I'd suggest using the battery cable connection at the starter as a voltage source for the relays, with a 30 or 40 amp self-resetting circuit breaker inline. In case of a short, the headlights will flicker on and off instead of simply going out like a blown fuse would cause. You definitely DO NOT want an unfused straight battery voltage source with a heavy wire anywhere on the vehicle. That's setting the stage for a vehicle-destroying fire.
Jerry
Yes, only a fool would eliminate several feet of wire barely adequate to carry the current load, specified by a bean-counting corporate accountant, and a bunch of voltage drop from connectors in series, to get brighter headlights. The horror!
Jerry
A little education is necessary here to to prevent hyperventilation that seems to be causing some folks to faint. As I said, if this is a "original" style 1956 electrical system, then the following applies.
1. The headlight switch is not protected by a built-in 30-40 amp thermal overload breaker, It is protected by two separate built-in 13 amp thermal overload breakers. One breaker for the park and headlamps, another for the rest. The overload protection was reduced because Chevy went 12V in 55.2, less amps.
2. The stock headlights draw 5 amps on Hi beam, X2= 10amps....about the same as a radio or heater fan. Protected by a 13A breaker.
3. The wires can handle this.
4. The headlight switch is designed to handle this.
5. In 1956, a small fuse was added to the H/L switch for the instrument lights.
6. In 48-49 Chevy was 6V and the headlight switch was protected by a 30 A breaker.
7. In 1950, the breaker was up'ed to 42 A
8. In 1955.2 Chevy went 12V and amps came down. Better system.
9. Lee is not a fool for wanting to be safe. I don't know his issue.
10. I am simply asking the question as to why and explaining there is no reason for a relay if the system is stock. Lights seem dim because of our age or the truck's age.
11. It's foolish to suggest that the electrical system was designed by accountants. It was designed by engineers. Not shop teachers, not back yard mechanics, bean counters or insurance appraisers. The lighting designs we are discussing have held for 70 years +. No fires, no need for relays or shorter wires.
12. To answer Lee's question without prejudice: Chevy wired from the battery to the starter solenoid, solenoid to ammeter, thru ammeter to, I think, a terminal block or some common spot, then to Ignition switch, headlight switch, voltage regulator. Should add a fusible link/big fuse or two in that scheme.
