Constrictor
02-17-2004, 06:32 PM
For those of you with Pontiac F-bodies, we still use the ancient sealed beam type lights. There isnt much in the way of aftermarket lights for us unless you get a Sealed Beam conversion kit. Basically what the kit is, is a light housing that looks like a stock light, except, there is an open hole in the back of them that you can put H7 capsule bulbs or H7 HIDs inside. A regular sealed beam light is sealed (hence the name) and cannot be modified.
To my knowledge, there are only two places you can get them from, www.autooptiks.com and www.eurolights.com. I chose Eurolights cause at the time their prices were cheaper, but from what I've been told, both companies actually sell the same product.
Anyway, I ordered two housings and 2 H7 Hyperwhite bulbs for $75 shipped. This upgrade does involve modifying your stock wiring a little.
I have a complete tutorial on how to do it here:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/Headlight.htm
Here are some pictures:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0268c.jpg
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0273c.jpg
Modified wiring for headlights:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0318c.jpg
Stock Sylvania Sealed Beam light color:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0304c.jpg
Sealed Beam conversion light color:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0305c.jpg
Sealed beam light on left, stock light on the right: Notice only the color temp is different, the beam pattern is exactly the same (wont blind oncoming traffic).
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0311c.jpg
Really crappy picture of the lights on the road (theyre really much brighter than this in person)
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0329c.jpg
You have to realize that Sealed Beams are a very old technology, and this type of upgrade has to work within the confines of the light housing. There are some people who have made custom projector beams with unique housings, but these upgrades are totally custom and not cheap. The sealed beam upgrade is inexpensive, relatively easy to install, and provides a moderate improvement.
To my knowledge, there are only two places you can get them from, www.autooptiks.com and www.eurolights.com. I chose Eurolights cause at the time their prices were cheaper, but from what I've been told, both companies actually sell the same product.
Anyway, I ordered two housings and 2 H7 Hyperwhite bulbs for $75 shipped. This upgrade does involve modifying your stock wiring a little.
I have a complete tutorial on how to do it here:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/Headlight.htm
Here are some pictures:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0268c.jpg
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0273c.jpg
Modified wiring for headlights:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0318c.jpg
Stock Sylvania Sealed Beam light color:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0304c.jpg
Sealed Beam conversion light color:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0305c.jpg
Sealed beam light on left, stock light on the right: Notice only the color temp is different, the beam pattern is exactly the same (wont blind oncoming traffic).
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0311c.jpg
Really crappy picture of the lights on the road (theyre really much brighter than this in person)
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/images/Pdrm0329c.jpg
You have to realize that Sealed Beams are a very old technology, and this type of upgrade has to work within the confines of the light housing. There are some people who have made custom projector beams with unique housings, but these upgrades are totally custom and not cheap. The sealed beam upgrade is inexpensive, relatively easy to install, and provides a moderate improvement.