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Headlights/Engine Cover Upgrades?
#729627 November 06th 2017 8:26 pm
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5
stranger
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5
I searched around the forums and couldn't find any information regarding the two questions I have. Also, Im asking them here because I think they apply to most vans.

I have a 1974 Dodge Tradesman 200 and am looking to upgrade the headlights and re-insulate the engine cover.
The headlights are not nearly bright enough and on longer road trips night driving can get a little sketchy due to the limited range of vision. Does anyone have any suggestions for good brighter aftermarket headlights?

Also, Im looking to further eliminate a little bit of sound in my cab by insulating the engine cover. Does anyone have any cheaper recommendations for material that I can use on the inside to dampen down some sound? I read somewhere I should seal screw holes and redo the weather stripping on the cover, which I might do as well.

Re: Headlights/Engine Cover Upgrades?
1974dodgedude #729628 November 06th 2017 8:37 pm
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,107
Likes: 37
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RE: Headlights:

(1) clean all contacts from the battery to the bulkhead connector to the fuse box to the headlight switch to the dimmer/foot switch, to the headlight terminals with Deoxit cleaner.

(2) clean all engine wiring harness grounds.

(3) install a relay in the headlight circuit. Make the current headlight feed wire the + trigger for the relay.

(4) if adding the relay and clenaing all contacts and grounds doesn't get the lights bright enough for you, get a set of GE Nighthawk headlamps.

(5) if 1-4 doesn't get your headlights bright enough, contact Dan Stern at www.danielsternlighting.com and order a set of Cibie conversion headlamps from him. Not cheap, but definitely the best headlamps you can get for your van. Mr. Stern also sells headlight relay kits and can walk you through installing them.

RE: making engine cover quieter:

Ram4Ever (I think it was him) did a great post a few years ago about removing the factory fiberglass insulation from the doghouse on his Dodge and rebuilding it with both new fiberglas and reflective insulation. It reduced engine noise and reduced heat transmission into the cabin. Shoot him a PM, or maybe he will poip in and offer his 2¢.


Windows- they're what make a van worth owning!
Re: Headlights/Engine Cover Upgrades?
1974dodgedude #729634 November 06th 2017 11:13 pm
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 339
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Aim them FIRST. Then 1-4 above. If you have a Halogen bulbs and a true 12volts to them, you shouldn't have issues.


Tucson-it's a dry heat...like an oven

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