaments lit on hi beam, but haven't yet done any night driving to fully test the effect.



The remaining concern, and something to watch, is possible discoloring of the reflectors due to increased bulb heating - I'll keep a close eye on that, but don't really do much night driving as a rule, so in my more limited use, it might not be an issue...

 

[Thomas]

The original wiring harness for my transplanted DEPO Sport lamps burned all eight filaments when high beams were selected. Some months later I noticed slight discoloring near the base of the inboard bulbs. At that time I cut the wires powering the inboard bulb low beam filaments. I've had no problems in the years since burning six filaments with high beams selected.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Was that with standard bulbs Thomas?

 

[Thomas]

Standard bulbs.

I figured it had something to do with the fact that the OEM Sport lamps don't use the low beam filaments, reflector optics, transverse-filaments in the 9004 bulbs vs. axial-filaments in the 9007 bulbs or something else. Whatever the reason, the 45 watt low filaments of the 9004's caused a problem and the 55 watt low filaments of the 9007's didn't.

 

[rotohead]

I'm confused...

which isn't new but I bought the Euro projector w/corner lites unit from motorwings.com... (i like) but trying to wire it up w/relays off the battery using a harness from suvlights.com.

Which is the high beam bulb?... the 9005 which is positioned to the inside of the unit or the H1 bulb that has the 'projector lens' and is closer to the turn signal light? I would also like to wire it so both bulbs come on in HiBeam. Anybody have suggestions/ideas? Please help a electro challenged guy just trying to see the road.

Chuck

 

[biggy238]

SO... ... "Euro" headlights are equivalent to the Early model (pre 99) sport headlights in the fact that they have only one bulb?



I know for a fact that the dual bulb 99 and up headlights require the fender to be cut for the extra bulb clearance on most 2nd gens.



I bought the brite box from Genos that adapts the single bulb into the sport config. for about $150. Had to call to get it as they didn't have a listing.





Has anyone else had the rubber gasket crack and fall away from the DEPO lights? Mine have been on one year and the rubber is trash already.

 

[Thomas]

SO... ... "Euro" headlights are equivalent to the Early model (pre 99) sport headlights in the fact that they have only one bulb?

I know for a fact that the dual bulb 99 and up headlights require the fender to be cut for the extra bulb clearance on most 2nd gens.

I bought the brite box from Genos that adapts the single bulb into the sport config. for about $150. Had to call to get it as they didn't have a listing.


Has anyone else had the rubber gasket crack and fall away from the DEPO lights? Mine have been on one year and the rubber is trash already.

The terms Euro and Euro type and Sport seem to have added an element of confusion to this thread—there is definitely more than one type of headlamp being discussed!

Non-cosmetic metal removal is required if installing dual-bulb Sport lamps in 1994 through, at least, 1997 (likely 1998) Rams. Member Tardog's gallery is worth a look: https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/displayalbum.php?&userid=10439&albumid=431

The cheap rubber welt issue is well documented on the TDR. For replacements, try these numbers at your local Mopar counter:

• 55076746 WELT, Headlamp To Grille - Right
• 55076747 WELT, Headlamp To Grille - Left