bulb upgrade for Hella 500 driving lights.
02-02-2009, 03:52 PM
#1
JK Enthusiast
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bulb upgrade for Hella 500 driving lights.
Hi all,I just bought a set of Hella 500 driving lights off amazon for $47.00 shipped.I have heard/read that I can switch out the 55w bulbs for 100w bulbs..is this true or will I burn up something?
02-02-2009, 07:40 PM
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02-03-2009, 03:51 PM
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Well the 100w will get hotter and the lens of the Hellas is glass . But the housing is plastic and if it gets hot enough it might melt it... But I have done this before without any issues...They will be brighter but not as much as you would expect...
You know you can convert them to HIDS for about 60 bucks right?
You know you can convert them to HIDS for about 60 bucks right?
02-03-2009, 04:39 PM
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Well the 100w will get hotter and the lens of the Hellas is glass . But the housing is plastic and if it gets hot enough it might melt it... But I have done this before without any issues...They will be brighter but not as much as you would expect...
You know you can convert them to HIDS for about 60 bucks right?
You know you can convert them to HIDS for about 60 bucks right?
02-03-2009, 05:48 PM
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As to running 100W bulbs in an enclosure designed for 55W bulbs; unless someone comes back and says they've done it, I'd be careful. I had an issue with an overwattage bulb in a motorcycle a long time ago in which the bulb heat melted the socket.
If you try it, make sure you're using appropriate gauge wiring and probably at least a 30amp relay since you'd likely be at over 2/3 the rating on a 20amp relay. Then keep a close watch on the components to watch for overheating.
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02-03-2009, 06:49 PM
#8
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I`m not getting worked up over it..just not paying some douche 40 bucks to ship me 2 bulbs that only costs 5 to ship...I know they try to get their "money back" raising the shipping but if you gotta screw ppl out of money by lying..don`t sell it there.I like Amazon waaay better..shipping seems reasonable
I asked that in the original starter post
Last edited by swanni06; 02-03-2009 at 06:51 PM.
02-04-2009, 08:16 AM
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I would be more concerned with melting the wires. Running 100 watts in the factory housing with the factory wires is too much. I would consider using Silverstars or philips lights before increasing the wattage.
02-04-2009, 09:11 AM
#10
JK Junkie
That isn't worth getting worked up over; just like anywhere else look at the total price. Who cares if the seller is trying to avoid some of the ebay auction fees (apply to sale price not shipping) and make a little more?
As to running 100W bulbs in an enclosure designed for 55W bulbs; unless someone comes back and says they've done it, I'd be careful. I had an issue with an overwattage bulb in a motorcycle a long time ago in which the bulb heat melted the socket.
If you try it, make sure you're using appropriate gauge wiring and probably at least a 30amp relay since you'd likely be at over 2/3 the rating on a 20amp relay. Then keep a close watch on the components to watch for overheating.
As to running 100W bulbs in an enclosure designed for 55W bulbs; unless someone comes back and says they've done it, I'd be careful. I had an issue with an overwattage bulb in a motorcycle a long time ago in which the bulb heat melted the socket.
If you try it, make sure you're using appropriate gauge wiring and probably at least a 30amp relay since you'd likely be at over 2/3 the rating on a 20amp relay. Then keep a close watch on the components to watch for overheating.
I now have 6 kits installed on our 2 mustangs and our JK and I have never had one fail or burn out. I have owned the kits for 4 years now. Like I tell everyone once you have HID's you will never want to use halogen bulb again....