2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Head Lights gone wacko

[DavidC]

For headlight yellowing there is also this and I have read mixed reviews but it is the only wipe on coating of it's kind on the market and most I think would say it is pricey.
http://www.optimumcarcare.com/olc.php?li=10

Dave

 

[BigPapa]

The jumper wire is only if you want the dim filaments to stay lit when you turn on the brights.

Hey Gary, how's this worked out for you, both on when on high beam? Any heat issues with the lenses?

 

[Texis]

YEs, the lens restoration is a temporary fix, I intend to replace with the Geno's headlights in 2016.
I did take the truck for a long drive last night down a local dark highway to see how much I gained. The harness definitely helps A LOT. The low beams are much better, but the biggest improvement is on high beam. The truck actually has a high beam now lol.

At this point, I can recommend the LMC harness / relays as a good solution for lights that suck and a big help in reducing the amp load on the switch.

 

[Texis]

YEs, the lens restoration is a temporary fix, I intend to replace with the Geno's headlights in 2016.
I did take the truck for a long drive last night down a local dark highway to see how much I gained. The harness definitely helps A LOT. The low beams are much better, but the biggest improvement is on high beam. The truck actually has a high beam now lol.

At this point, I can recommend the LMC harness / relays as a good solution for lights that suck and a big help in reducing the amp load on the switch.

 

[GAmes]

Hey Gary, how's this worked out for you, both on when on high beam? Any heat issues with the lenses?

I haven't had any issues with bulb life or the lenses. At highway speeds I believe the air passing over them is plenty sufficient for cooling. In the last 12 years I can count the number of bulbs I've had to replace on one hand.

 

[BigPapa]

Good deal. Thanks for the reply.

 

[SAndreasen]

YEs, the lens restoration is a temporary fix, I intend to replace with the Geno's headlights in 2016.
I did take the truck for a long drive last night down a local dark highway to see how much I gained. The harness definitely helps A LOT. The low beams are much better, but the biggest improvement is on high beam. The truck actually has a high beam now lol.

At this point, I can recommend the LMC harness / relays as a good solution for lights that suck and a big help in reducing the amp load on the switch.

Thanks for the info in this thread I am wondering about the headlight harness from lmc did you ever get the factory bulb retainer to work with the harness plugs ? I ask because my headlights suck so bad I have to light a match to check and see if they are on or not I had a 2001 that I put new headlights on and installed Piaa bulbs and it made a world of difference . I tried the fog lights on with the high been trick on this 98 and apparently I dig something wrong because now if I drive very far at night the high beams flash on and off automatically a real cool feature let me tell ya .

 

[Texis]

did you ever get the factory bulb retainer to work with the harness plugs

Yes, the LMC harness DOES work directly with the OEM bulbs. When I first looked at them I wasn't sure, but the LMC harness snaps directly onto the factory bulb. But as I mentioned I had to extend many of the wires.. regardless of what their package said! $40 bucks well spent. Also no longer having any problems with the switch in the cab, I suppose it's an amp load and heat thing. I should probably change it anyway.. but my truck has a bunch of "I should probably change it" items on it.

 

[SAndreasen]

Thanks for the information I think I'll order the light harness from lmc then

 

[BigPapa]

Made my own harness and installed it today. WOW. The brights are definitely brighter. So bright, when I go back to low beams it's like I turned the lights off.

I used Gary's diagram (Thanks Gary!) with the diode. I also put 30amp fuses in the "battery power" legs. I bought new lamp connectors, Dorman "Hi-temp", instead of using the factory ones. Used 12GA wire. Grounded each lamp connector directly to the batteries. Ran the wiring through split loom and across the top of the radiator opposite the battery cable. Even used the little p-clamps like the battery cable.

 

[GAmes]

You were a lot more thorough than I was. All I did was basically insert the relays into the existing wires. I'm glad you like the result.

 

[The patriot]

I know from experience that polishing the lenses is a short term fix. However, I'm glad you have an improvement.

I saw a video where the guy got some non yellowing UV resistant clear paint and claimed that was the fix after doing the progressively finer wet sanding thing up to 2000 grit IIRC
I'll see if I can find a link

 

[The patriot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEJbKLZ7RmM

 

[GAmes]

Pretty neat. I wish I had saved my old headlights. Guess I'll have to experiment on my DIL's Volvo. :-laf

 

[BigPapa]

Well, I lost a lamp last night. With both elements burning, when they blow they BLOW!

 

[klcammie]

Here is another light I,ve heard is good http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts/anzo_diamond_clear_headlight/ANZHE7625.aspx#

 

[GAmes]

Wow. When mine burn out they just quit emitting light. :-laf

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

A low-beam bulb in my stepdaughter's Accord recently exploded like that. First time I've ever seen it happen.

I had the LMC harness in my Suburban and it seemed to hold up well. WHen I upgraded to Sport headlights in my Dodge, I got the SUVLights harness, which was crap. Although I didn't own the Suburban nearly as long as I've had the Dodge, so maybe that's a factor.

 

[The patriot]

The only time I had a bulb blow up like that, it was cheap chineese bulbs.

 

[BigPapa]

The only time I had a bulb blow up like that, it was cheap chineese bulbs.

That's a Sylvania Silver Star......