Headlight Upgrades...TURTCEL

[TURTCEL]

So I installed extra bright sealed beams in my 1985 Terc the other day. A lot better lighting but I have come to find out that it is discouraged to put the bulbs in without having heavier guage wiring due to the heat difference and the chance of the wires melting back from the plug. I have seen many upgrade kit online that are for the H4 style replacement bulbs. These kits usually come with housings, bulbs, ballasts, and headlight wiring to accomodate the hotter temp put off by the bulb to the wiring. I would be interested in this upgrade as long as I put headlight protectors on it to keep from rock breaks but not sure which brand to go with. There are so many companies that make these kits now and price varies so much that any suggestions on kits used by any members would be greatly appreciated. I am wanting to eliminate having to pull the grille and bezels everytime to change a headlight.

I have an '87 Terc 4wd too that I kinda pull little things from every once in a while but I don't want to compromise the integrity of its driveability too so I have chosen to leave the factory composite headlights on the '87 and go with aftermarket...mostly because I really like the look of the '85 vs the '87 headlights anyways. I have also heard that the factory composite set up doesn't project the best lighting anyways.

Until I do decide on a headlight kit would it be suggested to splice in new headlight plugs with heavier guage wiring for the time being? And if I do splice in new plugs for now would that actually help with the bulb/heat issue that I have heard about? The wiring on the car right now definitely shows signs of age and could probably use replacing anyways.

If I do upgrade what type of headlight protectors should I go with? I have seen wire shields to protect against flying rocks as well as thick stick on film proteectors...could I use both and be extra protected or can anyone give me advice that would lead me to use one or the other? Thanks again for any help on this subject. Peace

[ARCHINSTL]

As far as heavier wiring and relays goes - it's been done here before; do a Search for the thread. I think someone did mesh guards on the lamps as well.
It's been on my To Do list for a couple of years - maybe next year...
It makes sense, as more of the little electron guys can swim through the wires - the heavier wires and relay sure worked with my new horn setup and add-on reverse lamp a few years ago (also documented).

As far as Toy's clever trick of making us pull the grille and allied parts to change a lamp - I installed new Sylvanias on Goldie in '05, and they are still OK...
Tom M.

[Petros]

I have the factory composites installed in my '84 and have had no issues with my wiring, but I have seen melted headlight insulation on other cars after conversion. I would go with a well know brand name of wire kit (if there is such a thing) and find the best price on that kit.

You can put both portectors on the headlights, but each one will slightly cut down on the amount of light. So choose accordingly.

[TURTCEL]

I have been looking at the HELLA kits and can get those for close to $125 for everything from top to bottom. Sure if I do some more hunting I will be able to find it cheaper. No rush to get that right now with Xmas right around the corner but tax return time might be when that happens. I would prob just go for the wire rock guards for now...my thought is heat retention in the housing would be increased with the rubber sheets over it and those rock guards seem to work quite well. Thanks for helping answer my questions. Peace

[teranfirbt]

As an advocate of good lighting, I've got a set of Hella H4's on my Tercel with fatty (12 AWG) wire pushing the juice. The Hella kit is good, but the AutoPal lights you can get on Ebay are every bit as good at half the price.

If you're worried about heat melting the wire, get TXL from Waytek and don't worry about it. It's rated for 250 degrees continuous and can handle everything that headlights can throw at it.

Relays and connectors can be picked up at Rallylights.com for a reasonable price.

One interesting issue that I found with the Tercel is that you need to add a load on the high beam side for it to switch over correctly, I just wired in a marker light to one of the original Tercel connectors to make that happen.

If you have any questions about wiring it up let me know, I've done both my Celica and Tercel up with relays and good wire.

[TURTCEL]

Hey thanks for the heads up on the headlight kits...I will check them out. I will send you a PM down the road for the wiring questions, will definiyly need some tips wih that one. I am an electrical rookie for most things but over the recent years have lost my fear of it and have become pretty saavy with auto electric systems. Could always use good advice from those who have already been to the rodeo already though.

Interesting about the load issue with the high beams. Is that mentioned in the installation instructions for these kits, or have you found it to be special to the Terc?

Peace

[83Whit3Hatch]

I used Pilot's replacement housings, that use 9003 bulbs. They're only 30 bucks on amazon. I've been running these for about a year now with no issues. All you need is slightly longer bolts cause the housings are thicker where the bezel holds it to the cup. The lenses are plastic, like the headlights on newer cars. I'm currently running 100w napa brand bulbs and they make a night and day difference. I haven't noticed any issues with the wires but I also haven't looked at them closely.

[TURTCEL]

I saw the Pilot lights on Amazon too but I remember when I worked at an auto parts store as a younger guy where we sold pilot lights and I wasn't too impressed with quality. Maybe they have changed over the years and maybe I should check some reviews on them. They do have a great price to them.

My main concern when I decide to upgrade is that I get a high quality housing that will not have issues seperating at the seams and allowing moisture into the assembly. Sometimes price can reflect quality and sometimes price can just be a name. That is why I will definitely check out reviews before I buy. Also a high quality reflector and lens design are of utmost importance to me too.

Peace

[teranfirbt]

In reality those H4 lights haven't really been changed since they were designed back in the 70's, so you should really only be paying for materials and manufacturing... Hella tends to be overpriced, but they do make good stuff.
I wish I had known about the AutoPal lights before I bought the Hellas for my Tercel, they're basically identical...

The high beams issue is something that I've noticed is particular to the Tercel, I didn't have to do it when I did the lighting in my Celica.

[ARCHINSTL]

teranfirbt -
How about making a schematic of the load you speak of (as well as your entire layout) and posting it in the Repair Guides Forum?
I trust I am not the only clueless 'lectrical weenie here. I'd like to upgrade my Sylvania sealed beams.
Sorta like what I did here: https://tercel4wd.com/forums/viewtopic.php? ... ilit=horns
Tom M.

[teranfirbt]

Can do, If I have some time in the next couple days I'll whip something up for everyone.

[TURTCEL]

Yeah, I would defintely appreciate a schematic of the wiring set up for sure. I might be doing my headlights as a xmas present for the Terc. I am still not decided on what company to go with but narrowing it down. I really don't want to go with plastic housings...I want the option to use higher wattage bulbs and I have found the plastic housings to not be so accomodating for that. Thanks for getting some info on the wiring for all of us.

Peace

[teranfirbt]

Ask and ye shall receive!