Head Light Relay Source/Info

[lcac_man]

Planning on running my headlights off a relay in the engine compartment, I know this is a pretty common mod, looking for a good source for the material (best price and quality), I can do the fabrication so preassembled stuff isn't necessary, would like some first hand knowledge/lessons learned on this.

[tlivingd]

The best way to do it is
look at digikey.com or newark.com

you can get modular bases to stick them together. and the screws go into the bases not the relay.

I did this setup on my buddies gs worked pretty well.

if i rember right the good bases were from newark but the contacts were purchased from digikey along with the relays (the relay is a standard you can get at radioshack or autoparts store.)
digikey also sells bases.

they sell the contacts by the roll but they will sell them individually too you just need to cut them apart. its kinda goofy to get the part numbers streight but the phone order people are good getting things mated up together.

if ya want i could figure out all the parts you need to do it.

important thing is to run a positive wire from the battery along with a fuse near the battery
unless you set up a nice junction block / fuse panel for accessorys

and a good ground for the whole setup

new plugs at the lights also helped quite a bit.

Nate

[lcac_man]

Thanks Nate,
I'll check those sites out, I've already installed a terminal strip below the firewall harness so I have a good power source.

[GS69350]

Len, FYI I wrote an article about this (and did it to my 69 GS) in our club newsletter a couple years ago... I've even seen it printed in other club's newsletters.

If you need any assistance, give me a call, I like working eletrical things, its a hobby.

Dan

[lcac_man]

Dan,
I would be interested in getting a copy of that article, I'm just at the point of doing this mod and it would be very helpful. Can you email it? Fax? (fax number (760)725-9506).
Thanks

[GS69350]

Here is a wiring diagram I made.

Basically you need 2 relays, you can get them at Radio Shack, they are standard 30amp automotive relays. A fuseable link, minimum 18guage, and some wire (18-12 gauge).

The only tricky part is where to mount the relays. They can be hidden in the area behind the driver's side headlights under the fender. Run the wire from the battery under the plastic radiator cover piece.

Dan

[lcac_man]

Thanks Dan,
Definately a big help:TU: I'm also ordering my new electric fan assembly from Summit this week and will be a wiring fool for the next couple weeks.

[GS69350]

Wiring is easy for me, like a hobby i guess.
If you need help and I can make it down there, just let me know.

Dan

[GRIMM]

Im alright at wiring also (most likely less so than the above), got used to it from rewiring my entire car from the previous owner...

and wiring stereos :grin:

I think i will follow that, very helpful wiring diagram (which is now saved on my computer :Brow:) because mine was using 4 relays, and i think 2 would be nicer.

What size fuse do you recommend, i currently have 4 20a's in there.

Thanks

[tlivingd]

geez i bet one 5amp would work for all headlights. if the 5 dosen't work then a 10 would. 20 amps per bulb is a bit overkill and i bet the rest of your wiring can't handle 20 amps.

[GS69350]

Wow, 4 years later!

Glad this info is still helping people.

10A per circuit should be fine. Not sure if 5 would be enough.

Make sure to use at least 18g wire from battery source.

Dan

[lcac_man]

Wow, 4 years later!

Dan

No kiddin! I finnished that resto, drove the car for 3.5years and sold it since.

[GRIMM]

i keep forgetting to look at dates :Dou:

now im trying to figure out how i stumbled upon this thread :DoNo:

Sorry for bringing it up.

Im sure the wires would handle it, theyre 10 ga automotive wire...

i think some kids wired this car...

[tlivingd]

someone else was putting xenon bulbs on his 70-72 gs. :Smarty::beers2: