junky
Contributor
Posts: 886
Reg: 06-27-10
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07-07-12 07:29 PM - Post#2245558
The headlights in my 1962 Chevy are quite dim, and it is because they are about 50 years old. The grounds are good, and the wiring is new, so no problem there. I want to keep the car stock looking, and was wondering if anyone has any experience with the reproduction T3 headlights that are presently being sold. I am wondering if they are any brighter than the old T3 headlamp bulbs, which put out a minimum amount of lumen's. When they say that these are rated in candlepower, it must mean birthday candles... 
Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, then beat you with experience.
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 62chevy427
"7th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1499
Loc: laurens sc
Reg: 04-13-06
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07-08-12 11:55 AM - Post#2245731
In response to junky
have you checked voltage? i have some of these old t3s and while not as bright as new headlights,they are adequate.
56 bel air ((since 2002)
62 impala ss (since 1965)
65 el camino (since 1969)
66 nova (since 1987)
67 malibu convertible (since 1981)
72 el camino ss454 (since 1985)
83 gmc 4wd (since 1991)
95 impala (new)
11 malibu (new) |
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 bowtieollie
ChevyTalk Subject Matter Expert
Posts: 20882
Loc: See the USA in your Chevr...
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07-08-12 01:48 PM - Post#2245770
In response to junky
Hi Junky,
I got a real good laugh with the birthday candle comment and I agree - those original T3's are rather dim.
Of course, in the day, the standard of reference was what else - another T3 so all appeared normal.
The reproduction T3's are brighter than the originals - but do not even begin to approach the halogen sealed beams which are available (if you do not mind the T3 missing in the lense).
Bowtieollie
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BigCoop64
Senior Member
Posts: 529
Loc: Milwaukee,Wisconsin
Reg: 02-19-04
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07-08-12 11:00 PM - Post#2245964
In response to junky
there is a topic somewhere on here about adding relays to get them brighter,cant remember where i saw it.i was thinking about doing it to mine. hopefully someone will chime in and knw what im referring to.
1964 Impala
Original 283.030over
powerglide,edelbrock/holl y
Pete Jackson gear drive
HEI/msd 6al
2.25" exhaust w/50series flowmasters
other cars:2003 Monte Carlo LS
1996 Dodge Stratus
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frankthetank
Contributor
Posts: 662
Loc: Lodi California
Reg: 02-22-11
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07-09-12 12:07 AM - Post#2245972
In response to BigCoop64
Pardon the dumb question but what's a relay and how does it work with the headlights?
1963 Chevrolet impala sport coupe
2006 Chevrolet silverado crew cab 2wd |
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BigCoop64
Senior Member
Posts: 529
Loc: Milwaukee,Wisconsin
Reg: 02-19-04
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07-09-12 04:44 AM - Post#2245995
In response to frankthetank
Frank, A relay is an electrically operated switch. Many relays use an electromagnet to operate a switching mechanism mechanically, but other operating principles are also used. Relays are used where it is necessary to control a circuit by a low-power signal (with complete electrical isolation between control and controlled circuits), or where several circuits must be controlled by one signal. I use them a lot for remote starts,door triggers,sunroof and windows.
1964 Impala
Original 283.030over
powerglide,edelbrock/holl y
Pete Jackson gear drive
HEI/msd 6al
2.25" exhaust w/50series flowmasters
other cars:2003 Monte Carlo LS
1996 Dodge Stratus
http://community.webshots.com/user/bigcoop64 |
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62sedan
Very Senior Member
Posts: 3328
Age: 62
Loc: North Dallas area
Reg: 08-12-02
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07-09-12 06:03 AM - Post#2246033
In response to BigCoop64
Junky and others......
Don't know if you all have seen these before or not, but definitely worth taking a little time to read.......
http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/bright ...
http://www.madelectrical.com/catalog/rly-1.shtml ------ You'll need 2 of these $24.00 relay kits.
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arnieg141
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 6083
Loc: nj
Reg: 10-06-08
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07-09-12 06:57 AM - Post#2246053
In response to bowtieollie
 you real won't even notice that you changed buy looks. but much much brighter just no t3 on them is missing. if your not being judged in a 100 point org. show this is the way to go ran them in my 1952 what a diff. at night
| GET ER DONE .. AS I GET OLDER I LIKE FAST CARS I CAN STILL DRIVE. AND VERY SLOW WOMEN I CAN CATCH while still able..arnie garrison |
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frankthetank
Contributor
Posts: 662
Loc: Lodi California
Reg: 02-22-11
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07-09-12 08:38 AM - Post#2246083
In response to BigCoop64
Frank, A relay is an electrically operated switch. Many relays use an electromagnet to operate a switching mechanism mechanically, but other operating principles are also used. Relays are used where it is necessary to control a circuit by a low-power signal (with complete electrical isolation between control and controlled circuits), or where several circuits must be controlled by one signal. I use them a lot for remote starts,door triggers,sunroof and windows.
Thanks
1963 Chevrolet impala sport coupe
2006 Chevrolet silverado crew cab 2wd |
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frankthetank
Contributor
Posts: 662
Loc: Lodi California
Reg: 02-22-11
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07-09-12 08:40 AM - Post#2246084
In response to 62sedan
Sounds good but from the picture supplied it looks pretty complicated.
1963 Chevrolet impala sport coupe
2006 Chevrolet silverado crew cab 2wd |
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junky
Contributor
Posts: 886
Reg: 06-27-10
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07-09-12 09:00 AM - Post#2246091
In response to bowtieollie
Thanks for the information. I really have a need for better headlights, since I don't have the luxury of having the inner high beams available on my car. I am attempting to keep this car as original as possible, which means keeping it as it was used back in 1962.. Thanks Junk...
Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, then beat you with experience.
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62sedan
Very Senior Member
Posts: 3328
Age: 62
Loc: North Dallas area
Reg: 08-12-02
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07-09-12 01:35 PM - Post#2246176
In response to junky
Junky,
You can still use regular halogen bulbs for the low beams. I use the General Electric brand of halogens and they are so much better than the old T3's or any of their non-halogen replacements.
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doubleE
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3686
Loc: Eagan MN
Reg: 06-02-03
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07-09-12 06:26 PM - Post#2246347
In response to BigCoop64
Big Coop gave a very technical and accurate definition of relays. When it comes to using them for headlights the main objective is to avoid voltage drops.
The original stock wiring routes the power from the source (battery/gen or alt), through the bulkhead connector, the headlight switch, the dimmer switch and through the bulkhead connector a 2nd time. At every one of these points not to mention the wire itself causes voltage to drop before getting to the headlight filaments.
GM always trying to save a penny here and there used the minimum size wire they could. Smaller gauge wire = higher resistance = increased voltage drop. Distance plays a part too. The longer the wire the more voltage drop.
Using relays (1 for low beam and 1 for high beam) allows you to bypass all of these potential voltage drops previously mentioned. You locate the relays in a direct path between the voltage source and the headlights and use a larger size wire. Larger shorter wire virtually eliminates voltage loss between the power source and the headlights with the added bonus of being able to safely handle higher current (amps) that halogen lights draw.
The 2 relays are operated by the wires that use to supply power directly to the high and low beam lights… there fore the operation to you the driver doesn’t change.
You just need to make sure the relays you use a rated for the amount of current you expect to pass thru.
Got a little carried away with the explanation but hopefully this will shed some light (pun intended) on the subject of headlight relays.
PS – The horn relay works on the same general principal. The horns draw a lot of current, more than you want going thru the steering wheel horn button. So they used a relay – low current thru the horn button to operate the relay and high current thru the relay cont
| Proud owner of
My Blue 62
Impala SS |
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 dcairns
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1530
Loc: Orange CA
Reg: 11-07-03
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07-09-12 07:38 PM - Post#2246370
In response to junky
.. was wondering if anyone has any experience with the reproduction T3 headlights that are presently being sold. I am wondering if they are any brighter than the old T3 headlamp bulbs, which put out a minimum amount of lumen's.
I bought a set of the repro bulbs for my 64 from lectriclimited.com and have been happy with them. I don't do a lot of night driving with the 64, but they do seem to be bright enough and don't look dim. I have also replaced the complete wiring on the car with stock repros, so that may help.
My only complaint is that one of the bulbs does not sit with the T3 logo level like the rest of them (drivers side inner bright bulb).  Not a big deal, I am probably the only one that notices. 
Edited by dcairns on 07-09-12 07:40 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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junky
Contributor
Posts: 886
Reg: 06-27-10
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07-09-12 10:22 PM - Post#2246421
In response to doubleE
................
PS – The horn relay works on the same general principal. The horns draw a lot of current, more than you want going thru the steering wheel horn button. So they used a relay – low current thru the horn button to operate the relay and high current thru the relay cont
The horn wire at the steering wheel is a grounding wire, and when you depress the horn ring, it completes the path to ground. The horn relay is an isolated relay, and it uses the ground to complete the circuit to draw in the relay contacts to send the power to the horns. The horn relay is always hot, and that is why the horn will work even though the car isn't running.
Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, then beat you with experience.
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Delray_58
Contributor
Posts: 668
Loc: Scotts Valley, CA
Reg: 03-20-10
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07-10-12 08:43 AM - Post#2246526
In response to junky
This is an interesting thread as the relays are in my queue of projects for my '58.
A (somewhat) related question: I want to upgrade to HID or Xenon headlights together with the relays. However, I don't want the headlights to have that blue color when they are off. I want the brightness and intensity of HID/Xenon, but not the blue tint when you look at them in the daylight. Can anyone point me to a headlight lke this?
Thanks!
Helder
'58 Delray 283 3-speed
In the family since new |
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doubleE
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3686
Loc: Eagan MN
Reg: 06-02-03
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07-10-12 03:25 PM - Post#2246702
In response to junky
................
PS – The horn relay works on the same general principal. The horns draw a lot of current, more than you want going thru the steering wheel horn button. So they used a relay – low current thru the horn button to operate the relay and high current thru the relay cont
The horn wire at the steering wheel is a grounding wire, and when you depress the horn ring, it completes the path to ground. The horn relay is an isolated relay, and it uses the ground to complete the circuit to draw in the relay contacts to send the power to the horns. The horn relay is always hot, and that is why the horn will work even though the car isn't running.
Junky, I'm not sure if you agree or disagree with my horn statement. The relay is doing the same function reguardless if the horn button is completing the - or + side of the relay coil operating circuit. And there would be the same amount of current thru the horn button. In either case (horn or headlights)the relay is acting as an isolating relay. I did use the term "general principal" for that very reason. I guess to prove the point, although it would be dumb, you could rewire the light switch and relays to switch the ground side of the relay coil the same as the horn circuit does.
Eric
| Proud owner of
My Blue 62
Impala SS |
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frankthetank
Contributor
Posts: 662
Loc: Lodi California
Reg: 02-22-11
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07-10-12 07:35 PM - Post#2246791
In response to doubleE
Man I really need to learn some electrical. You guys may as well be speaking in hebrew  Gonna have to take some college classes here soon.
1963 Chevrolet impala sport coupe
2006 Chevrolet silverado crew cab 2wd |
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junky
Contributor
Posts: 886
Reg: 06-27-10
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07-10-12 09:06 PM - Post#2246822
In response to frankthetank
Man I really need to learn some electrical. You guys may as well be speaking in hebrew Gonna have to take some college classes here soon.
חוט הקרן על ההגה הוא חוט הארקה, וכשאתה לדכא את הטבעת קרן, זה משלים את הנתיב לקרקע.ממסר הצופר הוא ממסר בודד, והוא משתמש בקרקע כדי להשלים את המעגל לצייר במגעים ממסר לשלוח את הכוח בקרנות.ממסר הצופר הוא תמיד חם, ולכן הקרן תפעל אף מכונית לא פועל. 
Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, then beat you with experience.
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frankthetank
Contributor
Posts: 662
Loc: Lodi California
Reg: 02-22-11
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07-10-12 10:47 PM - Post#2246851
In response to junky
 Lmao
1963 Chevrolet impala sport coupe
2006 Chevrolet silverado crew cab 2wd |
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