Hello again third gen peeps, I'm back with another question regarding my newly acquired '87 firebird. The front headlights pop up and go down with no problems whatsoever, but the only problem I have is that they're dim as all hell. At night they barely project far enough to hit the road. Only way I can see moderately well is by turning on all lights and the high beams, and even then it seems dangerous. Does anybody know what bulbs are in the headlights so I can replace them? I can't check myself right now because It's in the shop getting it's first once-over as I just got the license plates and I thought I'd try to get the bulbs while I wait. Ideally, I don't want to replace the entire light housings, just want to swap for some brighter and safer bulbs if possible. (Also keep em' with a yellow light, not any of that blue LED nonsense)

Thanks!

 

First you have to see what kind of headlights you have. Stock originals are sealed beams which are not all that great anymore. If that is the case, search on TGO for conversion info which there is lots of.
Many upgrades will need you to install upgraded relay harnesses so that your new lights don't overpower the stock wiring and create a number of bad to disastrous events. Their are several halogen conversions that will help a lot and give you more of a white light instead of a sickly yellow and not be to expensive or overkill. Once you have good lights, be smarter than many driving around out there and aim them correctly. Have fun, you can do this
While you're at it, click on the how-tos section on the reddish bar at the top of the page and read over the upgrading headlight section for better understanding of the whole system. Also look around for info in the electrical forum for more info than you will find in this one

 

it shouldn;t be that bad...maybe you have bad grounds?

 

A headlight relay upgrade is never a bad thing, this will help any headlight you decide to put in.
Also good LED headlights are not blue, but they are white towards one side of the color temp spectrum or the other. The HIDs are the ones where you could get blue or purple. I would recommend good LEDs either way, they are superior to any halogen

 

Yep, plenty of options out there. Depends as usual on how much improvement you want/need factored in with how much you're willing to spend on it

 

If your voltage at the battery with the engine at idle is at least 13.8-14.2 and your grounds are good (no rust/loose). Then its probably just the halogens showing their age. Especially compared to newer cars. They really don't shine much (no pun). Easiest hassle free way is to switch to Sylvania silver stars, still 55 watts, still halogen too, but much brighter without having to do anything else. They are plug and play 100%. The draw back is their thinner filament. This is what makes them brighter, but also shortens the life of the lamp. Not a huge amount, unless all your driving is after sundown.

The relay upgrade doesn't hurt though, regardless., but old school halogens should go the way of the ol light bulb.

 

I think there are really TWO conversations to have. One, are your old school halogens functioning properly? Two, if they ARE....is that good enough, or do you want a modern upgrade? I'm planning my own LED headlight upgrade this spring, and there's no denying they're brighter than any halogen. -HOWEVER....a properly function halogen headlight is plenty safe. They get a bad rap, and aren't nearly as bad as people make them sound. Never had any trouble with the Silvania halogens in my 89. Bought my 88 and sometimes I couldn't tell if they were even on!!! Checked the wiring, cleaned up the grounds and bought new lights and they're just fine.

 

We have these available for 1982-90 Firebird headlights, they come with halogen bulbs or you can upgrade to led bulbs.
1982-90 Firebird Conversion Headlights (screamingchicken.com)

 

For LED upgrade, I highly recommend the LED Morimoto headlights. They are Hi/Low beams and fit into the stock housings. They're pricey, but to me it was well worth it. I got mine at Headlight Revolution.

 

The Sylvania silverstar bulbs are good...they are a bit brighter and light is more while which helps with vision...but they do die a LOT faster IMO than standard bulbs


The H6054 ones in my S-10 / bird died after maybe medium use.... so I just went in and put the stock OLD ones from whenever they were manufactured back in...those work ok.

They also burned out fast in my old single bulb Camry AND they also burned out in my 9006 bulb camry after about half a year of Heavy night time Uber driving.........I got one old standard bulb from 2000 in there and you can see the huge difference in white light from the Silverstar though.


Overal lconsider the silverstar if you don;t use your lights too often.

 

I went with the Hella lights: 4"x6" Rectangular Conversion Headlamps

You may be able to use these Hellas: Vision Plus 7"x6" Sealed Beam Conversion Headlamp

I chose them because they are all glass enclosures, SAE/DOT, and you can replace the bulb type to LED if you want later on.

 

We also have a 1991-92 Firebird and 1982-92 Camaro headlight kit available including 4"x6" headlights. All out kits use United Pacific headlights, they have a higher quality lens, a more stock appearance and anti vibration construction (overall more durable than cheaper lights). They include a 9007 halogen bulb or you can upgrade to led bulbs. You can also add new install hardware. They require no wiring changes at all, includes adapters for a plug and play install. They do require enlarging the opening at the back of the bucket for the headlight to clear, since that can be done off the car it is fairly easy. When we can get them we offer replacement buckets that have been modified and powder coated, makes for an easy install. Links below:

1982-92 Camaro Headlight Conversion Kit (screamingchicken.com)
1991-92 Firebird Conversion Headlights (screamingchicken.com)
1982-90 Firebird Conversion Headlights (screamingchicken.com)