CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Originality => Topic started by: Mikes69_Coupe on May 18, 2014, 04:45:40 PM
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Howdy all. Noticed Friday night on the way home from the cruise in my 69, that my T3's are rather dim. Since Lectric is no longer reproducing them, what would y'all recommend for a replacement? I don't plan on having it in a points show, so I'm after something that performs better than the T3's. Thanks in advance.
Y'all take care,
Mike.
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First, check the voltage to you headlights, etc. May be "weak" connection. Read THIS. (http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=8658.0) Replies 5 & 6 tell it all about headlight connections.
I've got my T3s in a box and halogens on the driver car. But first I cleaned every possible connection.
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Howdy lakeholme, and thanks! What I've read recommends using relays. What's your opinion??
Y'all take care,
Mike.
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It'll light up the road for you!
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I'd first check the voltage at the lights.
Relays won't change much if the voltage is already good there.
I'd put in halogens, btw.
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I'd check the charging system. 99 times out of 100 headlights go dim because the alternator is weak or the regulator is about to puke. Assuminig everything else is functioning properly i.e. wiring and connections, the charging system is the culprit. Turn signal oscillation slows down...interior lights flicker. The junction block on the radiator support connection may have a deteriorating contact--rare--but it happens.
The oldest test in the book is taking the positive cable off of the battery while the engine is running. Before integrated circuit altenators ( 1973-up ) this could be safely done and it would reliably pin the alternator or regulator as the likely problem. Hold a screwdriver to the case plug on the back of the alternator. If it is magnetically pulled to the alternator, the alternator is charging. That points to the regulator. Those old regulators used springs and coils to control the voltage and the points oxodize like ignition breaker points and they deteriorate.
Sorry to wax nostalgic, but us old guys pulled our youthful hair out back then when the electrical system acted up and we learned what to look for. Not saying this is definitely your problem, but when all else fails, go back to the very basics.
Good luck and I hope this helps.
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lakeholme: Thanks again.
KurtS: Thanks - any particular lamp better than others, or recommended?
hotrod68: Thanks. Planned to do those tests this weekend if time permits (I'm one of those old farts,too ;D) - have an 88 year old family member that took a fall a few days ago and I'm spending most of my time with her.
Y'all take care,
Mike.
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:) mike good to meet an oldtimer
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Wow, first I am hearing about Lectric Limited not making T3s for Camaros anymore. Any idea what happened?
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hotrod68: Same here.
KevinW: Don't know what happened, but when I got on the web site, it just said 'discontinued'. Figures it would be when I decide to upgrade mine >:(
Y'all take care,
Mike.
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Thanks Mike, that is a shame about them not being made anymore. It was one of the few repro parts I really liked! I put them on my Camaro and they fit and work really well. Oh well, at least my next car is an RS, so the headlights can hide a bit.
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Yeah, sure hope someone steps up and fills the gap.
Y'all take care,
Mike.
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https://www.thepartsplaceinc.com/product/chevrolet-camaro-t-3-ribbed-headlamp-7-6014-pair/83552
Anyone got em yet?
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Too pricey for me, and I did consider a set. But as often as I drive my car at night, the original T3s are just fine. I got mine at a swap meet for $20, and had the seller hook them up with a battery to make sure they work.
Are they not available or deliverable now?
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I have a set that's been holding up for 5 years now. These are a very good reproduction. When I do drive at night, I need to see far due to sudden deer crossings. Not may streetlamps by me to compensate for pool lighting, so these repo T3's light up the road much better than original T3's that had dim outputs. But that is expected for a 50+year old lamp with who knows how many hours on the filament.
Mike
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Jim, I got a pair of these in May 2021 and they were installed a couple months later. Took another year to get them on the road. The T-3's LOOK good, and they judged OK (i.e. no deduction) in July'22. Had them out after dark only once to-date, and then only for a few minutes... Not much of a 'stress test' for lighting performance, but they seem to serve their intended purpose just fine. I was more concerned with appearance than performance. Looks like the price went up (like everything else these days- aarrgh), mine were $109 last may (same vendor & item)...
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I read / heard awhile back that Wagner was making these T3 headlamps for the vendor back then (who I can't remember), and decided to stop entirely from making vacuum headlamps like we need....equipment was old, process hazards, etc. So the repro T3's dried up. I guess The Parts Place found another vendor to make them again which is good for us!
For information's sake - those of us who have the Vigilite option have to be careful using these repro headlamps - the vacuum seal on the rear of the bulb is cut differently / smaller in diameter than original T3's - therefore limiting the light that gets transferred into the fiber optic cable that goes to the fender bezel.
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My gut tells me this might not last long term as so many things are made in batches and when the batch is gone it's gone. I can think of many nice repro items that were around for awhile but again dried up. Hope I'm wrong but for some it might be a good idea to buy a set just to have for future.
I still have a couple original sets for restoration and lucky our 68 still has the original bulbs in and they work. I did silicone the connection area. But agree they don't work the best at dark LOL, unless you run high beams......
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Street lights help….back country roads….no street light help. :(
Camaronut-didn’t know the “tip”at the rear of the new ones is smaller and the light transfer is smaller. Thank you for that, as I would be not so happy after said purchase. That information I shall pass along. You wouldn’t have a side by side picture to compare would you?
Mine light is fine at night, and picture is at idle speed.