DFitz

Ok, my wife says I'm still trying to grow up. I can be a bit obnoxious. I am working on the front end, '55 base Holiday 88, 4-door no post. Thinking about new headlights.


Anyone play with the new LED conversions? 7" rounds? They are really expensive. However, I am concerned, the original incandecant lights are too dim, and I'm not sure if the old wiring can take the wattage and heat of the new halogens.


1. Anyone know the wattage of the OEM's vs halogens?
2. wattage of the new LED's?


Yes I know the LED's might look a little out of place on a 60 year old car, but what the heck.

MDchanic

According to Google, if your car was originally 12V, it likely used 6012 bulbs, which were 50/40W, and which were superseded along the way by the 6014, which is 60/50W. The H2064 halogen replacement bulbs are generally 65/53W.

The LED bulbs you are considering are about 25/20W (see this review).

- Eric

DFitz

Eric,


Thanks very much for the info. I have one original 6012 bulb, and one 6014 with no noted problems on wiring. I suppose a halogen bulb at 5 more watts should not be a problem. I'm guessing you meant H6024's?


Wish those LED prices would come down, even just a little.

MDchanic

Damned dyslexia. I typed that before I was completely awake, right after the alarm went off.

Yes, I would absolutely not worry at all about the extra five watts. It will be fine.

And don't worry, the LED prices will come down, but it will be a few more years before they come down enough.
Look at household lightbulbs - I bought a few earlier in the year that act like 40W and 60W incandescents, but that draw something like 8W and 13W, for $3 each.

Just be patient.

- Eric

Tedd Thompson

I still use the originals and I have had no problems driving at night.You might give them a try and see if they present a problem for you, could keep you from spending money you don't need to....Tedd

redoldsman

I have sealed beam halogens in my 54 with no problems. They are somewhat brighter than the originals. I did get dinged a few points at the Regional Olds show earlier this year but who cares.

Rocketowner

I've not changed my original headlights, but did change to halogens on a '57 for my mother-in-law a few years ago. She had stopped driving at night,and the halogens made a big difference . Larry