TAC Tech => Electrical => Topic started by: 5th T/A on August 23, 2024, 09:24:51 AM

Title: Very reasonably priced headlamp upgrade
Post by: 5th T/A on August 23, 2024, 09:24:51 AM
Here is a link that Brian posted on the Holley Retrobright LED, 4X6" headlamps. http://www.transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=84792.0

The Holley LED are a great upgrade to the OEM 4X6" bulbs that came in 1977 -1981 Firebirds. At $180.00 per bulbs they are expensive. When Brian brought to my attention a sale at $80.00 per bulb, I purchased two low beams. I am very happy with the performance and like how they have retained the original look of lamps from that period.

A couple of weeks ago I attended a car show about an hour from my house. My route home took me down very dark rural back roads. I still had the original factory high beams, one which was burned out. This left me wanting for something better. I found these Phillips H46151CV lamps from Rock Auto for $13.07 per bulb. I ordered using the cheapest shipping $8.99 and they arrived the next day.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53941315382_1f86a32ab6_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qbBkM1)IMG_4109 (https://flic.kr/p/2qbBkM1) by Lawrence Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/188552644@N06/), on Flickr



The Phillips bulb is glass and looks very similar to the OEM bulbs.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53942470518_b889a9cc9d_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qbHga9)IMG_4129 (https://flic.kr/p/2qbHga9) by Lawrence Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/188552644@N06/), on Flickr




Daytime photo with Holley bulbs installed (two outboard lamps). Passenger inboard lamp (left on photo) is Phillips H4651CV. Drivers inboard lamp (right on photo) is OEM bulb.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53942472993_243f48f9d0_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qbHgTP)IMG_4105 (https://flic.kr/p/2qbHgTP) by Lawrence Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/188552644@N06/), on Flickr



Both Phillips high beam (inboard) lights installed. As soon as I get a chance to drive on a dark country road I will report back on real world impressions. At this point I am pleased and feel these bulbs are a good value.

I do feel the Holley lamps are still brighter than the Phillips. It's easier to notice in the upper photo showing more of the bird decal looking at the bulbs at an angle rather than head on.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53942489723_f865692320_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qbHmSg)IMG_4134 (https://flic.kr/p/2qbHmSg) by Lawrence Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/188552644@N06/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53942245296_230558a009_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qbG7d1)IMG_4136 (https://flic.kr/p/2qbG7d1) by Lawrence Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/188552644@N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Very reasonably priced headlamp upgrade
Post by: roadking77 on August 23, 2024, 11:29:56 AM
Those look really nice. Thanks for the heads up on an economical way to approach lighting.
Title: Re: Very reasonably priced headlamp upgrade
Post by: TA301 on August 25, 2024, 11:10:18 AM
Interesting find. Thanks for posting.
Title: Re: Very reasonably priced headlamp upgrade
Post by: b_hill_86 on January 26, 2025, 12:52:47 PM
To revive this, did you ever take a photo with the lights off? I still run Holley outer (low/hi) lights with stick sealed incandescent lights in the inner high location. I’m not sure how many others notice it but I notice a difference in the appearance of the lenses when the lights are off. Wondered how these look next to the RetroBrights.
Title: Re: Very reasonably priced headlamp upgrade
Post by: 5th T/A on January 26, 2025, 03:05:48 PM
Brian,
I am going to say I didn’t notice anything comparing the two bulb styles with the headlights turned off. But I wasn’t really paying attention. I’ll have to snap a photo and post.
Title: Re: Very reasonably priced headlamp upgrade
Post by: 5th T/A on January 26, 2025, 04:21:58 PM
Here are some current pictures. The Holley Lamps are the outside and the Phillips are the inside. The sun is setting, causing a bright reflection on the east side of my garage wall. Depending how it reflects I think the difference between the bulbs is more noticeable. I am completely satisfied with the look. But, if it is important to you to have identical bulbs I would just purchase four of the Phillips bulbs.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54289813804_e0c676df65_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHpudu)IMG_5302 (https://flic.kr/p/2qHpudu) by Lawrence Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/188552644@N06/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54289822683_b586908126_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHpwRz)IMG_5304 (https://flic.kr/p/2qHpwRz) by Lawrence Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/188552644@N06/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54290010400_da2709be8b_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHquE5)IMG_5305 (https://flic.kr/p/2qHquE5) by Lawrence Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/188552644@N06/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54289820294_cac15cf15e_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHpw9o)IMG_5307 (https://flic.kr/p/2qHpw9o) by Lawrence Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/188552644@N06/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54290014395_fc8e8c1ae3_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHqvQX)IMG_5308 (https://flic.kr/p/2qHqvQX) by Lawrence Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/188552644@N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Very reasonably priced headlamp upgrade
Post by: b_hill_86 on January 26, 2025, 05:32:47 PM
Thanks for the pictures