Time for new headlights......

any tips on what headlights are best? im thinking of JW Speaker brand 7" round LED headlights for the high power low amperage draw or maybe TruckLite brand LED, or KC HiLites brand 7" that use replaceable H4 bulb. my 59 cj5 fhead is bone stock currently alternator but i think im going back to a generator probably a 30 amp. mostly thinking of changing back for originality ( im pretty young so i get a kick out of tinkering with old things) thats most of the reason i want to keep the fhead.... besides if i put a newer motor with more power ill need better steering better axle better brakes etc etc and i dont want to molest a perfectly good restoration candidate since overall its in great shape for its age. some things are just too good/nice/fun to modify.

 

Something doesn't jive here. You want is stock Jeep but putting non stock headlights in it? Doesn't make sense to downgrade to a generator then Upgrade the headlights. I'd suggest getting a game plan about what you want the final result to be then go with it.


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H4 is a good light, and won't alter the looks much. I love them. But a stock F-head doesn't really need a whole lot of light upgrades at 45 mph.

I support your notion of keeping originality in general. You can find a modified jeep if you ever want one.

 

The Silvania Silverstar lights are a good upgrade over stock and keep the stock look.

 

Bear in mind many light upgrades require more amps. Amps a stock generator may not be able to keep up with when added up to other electrical requirements.


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I think that is why he is considering the LED's which use a lot less wattage than stock. My thoughts are to just leave the alternator on it and use the H4's if the Jeep is to be used for a Jeep. The way cheapest route. The H4's do draw some juice but work very well with quite a few options for bulbs. My 3B got H4's back in the mid 70's and I think I have only replaced bulbs about twice in that 40 years or so.

 

Best value may be Autopal, not Hella. http://stores.ebay.com/Autopal-Ligh...=3526707&_sid=107774186&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

The e-code reflectors are way better than the DOT-approved ones.

Most run a relay with upgraded lights. The difference in brightness due to bypassing the headlight and high beam switches is noticeable. Use the relay contacts to switch the lights and power the relay coil with the headlight switch.

 

I get that Duffer, and agree they will use less amperage, but his original post stated he was going back to a generator for originality but then wanting to change the headlights? I see the reasoning for wanting better lights and lower amp draw but it doesn't go with his statement about originality.

 

I find I never " **** off an oncoming motorist" even with 100watt. The good reflectors control the stray light cut-off much better than DOT units.

 

Lots of people have done this upgrade (the relays and larger wire), and reported an improvement in headlight brightness. And it's cheap - a roll of 10 or 12 ga wire, connectors and a couple of relays. I expect the improvement is partly from both the long wire path and smaller wire that the factory wiring uses. Measure the voltage at the battery and at your headlight connectors - if they are the same, then it won't help. If they are not, even a volt in difference will be significant here.

 

Did you make them work or are they on the shelf?

 

lotta good ideas in here

 

So the question remains, do you want originality or better lighting?


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