Bought a headlight relay, how to hook up...

[BobT-47P15]

After driving the car a couple nights ago, it seems the headlights are a

bit on the dim side. Looked on ebay and found a n.o.s. aftermarket 6

volt relay for $4.95......so bought it.

Now, are there any specific directions for hooking it into the wiring

system? Could not find any wiring diagrams up to 1955 that showed

such a relay.

[norrism1]

Bob47P15,

Looking on AllExpert site found this posted under "6 volt Headlight Relay" - " You need a two section relay, or two separate single ones, one for high beams and one for the low beam headlights". Bob- Don't know if applies to your situation as the guy had a P7 (1939) Plymouth with original bulbs and wanted to change to Halagons.

[Rodney Bullock]

Don had a pic of a relay. It migt be the same one as what you have there, I was looking for a way to brighter head lights as well. When I first built the car the lights were as bright as a 12 volt car, I don't know what happened. I was hoping to get a relay however they are not Just "sold in stores" I need to find someone with a collection of NOS parts.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Bob47P15,

Looking on AllExpert site found this posted under "6 volt Headlight Relay" - " You need a two section relay, or two separate single ones, one for high beams and one for the low beam headlights". Bob- Don't know if applies to your situation as the guy had a P7 (1939) Plymouth with original bulbs and wanted to change to Halagons.

you can do it that way for double the work or just put your relay inline...let the headlight switch pick up the relay coil and keep the load off the switch and let the switched side of the relay feed your dimmer switch...this is where the high/low beam is divided..9 times out of ten the dim light is ground circuit..ensure your headlight bucket grounds are clean and secure..

[norrism1]

Check this page out, can make out the instructions for both headlights or only one headlight. The relay in the picture is 180º how it should be. You can make out the "H" for headlights on the right tab in picture.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110408185963&indexURL=#ebayphotohosting

Edited July 5, 2009 by norrism1

[adam_knox]

Here's a wiring diagram for the 1950 Chrysler. Maybe it can be of use for ya'. Good luck!

[greg g]

I would do as Tim suggested, put the relay between your light switch and the feed to the foot switch, that way it can feed both circuits.

From the looks of the relay, the small round terminal would be the feed in from the head lamp switch, the other two big one would be Battery in, and the other out to the dimmer.

One thing to do is to pull the headlamps, and assure your ground wire is good and attached cleanly and tightly to the ground point. I noticed that the ground wire is attached to a screw and nit that goes to the center of the bucket. The end of the screw, the nut and the lock washer are directly exposed to spray thrown up by the tire.

I took mine apart cleaned them, and reattached with a new screw nut and star washer.

When everything was clean and tight, I put a dab of wheel bearing grease on the exposed stuff. I know have a nice coating of undercoatey protecting the grounds from the elements. I suppose you could use spray type undercoating, but what fun is that???

I did notice brighter headlamps, and less draw throught he ammeter with the lights on and the car at idle.

Edited July 5, 2009 by greg g

[greg g]

Jeesh Bob got a good deal based on what this other thrif is asking......

[Rodney Bullock]

If I looked on e-bay where would I look for one of these relays? How is it listed?

[BobT-47P15]

check your p m's rodney

[greg g]

http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com/parts/parts_counter_2.html

[Jim Clark]

I ran across this today. Thought it might help. Jim

[BobT-47P15]

Thanks for the info, gentlemen.

I went ahead and ordered a second relay from the same seller.

[48mirage]

Bob,

I use the same type on my '49 dodge. Since I run a dual voltage I was able to go with 12 volt headlights. I have 2 of the relays. They are picked up by the 6 volt positive ground dimmer switch and the power for the 12 volt headlights comes straight from a power bus I mounted on the inner fender. The coil for the relay is still powered by 6 volt and the 12 volts only passes across the points in the relay. Here is a link to my installation.

http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii86/jacobsheir/?action=view&current=DualVoltage2.jpg

http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii86/jacobsheir/?action=view&current=Dualvoltage.jpg

Jim

[BobT-47P15]

The mailman delivered the first headlite relay today (Thurs).

A day or so later I ordered a second relay from the same guy.

He was so quick with his shipping, he had it on the way before I

placed the second order. So another will be forthcoming.

Won't have time to mess with them for a while as we have to go

back to Nashville on Sunday, will be there till the end of July.

[Don Coatney]

The mailman delivered the first headlite relay today (Thurs).

A day or so later I ordered a second relay from the same guy.

He was so quick with his shipping, he had it on the way before I

placed the second order. So another will be forthcoming.

Won't have time to mess with them for a while as we have to go

back to Nashville on Sunday, will be there till the end of July.

Bob;

I will be in town this week at least until early Friday morning. Give me a call if you want to get together.