What headlights should I get to be brighter but still use existing wiring (if possible) and look as close to original as possible?

May not be the lights, check the ground wire on each. If the
ground is not real good, your lights will be dim.

Also, right after checking the ground connection, check the amount of voltage at the headlamps. Should be within 0.5 volts of battery.

Remember, headlamp supply voltage comes from the battery, or alternator, through the firewall connector, through the light switch, through the dimmer switch, back out the firewall connector, to the headlamp socket. That's alotta wire & connections to go through. Sometimes a measurement of 14.4 volts to start ends up being 11 volts at the socket.

If this happens, you may need to splice in a relay for each headlamp and draw power from the horn relay buss bar and power supply junction block next to the battery on the radiator support.

If everything checks OK, then a set of these will help increase brightness.:thumbsup:http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QH2GV81YL._SS400_.jpg
http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/51N8ECRZHYL._AA280_.jpg

Headlight relay kit will solve the dim issue.

Mike

I’m also looking for halogen headlights. Can I get these at my local parts store (Napa, Checker, Parts Plus)? Or do I need to order them?

Matt, I just put halogens on my rs last weekend, got them at Wal Mart of all places for $8.99 and they are G.E.'s.

Headlight relay kit will solve the dim issue.

MikeYes. That is the 1st thing you should do (after determining the connectors & grounds are good). Befor adding hi-amp bulbs. That just stresses the system that much more.

Here is a general diagram I tried to clean up. I would use a 14g feed with a 18g fuse link at the end for the feeders.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/SIBLY/Cars/HeadlightRelayWiringDiagram2.jpg

http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/brighter-headlights.shtml

I'll check Walmart. I'm sure to be there this weekend anyway. Thanks.

I'll check Walmart. I'm sure to be there this weekend anyway. Thanks.Any good auto parts store will have them.

Remember, the stock wiring isn't really made to handle the extra amperage requirements of halogens. Lots of extra load on the switch. Plus, they like correct votage too!

Simply keep your eyes on the watts used by the headlamp. A 55/60 watt original sealed beam uses the same watts as a 55/60 watts halogen. It's just a better technology, and you're free to take advantage, unless you have a 100% original car. I have a relay system on my H/B & L/B headlamp's wiring, but I still have 55/60 watts H4 on my car. So in my case, it's only an overkill.;)

Good points about the higher wattage, and also about using a relay kit. I think those are the two most important points to keep in mind. Wires and stuff burn if you put enough current through a bad connection. And the OEM headlight wiring methodology wasn't up to par. With a relay, your headlamp switch will last longer, the lights will be brighter, and you can live without fear of overheating something.

Simply keep your eyes on the watts used by the headlamp. A 55/60 watt original sealed beam uses the same watts as a 55/60 watts halogen. It's just a better technology, and you're free to take advantage, unless you have a 100% original car. I have a relay system on my H/B & L/B headlamp's wiring, but I still have 55/60 watts H4 on my car. So in my case, it's only an overkill.;)

It's not overkill, it's getting up to speed. 13+ volts at the lights are better then 11-ish volts. :)

arrhhhggg !!! I have dim P/S head light that's driving me crazy. Where does the headlight actually ground to? I see the black wire in the plug, but does it come out somewhere near by? Thanks.. A

I have dim P/S head light that's driving me crazy. Where does the headlight actually ground to? I see the black wire in the plug, but does it come out somewhere near by? Thanks.. A

Hey Sheboygan,

Did you ever get an answer to this? I have exactly the same question. Thanks!

John

That black wire that comes out of the lamp socket gets screwed into the radiator core support with a star washer, one for each side. I think that is what you are asking.

If you use h.i.d. headlights they draw less current from the system to operate and have 2 to 3 times the light output and they can look 100% original. I have them in my car and if weren't for the transformers you wouldn't even know the difference until I turn on the lights. In the day you can see the beam hit the ground.