Headlight ? - swap low beams for high beams?

[russgoodman]

Yeah I know, kinda an off the wall question. My high beam switch is broken and therefore I don't have the ability to use my high beams. I live in the country and my low beam lights work ok until I hit 35 mph, then I outrun my headlights. Rarely drive the car at night because of this. Is it possible to swap the high and low beam lamps without any modifications? Im not really looking to drop $300 on an HID conv kit, so I figured if I could switch my current lamps (so my low beam lights would actually control the brighter high beam lamps) I would try it. Basically, are the housings the same size, are the electrical connections the same, do they have the same voltage going to each light, etc.? Thanks

 

["Turbo-T"]

The high beam usually uses a 2 plug connection while the lows use a 3. Not sure if the low beam side plug will fit the high beam bulbs or if it would even work.

I also believe they have the same voltage going to them. I think the only real difference is how the bulb is made. I almost want to say the high beam filament is angled different than the low beam to determine the projection.

One thing I did learn on a former vehicle....the amount of voltage and current going to the lights sucks. I had an S-10 with poor lighting that I ended up basically "hot wiring" by using the stock bulb wiring on a relay that controlled a main power wire supply right off the battery to the lamps. It's very similar to how you hotwire your TR's fuel pump.

I did see a difference in the lighting output once this was done.

 

[fuzzyGN]

At least first try replacing the low beam bulbs with a new set. I don't remember what they are called but there are basically 3 versions of headlights last time I checked. The stock ones at about 8 bucks each, the bulbs around 15 then a the top of $20+. I simply replaced my bulbs with the middle priced ones and the difference was incredible. Never touched the wiring but that isn't a bad idea either. At worst you are out a few bucks but it is the easiest thing to start with IMO.

 

["Turbo-T"]

Fuzzy you might be thinking of the Sylvania Xtravision and then the silverstars.

I have found the Xtravision do produce more light than the standard bulbs. Not sure about the silverstars.

 

[russgoodman]

Thanks for the replies guys, Im thinkin I will replace the low beams with a brighter bulb as suggested.

 

[Madcat455]

Either that,

OR just put in a toggle switch and relay until you get your switch fixed.

Could have it done in about 1 hr, with about $15 in parts/wire.

High beams arn't that much brighter, but the lenses are focused differently to hit farther out. With new low beams, you'll have brighter light, but it'll still hit the road 30ft. in front of the car, unless you aim them higher... but their focus will disperse the light quicker than actual high beams, so the effect won't be nearly as good.

Good luck.

 

[russgoodman]

Ok, so my next question is has anyone replaced the high beam switch and how much work is involved in it? I figured it was a PITA so I opted to leave it as is. If I pull back on the turn signal lever to engage the hi beams it doesnt click, just sits there. Kinda like a gear or something is broken.

 

[bmackinnon]

Just replace the switch. It's not hard, just a little tedious, and the black (not chrome) switch/stalks are available all day long for cheap. Procedure is at Turbo Regal Web Site.

 

[russgoodman]

Just replace the switch. It's not hard, just a little tedious, and the black (not chrome) switch/stalks are available all day long for cheap. Procedure is at Turbo Regal Web Site.

What article is it listed under? I have never seen it on there and just looked again and cant find it. Thanks.

 

[Red Regal T]

Ok, so my next question is has anyone replaced the high beam switch and how much work is involved in it? I figured it was a PITA so I opted to leave it as is. If I pull back on the turn signal lever to engage the hi beams it doesnt click, just sits there. Kinda like a gear or something is broken.

If I'm not mistaken, there is a rod that goes to the high beam switch. I remember having a situation that when I pulled the turn signal stalk to switch to the high beams, nothing would happen. What I needed was to move the switch in closer so that the rod would move farther into the switch. Is that possibly your problem?

 

[russgoodman]

John, yes that could be a possibility as well from your description.

 

[Red Regal T]

John, yes that could be a possibility as well from your description.

It does adjust pretty easily. Give it a look.

 

[bmackinnon]

Just replace the switch. It's not hard, just a little tedious, and the black (not chrome) switch/stalks are available all day long for cheap. Procedure is at Turbo Regal Web Site.

Oops! Not in the tech articles, but in a thread that I had read. Here's the links...
GN and T-Type Performance Enthusiasts (GNTTYPE) Forums - cruise control/turn signal
GN and T-Type Performance Enthusiasts (GNTTYPE) Forums - cruise stalk

Credit to Turbo Regal Web Site

HTH....

 

[aminga]

Oops! Not in the tech articles, but in a thread that I had read. Here's the links...
GN and T-Type Performance Enthusiasts (GNTTYPE) Forums - cruise control/turn signal
GN and T-Type Performance Enthusiasts (GNTTYPE) Forums - cruise stalk

Credit to Turbo Regal Web Site

HTH....

The headlight switch is NOT in the stalk. Its in the column. The stalk simply plugs into a socket on the switch

 

[gordyzx9r]

Fuzzy you might be thinking of the Sylvania Xtravision and then the silverstars.

I have found the Xtravision do produce more light than the standard bulbs. Not sure about the silverstars.

I use the Silver Stars, they work better than the standard bulbs. Another thing (which I have not done) is the Casper's Headlight Brightener kit.

 

[mikeb]

The silverstars are great bulbs, their low beams have always been brighter than standard high beams in all of my cars. There is only one downside, in all of my applications they burn out 2-3x faster than a standard bulb.

 

[russgoodman]

The headlight switch is NOT in the stalk. Its in the column. The stalk simply plugs into a socket on the switch

I noticed that too. It looks like the biggest headache involved is routing the cruise control wiring. I don't have cruise so that is one less step for me. I didnt realize you could get to the switch without taking the wheel or column off, so this may be easier than I thought.

I use the Silver Stars, they work better than the standard bulbs. Another thing (which I have not done) is the Casper's Headlight Brightener kit.

The silverstars are great bulbs, their low beams have always been brighter than standard high beams in all of my cars. There is only one downside, in all of my applications they burn out 2-3x faster than a standard bulb.

I put some silverstars on a 96 mustang gt I had and they worked much better than the stock bulbs. Had to drive 1.5 hrs to school late sun nights/mon morns and they saved my a$$ a couple of times from hitting deer/cows that I would have never seen without them. May try them again as well.

Oops! Not in the tech articles, but in a thread that I had read. Here's the links...
GN and T-Type Performance Enthusiasts (GNTTYPE) Forums - cruise control/turn signal
GN and T-Type Performance Enthusiasts (GNTTYPE) Forums - cruise stalk

Credit to Turbo Regal Web Site

HTH....

Thanks for the links!!

 

[aminga]

I noticed that too. It looks like the biggest headache involved is routing the cruise control wiring. I don't have cruise so that is one less step for me. I didnt realize you could get to the switch without taking the wheel or column off, so this may be easier than I thought.

My point was replacing the stalk won't replace the dimmer. It's been a while since I've done this but I THINK the dimmer is down on the steering column under the dash and removing the wheel isn't necessary. It's hooked to the stalk through a linkage.

I've pulled the turn signal assembly out to replace that it's really not that hard. You just need a lock plate remover and a wheel puller.