The Ford Barn

Brendan · 08-02-2015, 02:47 PM

do you run a headlight relay? and where did you put it, could you post a photo? I have been thinking of putting one in my 36 pickup

ford38v8 · 08-02-2015, 03:48 PM

Brendan, before you do that, test your horns with jumpers to see if a relay is needed. I don't think a '36 has a relay 'cause the horns don't draw that much juice? I believe the '36 horn is adjustable?

In any case, your horn button simply grounds the (pos) wire closing the horn circuit. Relays are normally placed close to the unit, with a heavy gauge hot running to the relay.

JSeery · 08-02-2015, 03:55 PM

Are we talking headlights or horns?

ford38v8 · 08-02-2015, 03:58 PM

Oh, I read it wrong! Yes, a relay for headlights can work wonders! One relay for high beam, one for low beam, up close by the radiator.

JSeery · 08-02-2015, 04:06 PM

Mount your relays where you can keep the power runs as short as practical. I mounded mine near the radiator on the frame rail. But, I wanted them to be seen because of the setup I am using, if you are using the plastic ones you might want them more concealed.

Kahuna · 08-02-2015, 04:59 PM

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On a 36 with the stock harness, don't you have to cut into the harness to access the wires to add relays?

JSeery · 08-02-2015, 05:24 PM

Yep. I attached a diagram. On a pre-foot dimmer switch you would splice into the high and low beam wires from the lighting switch at the bottom of the steering box.

Talkwrench · 08-02-2015, 06:59 PM

I found a big difference after wiring in relays , we did both high and low. even better again fitted direct replacement APF halogen globes.

Kahuna · 08-02-2015, 07:53 PM

Great diagram, J
Thanks
Jim

08-02-2015, 02:47 PM	#1
Brendan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: At my kitchen table in Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 2,989	headlight relay do you run a headlight relay? and where did you put it, could you post a photo? I have been thinking of putting one in my 36 pickup __________________ If it would have been a snake it would have bit ya! i can't spell my way out of a paper bag!

08-02-2015, 03:48 PM	#2
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 7,634	Re: headlight relay Brendan, before you do that, test your horns with jumpers to see if a relay is needed. I don't think a '36 has a relay 'cause the horns don't draw that much juice? I believe the '36 horn is adjustable? In any case, your horn button simply grounds the (pos) wire closing the horn circuit. Relays are normally placed close to the unit, with a heavy gauge hot running to the relay. __________________ Alan

08-02-2015, 03:55 PM	#3
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: headlight relay Are we talking headlights or horns?

08-02-2015, 03:58 PM	#4
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 7,634	Re: headlight relay Oh, I read it wrong! Yes, a relay for headlights can work wonders! One relay for high beam, one for low beam, up close by the radiator. __________________ Alan

08-02-2015, 04:06 PM	#5
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: headlight relay Mount your relays where you can keep the power runs as short as practical. I mounded mine near the radiator on the frame rail. But, I wanted them to be seen because of the setup I am using, if you are using the plastic ones you might want them more concealed.

08-02-2015, 04:59 PM	#6
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: headlight relay Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) On a 36 with the stock harness, don't you have to cut into the harness to access the wires to add relays?

08-02-2015, 06:59 PM	#8
Talkwrench Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 2,708	Re: headlight relay I found a big difference after wiring in relays , we did both high and low. even better again fitted direct replacement APF halogen globes. __________________ *"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"*

08-02-2015, 07:53 PM	#9
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: headlight relay Great diagram, J Thanks Jim