The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Brighter 6V lamp information

I have a 46 chevy with a 6V system. I just finished the wiring. Well except for some wrapping and clean up. I added turn signals. Note: I ran the turn signal wires inside the column and protected them with a PVC pipe from the actual steering shaft. I replaced the front parking light lamp socket and the 4 rear lamp sockets with two lamp sockets. I used an 1157 lamp socket and 1154 dual fulfillment 6V lamps. I replaced the 6V head lights with 6V halogen lamps. The 1154 lamps are some where between 6 to 10 times brighter. The halogen head lights I don't see allot of difference. I have photos in my photo bucket if you want to see what they look like.

You could add a relay switch for more power to your new halogen lamps. Hopefully, your generator will provide your battery with enough electricity to keep it fresh.

Confused. How would a relay change the power. I rewired my truck all with 14 awg except for the main power conductors they are all 10 awg.

Using a relay might make your lamps brighter by doing two things.
1. The current to your lights must run thru your light switch and all the wire from the source to the lamps as it is now wired. All that adds resistance thus reducing the current to the lamps.
2. Using the relay and using larger wires connected close to the power source allows for even more current to reach the lights. An added plus is less stress(load)on the light switch means longer life.

14 gauge wire is more than sufficient, It will handle 15-20 amps. Your wiring is sound enough to make the most picky electician jealous.

As far as the relay goes, If you have a good light switch with clean contacts, I don't really see any advantage. Typically, you would only use them for a high demand load.

One option, would be to run an 8 volt battery, that would guarantee everything to be brighter.