head lights for Grampas toy

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66ragman
Posts: 15
Joined: Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:21 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Fiat 2000
Location: Greater Akron, Ohio

head lights for Grampas toy

Post by 66ragman »

So I drove my new toy after dark tonight. Boy what a surprise. I guess I've really gotten spoiled with the newer headlights on cars. I don't plan on traveling much after dark, so I'm wondering if y'all think that a set of halogen sealed beams is much improvement or do I need to purchase a replaceable bulb conversion. I made a cursory look on line and the choices are endless. I don't need to light up a football stadium, just want to see a little better. Your suggestions?
While we're on the subject of lights, another question has come up. My turn signal lights flash as they are supposed to but,, I do not hear any flasher clicking and my dash indicator does not flash (I checked the bulb and it is good). Yes the emergency flashers work. Suggestions on that too?
66Ragman aka Rog
1982 Spider
2005 C6
1966 SS Impala Convert
1979 Honda LTD 750
2016 Chrysler T&C Hemi R/T
1965 Vespa
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RRoller123
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Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA

Re: head lights for Grampas toy

Post by RRoller123 »

I replaced the beams with modern sealed beams, and added 2 relays for the high and low beams and they are fine now. Not like daylight, but certainly well enough.
'80 FI Spider 2000
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redcars
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Your car is a: 1981 Spider 2000
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Re: head lights for Grampas toy

Post by redcars »

First off clean all yours grounds. There are ground pods on each side in the front of the engine compartment and one to the right of the steering column. Next put in relays for the headlights. Now try it with the lights you have. These lights where designed to be good for up to 65 mph. I think you will be happy with what you have. If not the choices are endless stay with DOT approved lights.
1987 Lotus Super 7 clone
1981 Fiat Spider 2000 AT
1982 Fiat Spider 2000 5sd
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66ragman
Posts: 15
Joined: Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:21 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Fiat 2000
Location: Greater Akron, Ohio

Re: head lights for Grampas toy

Post by 66ragman »

Thank you Gentlemen,
I have checked the head light grounds and we're good there. So, for the sake of simplicity, I'll try the halogen sealed beams.
Now what about those turn signals? Any ideas there?
66Ragman aka Rog
1982 Spider
2005 C6
1966 SS Impala Convert
1979 Honda LTD 750
2016 Chrysler T&C Hemi R/T
1965 Vespa
and other misc STUFF
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dinghyguy
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Joined: Thu Jul 20, 2017 7:41 pm
Your car is a: 1981 spider
Location: Vancouver, Canada

Re: head lights for Grampas toy

Post by dinghyguy »

relays relays put in the relays. They take the load off the headlight switch, a noted weak point and work wonderfully. One of the best mods you can make. I bought a car in Ottawa a few years ago and drove it across the continenet. my headlights we like dim candles, but one night in a hotel room i rigged up a set of relays using some connectors i got when i visited Midwest Bayless, installed them the next morning and WOW the difference was night and day (sorry couldn't resist). I have made up 4 sets of the plug and play system for people here in Vancouver.

If you get the right plugs you can make it plug and play with the only challenge being the 12v source from either the alternator or the starter motor post. Oh and use fuses. I have a cheat sheet i can send you if you want.

cheers
dinghyguy
1981 Red Spider "Redbob"
1972 blue Volvo 1800ES "Bob"
1998 Red Ford Ranger
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dinghyguy
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Re: head lights for Grampas toy

Post by dinghyguy »

re the signals - become a member on Mirafiori and download the circuit diagram if you have not already done that. I suspect your flasher is not correct, they are cheap so you could buy one and test.

cheers
dinghyguy
1981 Red Spider "Redbob"
1972 blue Volvo 1800ES "Bob"
1998 Red Ford Ranger
DieselSpider
Posts: 2130
Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2014 10:21 pm
Your car is a: 1978 124 Spider with Isuzu Turbo Diesel

Re: head lights for Grampas toy

Post by DieselSpider »

Did anyone mention relays yet more than once or twice? The headlights, taillights and starter solenoid are three circuits that will benefit greatly from being triggered by relays with their own separate fused power feeds off the main power cable under the hood.

They will remove the loads from the ignition switch drastically increasing its life too.

Relays are a really good idea and you can get a 40 amp universal relay along with a matching socket at most auto parts stores for less than $15.

Oh and don't forget to add the relays.

Kidding aside don't delay in adding relays.
66ragman
Posts: 15
Joined: Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:21 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Fiat 2000
Location: Greater Akron, Ohio

Re: head lights for Grampas toy

Post by 66ragman »

Did some one say "relay"?? Isn't that a race where you pass a baton to another runner??
Seriously I have recently bought a box of 6 relays complete with integrated fuses. I too believe in them. Thanks for the affirmation.
Rog
66Ragman aka Rog
1982 Spider
2005 C6
1966 SS Impala Convert
1979 Honda LTD 750
2016 Chrysler T&C Hemi R/T
1965 Vespa
and other misc STUFF
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