Tri-Five Lights - Halogen Headlight Installation

Tri Five Headlight And Taillight Components

Here are the halogen headlight and LED taillight kits, complete with all the necessary installation components. Don't forget to disconnect the battery before you start work.

Here are the halogen headlight and LED taillight kits, complete with all the necessary ins

ver drive down to the local supermarket at night, half asleep to get the milk your wife told you to bring home earlier that day? Yeah, we've all been there. You make a turn and the next thing you know your blinded by the lights of some kid in a rice burner.

As rough as that is, think about what it's like to cruise after sunset in your favorite vintage Chevy. You've got a '57 Bel Air with a blown LS1, air bag suspension and an electronic overdrive tranny. So why can't you see where you're going when you drive it in the dark? Because you never updated the headlights-or the taillights for that matter.

Now we'll show you how to gain some much-needed visibility with the help of American Autowire's halogen headlight and LED taillight conversion. (Quick note for all who are asking: "What the heck does LED mean?" It's short for Light-Emitting Diode.) Safety will be greatly improved, because not only will you be able to see the road ahead, those tailgating you will get a faceful of modern, bright brake lights the instant you touch the brake pedal.

Tri Five Headlight And Taillight Installation

We start by removing the existing headlight bezel (which is held in by a few screws), retaining ring, and headlight. Disconnect the headlight connector and remove the bucket harness.

We start by removing the existing headlight bezel (which is held in by a few screws), reta

American Autowire is no newcomer to the wiring market. The company has been around for over 20 years and is recognized as one of the industry leaders. For all you GM nuts out there, American Autowire holds authenticity and originality as a top-notch priority. It offers over 10,000 show-quality and award-winning GM OEM harnesses, along with custom and street rod applications, too. The headlamps used in this article consist of a "Bright Driver" reflector body complete with polycarbonate lens. They are 30 times more impact resistant than glass. The headlamp houses a 9007 halogen bulb (which is included), but can be upgraded with the blue-white high-intensity discharge-type bulb now sold at most parts stores.

As most of you know, back in the '50s the lights were not the most technically advanced item on any production vehicle (especially by today's standards). Although they lit the way (barely), the bulbs were replaced regularly due to short life. We'll improve upon that in no time at all. Let's get started.

Be careful when removing the headlight retaining ring. This is held on with springs that may be old and worn. You don't want one in your eye.
Be careful when removing the headlight retaining ring. This is held on with springs that m
Once removed from the vehicle, disassemble the headlight ring, bulb and bucket. Then install the original bucket and retaining ring onto the new headlight.
Once removed from the vehicle, disassemble the headlight ring, bulb and bucket. Then insta
The next order of business is to route the new harness through the headlight bucket, and secure with the attached grommet.
The next order of business is to route the new harness through the headlight bucket, and s

Then secure the ground wire to the housing and plug it into the original harness.
Next, install the halogen headlight with the new-style connector plugged in.
Finally, reinstall the retaining ring springs and new headlight bezel. Voila! The headlight install is now complete. Let's move to the rear and install the LED taillights.
Finally, reinstall the retaining ring springs and new headlight bezel. Voila! The headligh

The first step in the rear is to remove the taillight lenses and old bulbs.
Then, remove and save the boot on the back of the taillight and disconnect the harness by turning the connector clockwise. At this time, choose a convenient location to cut the harness to be spliced.
Then, remove and save the boot on the back of the taillight and disconnect the harness by
Pictured here is the old harness alongside the new LED harness.

The new harness will then be routed through the existing holes, reusing the old grommets and newly supplied waterproof connectors.
The new harness will then be routed through the existing holes, reusing the old grommets a
Next, install the LED array following the instructions for proper wire attachments.
Here's a picture of the LED array properly installed into the housing.

Finally, position the lens gasket and reinstall the lens. (Do not over-tighten the lens screws.) Reconnect the negative battery cable and fire up your new killer lights. Before hitting the road, be sure to test all stoplamps, blinkers, and high and low beams. As a side note, we were amazed at the ease of the installation and great instructions. You can be up and running within a few hours with a minimal amount of tools and experience. Not only are these lights bright, but they also add beauty to a car that already has plenty of curb appeal.