Driving at night - scary

[66gtk]

Is there any way to improve the night driving experience in our cars without sacrificing vintage looks? With the sun going down by 6:45 these days I'm finding myself out in the dark lately. The headlights are not that good, and it helps to keep the brights on (not much), but I don't like toggling them off constantly with oncoming cars. Also, the rear lighting is a bit scary, too. I'm afraid I'll get hit with a dark car. I have the twin tail lights. All the lights function, but I was wondering if there were other easy mods to get more brightness?

[casedoc]

Check out the oil cooler opening lights from Tangent

Driving Lights and Grill

I'm also looking into vintage appearance 5" diameter driving lights for the radiator opening

[66gtk]

My ERA is #594 - I want to run what I can WITHOUT having to change the wiring, switches, or relays. I have no idea what the current wiring is capable of (if anything more than stock sealed beams).

[CHANMADD]

Why are yours different....mine has Halogen bulb
s and is just like any other car....when I hit brights the two spots in the radiator opening come on....daylight!

[PSB]

I changed my sealed beam headlights out for housing that use modern H4 bulbs: JEGS Performance Products 90113 JEGS Tri-Bar Round Headlights - Free Shipping on All Orders @ JEGS

BIG difference!

[Tim7139]

Run Halogen units up front and LED bulbs in back. About double than stock intensity.

[DanEC]

Troy - Patrick did a thread several years ago on installing LEDs in the rear taillights. You might look for it or PM him.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by DanEC

Troy - Patrick did a thread several years ago on installing LEDs in the rear taillights. You might look for it or PM him.

The LEDs make a big difference, especially when you have the little aluminum reflectors behind them. Plus, my integrated third brake light, which was a masterful job of fabbing, runs with the lights on in a low wattage state, for extra night time safety. When I tap the brakes, it lights up brightly, but otherwise it is on with the lights in a dim fashion. 3rd Brake Light/Running Light - Detailed Instructions & Part Numbers ("Chas. Runner")

[DonC]

X2 with Tim7139. LED's are direct plug in for the rears and the halogen headlight should be available with a little web searching.
DonC

[kevins2]

LED taillights are a great idea. I have the dual round taillights with the 1157 bulbs. A Google search shows multiple styles of 1157 replacement LED lights. Any specific type or part number the best to get?

Thanks.

[itstock]

I'd like to try something like this...
Truck-Lite - Catalog Product : 7'' Round LED Headlamp, Complex Reflector Optics Design

[patrickt]

I don't do much night time Cobra driving, but if I did... I would fabricate quick release roll bar mounted driving lights that just plugged in to an outlet mounted behind the seats. I would have the separate power relay triggered by the brights feed off the normal relay. So you just touch the bright switch on the stalk and everything lights up like an 18 wheeler with all the optional driving lights. Something like this:

[Cashburn]

I'm toying with something. Might not be for everyone. Should have it in a car soon.

As others have pointed out, convert to the housing with H4 bulb. And those LED "Trucklites" are awesome, just not traditional looking at all.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I don't do much night time Cobra driving, but if I did... I would fabricate quick release roll bar mounted driving lights that just plugged in to an outlet mounted behind the seats. I would have the separate power relay triggered by the brights feed off the normal relay. So you just touch the bright switch on the stalk and everything lights up like an 18 wheeler with all the optional driving lights.

What about the brake lights, is there something you could mount on the back of nice setup?

When I drive at night, I only drive with the moon out. That way, the reflection of the polished body will help folks know I'm there.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

What about the brake lights, is there something you could mount on the back of nice setup?

When I drive at night, I only drive with the moon out. That way, the reflection of the polished body will help folks know I'm there.

Yep, having nice bright brake lights on the back of those monster spotlights would be pretty easy too. Yesssiiiirrreeeee, that would be damn cool.

[rodneym]

Here's a pic of Patrick's LED brake lights at a local cruise night. Definitely safer!

[IMG][/IMG]

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by 66gtk

Is there any way to improve the night driving experience in our cars without sacrificing vintage looks? With the sun going down by 6:45 these days I'm finding myself out in the dark lately. The headlights are not that good, and it helps to keep the brights on (not much), but I don't like toggling them off constantly with oncoming cars. Also, the rear lighting is a bit scary, too. I'm afraid I'll get hit with a dark car. I have the twin tail lights. All the lights function, but I was wondering if there were other easy mods to get more brightness?

Sylvania makes a line called "SilverStar" that come in a sealed beam which is a bolt in replacement for your current set up. Try them, you'll love them.


Bill S.

PS: Sometimes the solutions are simple, easy, and inexpensive

[ACademic]

Originally Posted by rodneym

Here's a pic of Patrick's LED brake lights at a local cruise night. Definitely safer!

BWAA HAHAHAHA! Must...breathe....

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by rodneym;13****1

Here's a pic of Patrick's LED brake lights at a local cruise night. Definitely safer!

Rodney when did you attend a KISS concert? You part of the KISS army?

[rodneym]

naw.
Parliament Funkadelic.