Very reasonably priced headlamp upgrade

[5th T/A]

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.

IMG_4109 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr



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

IMG_4129 by Lawrence Alexander, 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.

IMG_4105 by Lawrence Alexander, 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.

IMG_4134 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

IMG_4136 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

[roadking77]

Those look really nice. Thanks for the heads up on an economical way to approach lighting.

[TA301]

Interesting find. Thanks for posting.

[b_hill_86]

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.

[5th T/A]

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.

[5th T/A]

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.

IMG_5302 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

IMG_5304 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

IMG_5305 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

IMG_5307 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

IMG_5308 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

[b_hill_86]

Thanks for the pictures