• About
  • Masthead
  • Writers Guidelines
  • Contact

Helpful Mechanic

  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Humor
  • Mechanics
You are here: Home / Mechanics / Sealed Beam Conversion Headlights – Can I get Projectors, Halos and LEDS?

Sealed Beam Conversion Headlights – Can I get Projectors, Halos and LEDS?

November 17, 2015 By Richard Reina 2 Comments

You’ve seen the cars and trucks with their custom headlight assemblies –boring factory units replaced with all-chrome or all-black headlight units, full of bright halos and LED strips, lighting up the night. Looks sick, right? But why are the guys and gals with the newest set of wheels having all the fun? You’re justifiably proud of your ‘60s (or ‘80s) old-skool ride, but have always assumed that custom headlights aren’t a choice for you because of your round or rectangular lamps.

Think again. If you’re running what we call “sealed-beam” headlamps, there are a lot of sealed-beam conversion options. These allow you to replace those one-piece units with lights that are equal to, if not better than, some of the custom composite jobs.

First, let’s clarify what kinds of Original-Equipment (OE) lights we’re talking about. Almost all U.S. spec cars through the mid-1970s used ROUND sealed-beam headlamps, either TWO 7” lamps, or FOUR 5 ¾” lamps. The 7” lamps are combination low/high beam, and cars with the 5 ¾” lamps are running 2 low beam, and 2 high beam.

Sealed Beam Conversion Kits - Sealed Beam Conversion Headlights – Can I get Projectors, Halos and LEDS?

In the mid-70s, cars and trucks started using rectangular sealed beam lamps as an option. If you had TWO (combo low/high), technically they were 200 mm (millimeter); FOUR of them (again, 2 low beam and 2 high) were each 165mm. Some lighting manufacturers call the small ones 4”x6” and the larger ones 7”x6”.  If there’s any doubt, check the number of electrical prongs in the back. Combo low/high beam lamps have THREE prongs. Separate low beam or high beam sealed beam lights have TWO prongs.

Sealed Beam Conversion Kits  - Sealed Beam Conversion Headlights

Now that you know what’s currently installed, what might you do to liven things up? Let’s start with the simplest choices first. Round and rectangular lamps are available, which include separate, replaceable bulbs. Combined with improved lenses and reflectors, these will dazzle you with their significantly improved light output. Unlike rather dim sealed beams, which require complete replacement when they burn out, these separate lens/bulb units only require you to reach in and replace the bulb – the lens stays in place.

You want more? Get lights with all-chrome or blacked-out housings, and use them as a styling statement, even when parked. Light assemblies in the same size and shape as your factory ones are available with halos or LED strips, just like you see on the newest BMWs and Audis. Of course, you also get fully functioning low and high beam lights.

Sealed Beam Conversion Headlights

Sealed Beam Conversion Headlights - Sealed Beam Conversion Kits

How about halos in amber, blue, red, or green? You can set it up so that the amber halo functions as a turn signal. (Keep in mind that in many parts of the U.S., blue, red, or green front lights are considered for show use only. It’s a good practice with any of these lights to check your local ordinances for the appropriateness of on-road use.)

Sealed Beam Conversion Headlights - Sealed Beam Conversion Kits

Possibly the “ultimate” is an LED conversion kit. These multi-faceted lamp assemblies have a truly unique look, with their low/high beam LED lights, and bright LED halo rings.

Whichever you choose, we may have saved the best news for last- these are really easy to install! Sealed beam bulbs by definition require little technical ability to replace. They were designed to be removed and replaced with just a few screws. The conversion kits are installed in exactly the same way. Compared to the composite lamps on newer vehicles, some of which require front fascia removal, you’ll be done in a fraction of the time. Everything from a ’55 Chevy to an ’85 Mustang can showcase the vast improvement in its front lamps once a sealed beam conversion kit is installed.

Filed Under: Mechanics

About Richard Reina

Richard Reina is the Product Trainer at CARiD.com, one of the fastest growing aftermarket automotive online retailers in the world. CARiD.com caters to the needs of all levels of automotive enthusiasts worldwide, from the do-it-yourself home mechanic to custom shops and dealers. Check out CARiD.com’s extensive selection of auto parts at www.carid.com.

Comments

  1. James medsker says

    April 25, 2016 at 3:42 am

    I have a 2003 gmc truck and it has the halos with the blue ring and the lowbeam and high beam one of the blue rings went out do i have to replace the whole assembly just to get the bluering around my lights again

  2. Richard Reina says

    June 14, 2016 at 7:33 pm

    Most halo lights are designed to be long-lasting. If your halo light no longer functions, I would first check the wiring connections and fuses. Don’t assume it’s the light! You may have nothing worse than a loose wire. Next, check the light manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re still within the warranty period, contact the manufacturer directly. If you conclude that the halo is the problem, and you are no longer under warranty, most light assemblies are sealed at the factory. You would therefore need to replace the entire light.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News by Manufacturer

Apple Project Titan Aston Martin Bentley BMW Bugatti Cadillac Chevrolet Ferrari Ford GM Google Self Driving Cars Honda Hoverboard Technologies Hyundai Karma Automotive Lexus Maserati Mercedes Nissan Pontiac Porsche Rolls-Royce Subaru Tesla Toyota VIA Motors Volkswagen Volvo Waymo

Popular Articles

  • Bulb Options for Headlights
  • How to Get Your Car Ready For the Summer
  • 4 Family Friendly Cars Under $10,000
  • Tire Sizes: What Do All the Numbers and Letters Mean?

Why Read Helpful Mechanic

Helpful Mechanic offers a useful automotive information for those looking for purchasing advice or needing to trouble shoot and understand how to fix common and not so common automotive issues - brought to you by staff writers and contributors and illustrated with eye catching photography.

Follow Helpful Mechanic

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Helpful Mechanic Disclaimer

The information on Helpful Mechanic site is not intended as a substitute for the professional advice of a qualified automobile mechanic who has personally inspected the vehicle for purposes of diagnosis or repair. You should always seek the advice of the automobile manufacturer, the dealer where the automobile may have been purchased, a qualified mechanic or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding automobile safety, maintenance, or repair. You should not delay, avoid or disregard the advice of the manufacturer, dealer or qualified auto mechanic because of anything you may have read, seen or heard on this site. The information provided by Helpful Mechanic is provided as is without warranty or guarantee of any kind, you understand you are using the information on Helpful Mechanics website at your own risk and understand Helpful Mechanic and founders and staff are not liable for how you interpret and use the information.

Follow Helpful Mechanic with Bloglovin

Corporate

  • About
  • Masthead
  • Writers Guidelines
  • Contact

Legals

  • Terms of Services
  • Privacy Policy

Stay Connected

  • Follow Us on Twitter
  • Like Us on Facebook

Copyright © 2023 Helpful Mechanic