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Inexpensive M939 headlight alternative & mod

sed6

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OKC, OK
As luck would have it my new M925 burned out both headlights just days apart. Some quick googlefu found me the replacements easily enough but the $35-$50 cost each for the standard Wagner 4863-1 was kinda off putting to me. So Amazon to the rescue! I found a pair of suitable replacements for less than half the cost of a single bulb. All that was needed was a little work on the wires to get them to plug in.

Pic 1 shows what I started with.
Pic 2 shows a standard 10-12 gauge terminal from the auto parts store. I soldered them as opposed to crimping for a permanent connection. They fit nicely in the factory boot.
Pic 3 shows the finished product ready to install.
Pic 4 shows the grease I used to fill up each boot before attaching to the light. While prolly not as good as the factory RTV, it'll go a long way to provide protection against water intrusion and corrosion.
Pic 5 shows the Amazon ad so you can find some yourself.
Pic 6 shows how I labeled the old light so I could get all the wires back in their right location.

I know this has probably been done before but I wanted to share my success. Some will balk at the lack of correctness or trying to cut cost, but meh. Some day 7" sealed beam bulbs will become unobtanium. Before that day the correct military bulbs will be so rare or expensive we won't have any choice but to use similar replacement bulbs. I look at this mod as future-proofing my headlights. Hope you like!
-Scott
OKC, OK
 

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gimpyrobb

dumpsterlandingfromorbit!
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Cincy Ohio
Truth be told, you should look into it for "next time". Its got more options and puts out better light imho. If my LED headlights fail, I'm going H4. Lots of threads here on the site, might read some of them "just so you know".
 

dmetalmiki

Well-known member
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London England
The H4 units as mentioned are fitted to all my trucks. Bulbs are cheap as chips and readilly available at my local truck factorers. (75/100 watts!). The headlamp units come curtesy of the V.W. Eruro car parts. Also cheap at trade prices.
 

98G

Former SSG
Steel Soldiers Supporter
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AZ/KS/MO/OK/NM/NE, varies by the day...
No clue..... don't care.... when and if that time comes I'll deal with it lol

Is it easily and quickly reversed on the side of the road?

My concern is that DOT will stop you and not let you move the truck until it's compliant, and if it can't be made compliant quickly they'd have the truck towed at some exorbitant cost and then have the truck impounded and stored at some outrageous daily rate.
 

74M35A2

Well-known member
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Livonia, MI
You had the right mindset to want an alternative. I also did the H4, and the amount of light even with low wattage bulbs is unreal. Daylight all the way down the street, up, down, left, and right. I went with the Hella Euro spec globes and Hella H4 bulbs. Even name brand, it was low cost. I like the way the LED's look from oncoming traffic, but they have very sharp cut-off lines that I don't like. I would not change out the H4's for even free military LED units now that I have them. Total awesome sauce. The H4's just throw light everywhere. There is a difference in the US spec or Euro spec globes. EU has lit signs, and US doesn't, or vice-versa, I forgot now, but it changes the dispersion pattern of the light to light up road side signs. Nobody flashes their high beams at me while on low beam. On high beam, cars are literally stopping in their lane or swerving off the road like a bad rain storm because they are crippled in light. I don't drive like that, but that is how bright it is with just a 55W bulb. It is like a 747 is landing on the freeway. I built a full width light bar, but just for looks. I don't see needing more light than these things on high beam.
 
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fattboy123456

New member
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Location
Marysville CA
Is it easily and quickly reversed on the side of the road?

My concern is that DOT will stop you and not let you move the truck until it's compliant, and if it can't be made compliant quickly they'd have the truck towed at some exorbitant cost and then have the truck impounded and stored at some outrageous daily rate.

How will DOT stop me.........(end of conversation)
 

fattboy123456

New member
57
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0
Location
Marysville CA
They'll call out the drones if necessary. However most officials just smile & some even salute when they see our MV rolling past.

Few things that are facts

Dmv and chp which I have talked to a few say that like the hulk said above :ditto:
Second I have historic plates no weight stations for me
No one is getting "Bracelets" for LED head lights jesus people
Enjoy life...... living in fear of every thing is a waste......
I dont play by the Book im not dudley do right you wont change my mind so save it
Love you all :driver:
 

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wcuhillbilly

Member
421
5
18
Location
Devils Tower, WY
Wow,,, it only took 6 post to derail this thread into the Legal/Non Legal DOT rabbit hole..... Im impressed,,,,, This could be a new record...

Either way thanks guys for the H4 and solid state incan headlite info,,, Mine are great except that the pass side has welder slag from a former Soldier 2 utilizing the front columbian for a welding table.
 
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