Attention: TDR Forum Junkies I installed and aimed the Hella 500 driving lights in my Buckstop bumper. I put them on a seperate circuit with the lighted switch mounted in the removable panel directly under the steering wheel. I went with a separate circuit because I didn't want to tap into the factory wiring. I also thought that, in case of a factory lighting circuit problem (no lights) with this set-up, I'd have lights and be able to get home.
I found that the switch position doesn't come "readily to hand" but maybe after I get used to it, it will get easier to find. I thought of trying to put a switch on the 6 speed shift lever and using a small micro switch, possibly embedded in the shift knob or along side the jacob's brake switch so the switch would be easier to use.
As there is not much load on the wires to the relay, I'd think a micro switch would work fine with no over load problem.
I considered using the wiring for the factory fog lights to activate the relay but then I would only have the Hella's on when on low beam. But, this switch would make it easier to dim the driving lights. I grounded the lights to the bolt on the bumper that helps attach the light bucket. I also added a 10 amp fuse in the circuit of the lighted switch which is wired direct to the battery. I have to do another install on my buddy's new CTD Dodge so any ideas along these lines would be appreciated. Maybe there are some things I'm not thinking of.
Are the lights the final answer? I don't know. They are certainly an improvement over the factory headlights. There may be more effective lights out there but the price on this light kit from Summit is pretty hard to beat.
I went out to our airport and parked to the right of the center line on a taxiway to simulate the road center line and aimed them where I thought they'd do the most good. This was a fast and pretty accurate way to do it. I may try putting in 100-130 watt H3 bulbs. Hella said, "do this at your own risk". The light housing is plastic (not sure about the lens) and the 100 watt might get a bit hot.
Bob
I found that the switch position doesn't come "readily to hand" but maybe after I get used to it, it will get easier to find. I thought of trying to put a switch on the 6 speed shift lever and using a small micro switch, possibly embedded in the shift knob or along side the jacob's brake switch so the switch would be easier to use.
As there is not much load on the wires to the relay, I'd think a micro switch would work fine with no over load problem.
I considered using the wiring for the factory fog lights to activate the relay but then I would only have the Hella's on when on low beam. But, this switch would make it easier to dim the driving lights. I grounded the lights to the bolt on the bumper that helps attach the light bucket. I also added a 10 amp fuse in the circuit of the lighted switch which is wired direct to the battery. I have to do another install on my buddy's new CTD Dodge so any ideas along these lines would be appreciated. Maybe there are some things I'm not thinking of.
Are the lights the final answer? I don't know. They are certainly an improvement over the factory headlights. There may be more effective lights out there but the price on this light kit from Summit is pretty hard to beat.
I went out to our airport and parked to the right of the center line on a taxiway to simulate the road center line and aimed them where I thought they'd do the most good. This was a fast and pretty accurate way to do it. I may try putting in 100-130 watt H3 bulbs. Hella said, "do this at your own risk". The light housing is plastic (not sure about the lens) and the 100 watt might get a bit hot.
Bob
