if I were to buy LED headlights would I still need the "headlight upgrade harness"? I was thinking the lower power pull for the LEDs would eliminate the need for the harness. I never drive at night and the LEDs are funny looking but I do like the option if I decided to go for a midnight run. Thanks for any input.

These are the lights I could buy for not much money if I decided to.

https://www.ebay.com/i/174083088616?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=174083088616&targetid=916863675069&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9012737&poi=&campaignid=9343999170&mkgroupid=100238963011&rlsatarget=aud-762207186714:pla-916863675069&abcId=1139336&merchantid=118862638&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5-O7ofiL6gIVCK_ICh03Pwr2EAQYASABEgJeDfD_BwE

@SteveJ has a lot of experience with LED headlights

 

Standard sealed beam headlights are ~ 40 watt low beam, 60 watt high beam. That being said, it's never a bad idea to take electrical load off that 40-something year old headlight switch.

It isn't as easy as I first thought. I'll drive the Camry on my midnight runs. 

 

I've been using H4's for quite a while. Just recently I replaced the bulbs in my H4's with LED "bulbs". They're bright (12,000 lumen). Had to make sure my headlights were aimed properly.

24 minutes ago, siteunseen said:

It isn't as easy as I first thought. I'll drive the Camry on my midnight runs. 

 

@siteunseen is the master of searching on this site. There is also this thread that talks about LED headlight installation: 

 

Site,

The biggest issue I found with the LED headlights is the way Datsun did the wiring. Since LED's are diodes they only allow electricity to flow in one direction. Rather than the center post being a common ground, the center post is hot and the switching is done between the 2 posts that are ground in the Datsun world. Here's a thread where I asked Dave about his harness and how it's wired. The thread also has the headlights I ended up going with.

Because I've been lazy and the lights are working I haven't taken the anti flicker block out yet, but according to Dave the harness puts the ground on post 3 where it typically is outside the Datsun 240z world.

As previously mentioned, you need to make a change with the headlight harness to convert it from the negative ground switched to positive switched for the led lights to work.   If you are in the market for led's,  take a look at Vintage Car Led Headlights  (they don't look funny)

https://vintagecarleds.com/7-inch-round-headlights/

Highly recommended ....

Thank you guys!

I've got some reading to do before I make the change over. I got an email on those bug eyed LEDs on ebay showing a big price drop. I may try the cheap ones on my 280 first then go all out on the 240 later on. I'm hesitant messing around with that black magic "electricity" you guys are so good at.

I just completed my conversion on a 73Z to sealed beam LED headlights. I recommend the video at the bottom before buying $49 bugeye lights.

I went with Trucklite 27270C units, and I found a harness from LED online that provided my negative switching needs. I’m very happy with the results.

 

next up,   sexy headlight covers!
 

 

1 hour ago, Trimpe.bob@gmail.com said:

I just completed my conversion on a 73Z to sealed beam LED headlights. I recommend the video at the bottom before buying $49 bugeye lights.

I went with Trucklite 27270C units, and I found a harness from LED online that provided my negative switching needs. I’m very happy with the results.

 

next up,   sexy headlight covers

 

Can we get some night shots?

Sure, as soon as it stops snowing! 😁

I thought I would post my recent experience with headlights.  I bought some LED lights from this company https://vintagecarleds.com/7-inch-round-headlights/.  I've been looking at LED's for a while for both my Z and my roadster.  They installed on the Z perfectly, and it is amazing to be able to see at night.  The best things about these are 1) they have glass lenses and 2) they are plug and play-no cutting or filing to get them to fit either of these cars.   Since they draw about half the amperage, they put less stress on the circuitry.  

I've become so accustomed to "Some assembly required" that I'm genuinely surprised when an after market part fits with no fuss.

This company had a black Friday sale that was 20% off, but I believe they have other sales throughout the year.  I will be ordering a second set for the other car (VC35000).  To be clear, I have no affiliation with this company, but I wanted to provide my experience in case any of you folks may be looking for a headlight upgrade.  I've received a lot of useful information here.