Summit Racing Sealed Beam Headlight Conversions

Key Points Summary:

• Convert from older sealed-beam headlights to new, bright LED, H4 halogen, or H4 LED headlights

• Conversion is plug-and-play; the headlights install just like the original sealed beam units and no wiring modifications are necessary

• Conversion headlights are available in all popular round and rectangular sizes

• LED headlights consume less power than sealed beam or H4 halogen headlights, while producing more light

• Conversion headlights are available with both traditional and more modern styling

Summit Racing sealed beam headlight conversions replace old, dim, yellow factory headlights (that were state of the art decades ago) with bright, clear, DOT-approved LED or halogen headlights. They improve your car or truck’s safety, making it easier to see—and be seen—at night. Often, they provide an upgrade in the appearance department, too. They look clearer and more modern, day or night, and produce brighter, whiter light. The best part is, they fit like original equipment and plug into the vehicle’s harness, so no modifications or rewiring are necessary.

Headlight Shapes and Sizes

Sealed beam headlights were available in a variety of round and rectangular sizes. Summit Racing sealed beam conversion headlights are available in four sizes:

• 5 3/4 inch round

• 7 inch round

• 4 x 6 inch rectangular – approximate size 3.9 x 6.5 inch

• 5 x 7 inch (also called 7 x 6) rectangular – approximate size 5.6 x 7.9 inch

LED and H4 Options

Summit Racing sealed beam conversions are available in a few styles:

• LED, with sealed, enclosed LEDs that cannot be replaced separately from the headlight unit

• H4 halogen, with a conventional H4-style bulb (55W low beam/60W high beam) that is replaceable

• H4 LED, with an LED H4-style bulb that is replaceable; SUM-RP22674 can be used as a replacement bulb

FAQ Section:

Q. Can you replace a sealed beam headlight?

A. Yes, absolutely! It’s simple, and Summit Racing conversion headlights will be brighter, safer, and better looking than the old, sealed beam units.

Q. When did the U.S. stop requiring sealed beam headlights?

A. The United States changed the regulations in 1984, allowing headlamp assemblies with replaceable bulbs. This was at least partially in response to the lobbying efforts of Ford; the automaker wanted to use aerodynamic flush headlamps on its new Taurus sedan, which debuted in 1985.

Q. What options are available to convert 7-inch round sealed beam headlights to modern H4 or LED units?

A. Summit Racing carries both 7-inch round halogen headlamps with 55/60W H4 bulbs (SUM-890275, sold in pairs) and traditionally styled LED headlamps (SUM-RP22677, sold individually). Whether you choose halogen or LED, both are a substantial improvement over older sealed beam headlights.

Q. Does switching to LED headlights require a relay harness to avoid overload on the headlight switch?

A. No. In fact, LED headlights generally draw less current than incandescent headlights, while producing more light. It’s one of the best reasons to make the conversion.

Q. Will I need to upgrade my alternator or charging system for high-draw HID or LED units?

A. No. Despite being brighter than sealed beam headlights, both HID (high-intensity discharge) and LED headlights use less current and place a smaller load on your charging system.

Q. How do I ensure proper aim and alignment on aftermarket headlight conversions?

A. Often, when converting to quality H4 or LED headlights, your headlight alignment won’t change much. However, it’s always a good idea to check. An easy way to do it is to park your vehicle on a flat surface facing a wall; your driveway and garage door may work for you, provided your driveway is flat. Park about 25 feet away from the vertical surface and turn your headlights on. Looking at the beam patterns will give you a good idea whether your headlights are aimed correctly. Adjust them if necessary. When you’re out on the road, pay attention to oncoming traffic to make sure you’re not blinding them with your new, bright headlights!

Summit Racing sealed beam headlight conversions are a simple-to-perform upgrade that makes your car safer and easier to drive at night, improves styling, and reduces the load on its electrical system.