Volvo RWD 200 Forum

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Driving light and fuse questions 200

I'm thinking of adding a set of long-range driving lights to my
car. I think that I've narrowed my choices down to Hella FF1000
(about $110/pair from Susquehanna Motorsports), Bosch 8" Rallye
(about $50-80/pair on EBay), or Cibie Airport (around $115/pair
from Serious Auto). Does anyone have any other suggestions as
far as good (for light, not looks) lights?


Also, currently my radio's constant-power circuit - which is
15A so I didn't fuse it through the domelight fuse like in the
stock radio - and fuel injection are fused through el-cheepo sealed
fuseholders that are taped to the power steering hoses. Does anyone
know where I can get a 4-blade-type-fuse covered fusebox capable
of handling 25A fuses? I tried several auto and boat supply places
and they only had boxes for glass-type fuses or 6-fuse boxes that
were annoyingly large and not covered. Maybe a stereo installation
place will have something (riceboys use fuses, what?).


-b.








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    Driving light and fuse questions 200

    Check at your local Radio Shack for high amp in-line fuse holders. I found some there good for the 25-amp system fuse mounted under the hood. It was, IIRC, around $3.00. It has #10 wire leads, and a good weatherproof cap.

    For that price, get as many as you need.

    Good Luck,

    Bob

    :>)








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      Driving light and fuse questions 200

      Actually, Radio Hack fuseholders are what's in there now. I was
      thinking more along the lines of a fusebox with 4 or 6 fuses, instead
      of fuse holders taped all over the place. One fuse for the fuel
      system, another for B+ of the radio, and one for each driving light.
      I found a 6-fuse box with a single input stud for $15 at NAPA that
      seems to fit the bill quite well. Thanks all for your advice - I'm
      looking at some Bosch 8" lamps on EBay, as they seem to be fairly
      inexpensive and of good quality.


      -b.








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        Driving light and fuse questions 200

        You don't need a fuse for each driving light. Since amp = watts/volts, 100 watt bulbs will be around 7.5amps each if your system is running at 13.5 volts. If you have one of those good 10 or 12 gauge holders and a 20 or 25 amp fuse, you'll be fine. I have been fine on a 20 amp fuse through many hours of my 2 100watt bosch lights running. Save you a few bucks anyways. good luck,

        Nate Gundy
        --
        '86 240DL sedan, 260K miles, M46, K cam, 25/21mm sways, 260 front and wagon rear springs; http://valvespringcompressor.weblogs.us/








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          Driving light and fuse questions 200

          Thanks. You're right about not needing a second fuse, but I still
          want to install a small fuse box to avoid having little holders
          taped everywhere. If I decide to sell the car, I want it to look
          somewhat professional. The problem is that all of the small,
          covered 4-fuse boxes that I've seen (which are exactly what I want)
          are rated at 15A rather than 25A, as is needed by the fuel injection
          system. I'll probably just mount individual fuseholders on brackets.


          -b.








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    Driving light and fuse questions 200

    FWIW, Hella is the most popular driving light on the rally circuit. The larger, round lights (Rallye 3000 and 4000)throw the best light. To be most effective, they must be mounted where they are most vulnerable (on top of bumper). Check ebay for bargains. BTW, the ultimate light is the Rallye 4000 Motorsport. They're HID and produce 3X the light for 1/2 the current. Of course they cost more than us mere mortals can afford.

    Skip
    '93 850GLT
    '83 242TI Flathood








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    Driving light and fuse questions 200

    Well, I would check out danielsternlighting.com for the fuse box stuff you want. As for the lights, I have personal experience with the FF1000's and Bosch 225's. My friend has the FF1000's on his Toyota Corolla, and they do put out some very good light. However, they are slightly smaller than the Bosch's. I put 8" Bosch Rallye 225's on my car over Christmas and am very impressed by them. I would buy them again if it were my choice. They put out very nice light, are very sturdy, and are easily aimable. If you can get some for 50-80 bucks, I'd do that. The only issue is that they are fatter than the hella's, so that (unless you have commando bumpers) they stick out over the edge of the bumper, just waiting to be broken by a stupid person in a parking lot. This is my fear. However, the light output is VERY good with them, especially with 100W bulbs. Do you use your brights a lot or participate in rallies? I assume you know that these can only come on with high beams, but I just gotta make sure. To be honest, I don't think you can really go wrong with any of your three interests in lights, so for me it would come down to price. As you probably know, there are a lot of really shitty lighting companies out there that sell terrible lights for cheaper...stick with Bosch, Hella, Cibie, or PIAA if you want good stuff. All of these companies put out really good driving lights--the FF1000's are excellent, but probably produce slightly less light than the Bosch's...though don't quote me on that. welp, I've gone on long enough. good luck choosing!

    Nate Gundy
    --
    '86 240DL sedan, 260K miles, M46, K cam, 25/21mm sways, 260 front and wagon rear springs; http://valvespringcompressor.weblogs.us/







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