Quick question on headlight wiring conversion

73F100Shortbed · Jan 25, 2009

I will be doing that relay conversion to run the headlights off relays and was just wondering what size fuse to use. 20amp like the relays or smaller? Thanks.

TexasNomad · Jan 25, 2009

73F100Shortbed said:
I will be doing that relay conversion to run the headlights off relays and was just wondering what size fuse to use. 20amp like the relays or smaller? Thanks.

Why are you going to run them off of relays?

73F100Shortbed · Jan 25, 2009

So that 12 volts isn't running through the switch. The switches eventually cause the headlights to flicker. I don't have this problem yet, but want to do it anyway. Plus I will be able to use halogen lights if I use relays.

Mil1ion · Jan 25, 2009

You will find everything you need here.

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/relays/relays.html

In case it matters, here are some rough power draws for common lights so you can calculate the fuses needed...

55 watts = 4.2 amps
65 watts = 5 amps
80 watts = 6.2 amps
100 watts = 7.7 amps
120 watts = 9.2 amps

Or figure it out yourself, Amperage = (Wattage / Voltage)

Now this if for a VW but it has photos.Principle is the same

http://www.corrado-club.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5927

TexasNomad · Jan 25, 2009

I've never had that problem on my truck.. Hmm maybe we should trade! lol!
I know LCM/NPD sell head light kits that all every thing you need to do this conversion and it comes with the new head lights to.
.

SuperCab · Jan 25, 2009

TexasNomad said:
Why are you going to run them off of relays?

When your headlights start flickering then eventually go dead, remember this thread.

TexasNomad · Jan 25, 2009

Not going to happen! because i'm going to get a whole new custom made wiring harness from Ol Ron Frances

TexasNomad · Jan 25, 2009

Mil1ion said:
You will find everything you need here.

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/relays/relays.html

Awesome site Denise! thanks.

Mil1ion · Jan 25, 2009

Denise ? Now you've done it.

TexasNomad · Jan 25, 2009

Oh err ooops....... Hehe sorry

73F100Shortbed · Jan 25, 2009

Thanks for the link Dennis

Mil1ion · Jan 25, 2009

No Problem,
It IMO, is the best one the net.

I have another if you wish to see it.

73F100Shortbed · Jan 25, 2009

I'm surprised how small of a fuse i actually need. If I use the 55/65 bulbs I'm surprised I only need 4.2/5amp fuses. I figured it would be way more. This is why I don't do much electrical work. But those websites are a big help. I've waited way too long to do this even though I don't have the flickering problem.

SuperCab · Jan 25, 2009

If you wait too much longer, they'll start flickering.

Also, the Fords seem to be terrible for this, compared to other makes.

73F100Shortbed · Jan 25, 2009

I am getting all the stuff on Tuesday. I was just unsure of the proper fuses. I am also going to install some halogen headlights so I hopefully can see better at night

5.0 · Jan 25, 2009

73F100Shortbed said:
So that 12 volts isn't running through the switch.

If I'm understanding this correctly, you will still have 12 volts running through the switch, it will just be very low current to switch the relays instead of high current to power the lights. The current is what burns up the switches.

73F100Shortbed · Jan 25, 2009

That is true. I might have phrased it wrong.

5.0 · Jan 25, 2009

73F100Shortbed said:
That is true. I might have phrased it wrong.

Yeah, I was kinda nitpicking. I just didn't want anyone to think the switch was being bypassed. :beer:

Mil1ion · Jan 25, 2009

I have 15 amp for mine.

73F100Shortbed · Jan 25, 2009

Ok that's more of what I was thinking, but looking at the chart you posted I figured 5 was ok too. I could use a fuse buddy and check the actual draw when I wire them too just to be sure.

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Quick question on headlight wiring conversion

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