Dale Adams Automotive is happy to offer our classic car clients the best in LED headlight technology for your classic and vintage automobiles. Holley Retrobright has partnered with Dale Adams to offer you these lights on sale now for a limited time.

All the details on how to convert your vehicle are below. Take advantage of these discounted prices while you can.

Contact us for information and ordering.

Sale Details

• 5.75" Round Lights - Regular Price: $248 each now on sale for $210 each!
• 7" Round Lights - Regular Price: $276 each now on sale for $229 each!
• 5" x 7" Rectangle Lights - Regular Price: $276 each now on sale for $229 each!

HOW TO CONVERT YOUR CAR TO LED HEADLIGHTS WITH HOLLEY RETROBRIGHT

We restore, maintain, and upgrade them lovingly, often balancing modern improvements on a razor’s edge to maintain the nostalgic charm these vehicles have in spades. The look, the sound, and the feel crave harmony. However, when the sun sets, a woeful, dimly lit inadequacy, too often overlooked in our vintage rides, appears. The tired, sealed-beam headlights struggle to deliver more than a few car lengths of highway glow.

Holley RetroBright headlights incorporate modern LED technology into a direct-fit, easy to install housing that looks right at home on a classic vehicle.

Headlights that were once a touted advance in automotive evolution leave much to be desired by today’s standards. A simple swap to a brighter bulb seems obvious, but previous solutions to the problem have been clunky and aesthetically out of place.

Ill-fitting aftermarket housings welcomed moisture, required substantial mounting modifications, and many Jeep-sourced lights had a look unbecoming of a classic car. Then there was the issue of wiring, which often required cutting, splicing, and sometimes even greater surgery to yield a mediocre result.

Holley RetroBright headlights incorporate modern LED technology into a direct-fit, easy to install housing that looks right at home on a classic vehicle.

To deliver a better solution for improved lighting and visibility, perfect fitment, and plug-and-play installation, Holley teamed up with industry-leading LED lighting designer Morimoto. The result: Holley RetroBright, a new line of LED, sealed-beam-style headlights in round and rectangular styles that deliver a classic look with modern illumination.

LED vs Halogen

Shown is a RetroBright light (left) as compared to a conventional sealed-beam headlight (right). Unlike retrofit headlights sourced from Jeeps, RetroBright housings are intended for OEM, shallow headlight buckets and don’t require any modifications to install. RetroBright lights are also constructed from durable polycarbonate which is much more durable than glass.

Halogen sealed beam lights were the industry standard for the better part of half a century, but much like the rotary dial telephone or the typewriter, they have been superseded.

Halogen headlights contain a tungsten filament in a glass housing that is filled with inert halogen gas. When the light is on, electricity flows through the tungsten filament inside the glass capsule. Electrical resistance in the tungsten filament causes it to heat up, to approximately 4500º F, and glow. This is referred to as an incandescent process– hence, the term incandescent bulb.

LED VS HALOGEN CURRENT DRAW

An LED, or light emitting diode, works in a completely different manner. Electrical current passes through a diode, a semiconducting material, which then emits photons (light). LEDs do not rely on heat to create light which makes them run cooler, and last considerably longer than a comparable incandescent bulb. A typical incandescent bulb lasts about 2,000 hours whereas an LED has a lifespan of 50,000 hours.

The light generating process of an LED is also much more electrically efficient and draws roughly half as much current. This is a major win for vintage vehicles that are still operating OEM style alternators where amperage capacity is often in short supply.

Plug and Play

Retrobright lights incorporate plug-and-play-style pig tails which easily connect to the OEM vehicle wiring harness. There is no cutting or splicing required, nor do in-line resistors need to be added. Adapters for non-standard H4 wiring plugs and pin outs and splitters for quad beam hi/lo set-ups are also available.

Previous LED headlight conversions fell heavily into the universal category. That typically meant cutting and splicing in new connectors and even wiring in current-limiting resistors, which if left out could cause the LEDs to burn out. There’s always a place for universal products in our hot-rodding hobby but for the brunt of enthusiasts, a direct-fit option is the most convenient, easiest-to-install route. RetroBright’s OEM connectors allow the factory wiring to plug directly into the new housing. Adapters for non-standard H4 wiring plugs and pin outs are also available (PN H820 for non-standard H4 adapters).

RetroBright Sizes and Colors

Holley RetroBright lights will be available in 7-inch round, 5.75-inch round, and 4x6-inch, 5x7-inch rectangular sizes which encompasses a huge expanse of American, European, and Japanese vintage automobiles.

Holley RetroBright lights will be available in 7-inch round, 5.75-inch round, and 4x6-inch, 5x7-inch rectangular sizes which encompasses a huge expanse of American, European, and Japanese vintage automobiles. The lights will also be available in two different color temperatures: 5700k, which is a modern white, and 3000k which delivers a more nostalgic warm classic yellow color, without sacrificing any brightness. Lights will also be available with clear or yellow "euro-style" lenses.

RetroBright headlights are available in 5700k, which is a bright white color, and 3000k, which offers a nostalgic yellow tint with no loss in brightness. A 5700k version with a euro-style yellow lens is also available.

Classic Looks Meet Modern Performance

With the lights off, one would be hard-pressed to know anything had been changed at all. With them on, the driver can enjoy a safer, more confident night-driving experience. RetroBright is the perfect combination of classic look meets modern performance.

At the end of the day, there is no beating the look of a classic vehicle, and RetroBright offers the rare chance to add significant performance, safety, and modern convenience without losing that classic charm.

Contact us for information and ordering.

Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle

As we enter our second year of the COVID 19 Pandemic, keeping our sanity and getting away from home will now be more important than ever before. Many of us will rely on our vehicles more than ever this year as well. As we slowly come out of winter here in Alberta, we welcome the warm summer winds.

This also signifies that it is time after a long winter to make sure that your vehicle is up to date in maintenance, and it's time to think about getting the winter tires off of the vehicle. This is a very busy time for us here at Dale Adams so we strongly encourage you to book your service appointment ahead of time.

Here are some tips on the basic maintenance your car will need as summer approaches.

Get a Fresh Oil Change

The oil in your car or vehicle should be changed about every 5000 kms or three months. As Alberta is so dry and as cities spread dirt on the roads to melt ice, there are often dust particles that can contaminate your intake. The extreme temperature changes can also mess with the oil’s viscosity over a long tough winter. There isn't much better than a fresh oil change after winter.

Change and Inspect Your Tires

First of all, it's time to swap those winter tires for your summer tires. This is a great time to inspect both sets of tires now that you can view them off of your vehicle. Be sure that they are wearing evenly and you can use a Sharpie marker to mark the position you took the tires off from to ensure proper rotation next time you swap them. Be sure to check the tread depth and for any imperfections. If you need help, advice and new tires, be sure to ask us. We have access to the best tires in the city!

Check Air Filters

You really only need to change-or at least clean-your air filters about every second oil change. Similar to the above, as you know, we have a dry and dusty climate. Even when you think you are avoiding dust in the winter, that isn't true due to the accumulation of dirt on the roads during winter that gets whipped up by drivers. 

Inspect the Belts and Hoses

It seems there is a trend here, but guess what else wreaks havoc on belts and hoses? Yup, it's the extreme temperature swings. Most vehicles in Canada are designer with cold winters in mind, but checking these belts and hoses regularly is key to avoiding break downs. You won't believe how many issues we see because of neglected belts and hoses. Though you can check yourself, we recommend letting a mechanic (namely, the Dale Adams team) inspect these, as they know what they are looking for.

How are those Wiper Blades?

Yes, temperature and thick ice and snow also do a number on wiper blades. As these are so easy and inexpensive to replace, and annoying when they don't work, we highly recommend changing these often. Don't wait for that April rainstorm to find out you can't see as the wipers aren't wiping. Don't forget those rear wipers too!

Check Your Radiator & Cooling System

When winter ends, it is not uncommon that you may have to top up radiator fluids. As cold as it can get in the winter here, we also know how warm it can get here in the hot and dry summers. We also live in the spacious prairies where there can be long stretches between service stations. Don't risk having your vehicle, especially older models, overheating and stalling out in the summer. Be sure to get all your liquid levels checked but this coolant will be key.

Don't Forget the Air Conditioning

After such a long winter, it may be easy to forget we even have AC in our cars. We sometimes see that AC systems have had some issues during the winter, but that never gets noticed until that first warm day. Be sure to have your AC checked to make sure it is performing optimally and that it is working as expected. Isn't it nice to think about needing your AC on a hot summer drive?

Closing Thoughts

We aren't going to tell you to floss your teeth, but as mechanics we do want to tell you a very true story. Performing regular maintenance saves you money. Otherwise, the need for more costly repairs due to neglected maintenance will happen. Regular maintenance also increases the life of your vehicle. We have an amazing maintenance program and we can even send you reminders to book again when you are ready. Booking is easy too. You can call or use our online booking system to find a time that works for you. We have very strict COVID protocols in place and offer a free shuttle service. Don't delay, book today and avoid the rush.

Your Dale Adams Team

2020 Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale - Save 15% on Whipple Superchargers
Between 12:00 am on Thursday November 26, 2020 through 11:59 pm Monday November 30, 2020 Whipple is having a very rare sale on their products. Save 15%* on your order placed between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you have been thinking about a Supercharger now is the time to buy. 

Times they are a changing. We all remember our favourite TV shows and movies that were about, or featured our favourite vehicles from the past. But we now have access to the Internet, and video services like YouTube. There is so much amazing, and free stations for all your automotive cravings.

We have listed some of our favourites and combed YouTube for new channels we think you should try. We definitely lean towards North American muscle cars personally, but we feel these channels below will cover most of the bases. 

WARNING!!: We cannot be responsible for your job or family getting upset with you because you've been watching hours of videos. Open these channels at your own peril.

Enjoy!

The Dale Adams Team

We see so many amazing vintage vehicles here at Dale Adams Automotive. We are often asked by enthusiasts and collectors, which vintage vehicles will hold their value the best. Owning a vintage vehicle will always require passion and the ability to keep it in good shape. Here are a few tips and vehicles we hope will help you in your next search for that amazing vintage vehicle to invest in. Enjoy.

8 Secrets Hidden in Cars That You Didn't Know About

The Little Arrow on the Fuel Gauge

We’ve all been there: arriving at a gas station in a borrowed or a rental car and you aren't sure what side the gas tank is on.

Help is at hand thanks to that little arrow that tells you precisely where to find the filler cap. Proof that even in this age of adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and driverless cars, a humble arrow can make all the difference.

Take Out Hook

Nissan claims to have invented the in-car ‘curry hook’ when it debuted on the Almera in 1996 in Europe. It was designed for carrying handbags or shopping bags, but it soon became a must-have accessory for takeout lovers.

Today, you’ll find a ‘takeout hook’ in the Qashqai and X-Trail, but look out for similar hooks in other vehicles. More often than not, you’ll find at least one pop-out hook in the boot. 

Colour-Coding Under the Hood

Too many drivers are blissfully unaware of what lies below the hood of your vehicle, only venturing beneath to fill the washer fluid bottle.

Helpfully, many modern engine compartments feature colour-coded guides to highlight the fluids and levels that could and should be checked between services. They tend to be yellow or blue, and they make it easier to locate the engine dipstick, oil cap, coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid.

Jeep Renegade Spiders

There's no shortage of Jeep Easter eggs out there, and this one is just as cool. Peeking out from the fuel fill is a tiny spider bidding lucky discoverers a happy "Ciao Baby!". The friendly little critter is nothing but a conversation piece, but that doesn't make it any less fun.

Volkswagen Golf And Passat Back Camera

Spy movies always have these nifty little tricks concealed up the cars' (metaphorical) sleeves, and the Volkswagen Golf and Passat both don't disappoint. Hidden behind the trunk's logo is a sneaky rear camera that reveals itself when users shift into reverse. The rotating logo definitely looks like something straight out of a heist film, and there's no question which car belongs to the crafty villain.

Tesla Model S Mini Car Key Fob

Ever had to wait for someone in the car until you get bored to death? The Tesla Model S key fob just might save the day. It comes as a sleek miniature version of an actual toy car, so everyone can zoom around their imaginations to pass the time and keep the boredom at bay. It definitely appeals to the inner child in all of us!

Ford Mustang Hologram

Just like in the Hyundai Genesis, projected holograms from the lighted side mirrors are always a crowd favourite. The Ford Mustang projects a powerful pony onto the ground like its own version of Batman's Batsignal—just don't expect horse-themed superheroes to show up and fight crime in the neighbourhood any time soon, though.

Tesla Model S Secret 007

James Bond fans are definitely in for a treat with this one, because the designers of the Tesla Model S have another scintillating secret in their back pockets. On the odd occasion that a car owner accesses the technician log in screen, they can simply type in "007" for one heck of an Easter egg--the Model S will morph into the 1977 The Spy Who Loved Me submarine on screen. Of course, this is no excuse for anyone to drive their vehicle into the nearest body of water in hopes of actually getting it to float, but there's no harm in dreaming about it, is there?

We hope you enjoyed these secrets, features and Easter Eggs in the vehicles we love.

Drive safe everybody!

The Dale Adams Team

Moraine Lake Alberta

Tips for an Awesome Alberta Road Trip 

So it looks like we could be mostly restricted to staying within Alberta this summer due to COVID 19. No matter where you’re headed or if you’re a pro or a novice, these travel tips will make your road trip an easy ride

There’s no question about it; road trips are awesome. A successful road trip will stay with you for life. The ability to just get up and go and the absolute thrill of uncertainty; where will you sleep? Where will you eat? When will you get to your next stop?

It’s up to you to choose where to go, when to go and what kind of budget you’ll have. Our travel tips cover some tips that will make your next Alberta (or anywhere for that matter) road trip a success and a story you will retell fondly.

Special thanks to momondo.ca and their article that we used as a guide while adding our own Alberta flair.

We hope these following tips help you explore our great province.

1. Google Maps

A great place to start. Enter your start and final destination, and get an idea of timing. Adjust the route and see where you can go and how long it’ll take you (you can also see if you’re just a few hours shy of somewhere you might not have originally thought of, but would love to visit). Make sure you’ve got your basic route worked out, your A to B, but don’t have every single kilometre written in stone. You’ve got to have room for the unexpected turns, the snap decisions and the ‘I wonder what’s down here?’ moments.

2. What car?

 

What kind of car you need depends on your destination, trip type and how many people you will be. Think about how likely you are to need 4-wheel drive, high clearance or a convertible, and book accordingly. Make sure that you book in advance, choose unlimited kilometres (unless you’re absolutely positive about the length of your trip), and insure yourself!

If your trip is going to be a long one, a couple of months or more, you might want to think about buying a used car and selling it on when you’re done. Make sure you get it checked over before signing anything though – the last thing you need is a break down in the middle of nowhere!

3. Music

Few things go together as well as music and the open road. There’s going to be plenty of time for tunes, so make sure you’ve downloaded some playlists to your smartphone (and don’t forget the USB cable). That said, it’s wise to check out local radio as well to hear the kind of music you probably wouldn’t listen to back home, probably won’t think you’ll like, but probably come to love.

4. Roads less travelled

Highways might be fast, but you’ll miss a lot. If possible (given time and terrain), take the road less travelled. You’ll see so much more, meet the locals and venture down paths you’d never even have seen. On a similar note: take that detour!  See a sign for an odd sounding ghost town or weird tourist attraction? Follow it! Now’s your chance. Spontaneity rules on road trips.

5. Eat local and stay local

Chuckwagon Cafe, Turner Valley, Alberta

Give the local grub a go – even if you have no idea what it is. After all, it might be the only chance you get. The same goes for accommodation: it might be tempting to stay at the shiny new resort, but why not stay at the unique B&B/kitsch motel/mom and pop place down the road?

If you can’t decide, check the Near Me Tonight feature on our app (for iPhone and Android), and see the available rooms near you for that night.

6. Cool bag

Who knows when you’ll next be able to grab a bite to eat? Pack a cool bag – or splash out on an electric car cool box – and store drinks and snacks in case you get peckish (or in case you get a little lost …).

7. Camp (even in your car) 

Depending on your budget – and on your wheels – you might consider camping instead of hotels or motels. It’s cheap, easy and a great way to meet people. If you’ve got a large car or van, you can even sleep in your vehicle at some campsites, RV campsites, and in some petrol stations and Walmart stores.

8. Go offline

Yes, Google Maps is great, but there’s something about a paper map– you know, the things you occasionally see gathering dust in the back of taxis or your parents’ car. You’d be surprised at how useful it can be – both for finding out where you are, and for note taking on impromptu stops (and think of the nostalgia value when you’re home).

9. Book ahead

10. Stay safe!

Go down those small roads, get out of your comfort zone and explore – but be sensible. Listen to advice, always let someone know where you are and where you’re going – and don’t be a hero.

On a more practical note, keeping a few litres of water in your car at all times can literally be a lifesaver. If you have the room, a litre of gas is a good idea too.

5 Things That Will Save You From a Vehicle Emergency

Driving is a necessity for a lot of people in the world today. Whether it be going to work, school or anywhere in between, you can see plenty of vehicles on the roads getting to where they need to be.

As more people drive to their destination, the more dangerous it can be on the roadways. Here are 5 quick tips that can keep you and your family safe on the roads, no matter where you go!

Checking Your Blind Spots

Checking your blind spot may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many accidents a year are related to drivers not checking their blind spot! The first thing every driver must do is adjust their mirrors. When positioned correctly, side mirrors help eliminate the blind spot in your vehicle. Though most modern vehicles have blind spot monitors, it is always safer to check your blind spot yourself.

Don’t Brake During a Blow Out

If you experience one of your tires blowing out while you are traveling, DO NOT slam on the brakes! Although your first instinct might be to stop your vehicle, doing this may cause your car to fishtail or even flip over. What you should do instead is apply pressure to the gas pedal until the vehicle stabilizes and then guide your car to a safe zone with your foot off the gas and brake pedals. The drag from your tire blowing out will stop the vehicle eventually. Afterward you can change the tire or call for help.

Always Carry a Safety Kit

It is important to always keep a safety kit in your car. Your car safety kit should have some of the following:

• Collapsable shovel
• Traction aid (Sand, salt, kitty litter)
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight & extra batteries
• Fire extinguisher
• Road flares
• Blankets
• First Aid kit
• Water & non-perishable food
• Battery powered cell phone charger (Charged, of course!)
• Portable battery charger

Having a safety kit in your vehicle can help during times of car trouble. Including an old cell phone in your kit can help in emergencies, as phones can still connect to emergency services without being connected to an active phone contract. There are many things you can put in your safety kit, and it is completely customizable for you.

Drift out, Drift in, unless There’s Danger

We all drift out of our lanes from time to time. We drift because we lose focus, or other things need attention (or get attention, like changing songs on an iPod).

If you drift, you don’t need to take a violent sudden action to correct it, unless danger is looming. Assuming no one is near enough to be affected, you can simply drift back into your lane and continue on your way.

There’s no need for drama most of the time.

Regular Maintenance!

We know this last one is obvious, but seriously, when is the last time you actually checked if the following are in good working order and have been kept up on maintenance? How many are you ignoring?

1. The Oil
2. The Tire Pressure
3. The Brakes
4. The Power Steering Fluid
5. Wheel Alignment
6. The Antifreeze or Coolant
7. The Tire Treads
8. The Air Filter
9. The Transmission Fluid
10. The Lights – All of Them

Any of these 10 crucial elements of your vehicle can cause a serious problem in a bad situation. We are all guilty of ignoring maintenance but as your safety is involved, as well as a major investment in your vehicle, we can't emphasize enough how important it is to keep up on these things. You can do much of this yourself, or bring your vehicle in to us at Dale Adams Automotive and we will always give you exceptional quality of service at a fair price.

Here is a link to better explanations of these important items.

BONUS TIP: EXTREME SITUATION
How to Escape from a Sinking Car

This will probably never happen to you. Or to anyone you know.

But knowing the steps to get out of a sinking car may save your own life, as well as those of your passengers. Think it through, while sitting in your car, and remember your plan, and you’ll be in good shape. Here are the steps to take when your car ends up in the water.

• Keep your cool. Panic will put you in more danger.
• Hold on to the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 positions (or even 8 and 4) to avoid injury if the airbags inflate.
• As soon as the car is in the water, undo your seatbelt–and help small children do the same.
• Do not worry about making the cell phone call.
• Open the window–or a window–as quickly as possible. Electrical systems should work for a short period after the car lands in the water. Don’t worry yet about the doors–that could cause a quick sink rather than a slow one.
• If you can’t open the window, use a hammer or window breaking tool you have stowed conveniently to smash the windows.
• Get air in your lungs and get out of the window.
• If the car is filling with water, know that you will not be able to open the door until the water pressure is equal inside and out. You will still have an air pocket up near the roof of the car.
• Help children out first then follow them to the surface.

As with any safety plan, it’s important to have a plan–know what you will do. You will only need to think about it once or twice in your driving career, but you may end up being thankful you did.

Stay Safe

Being a safe driver is paramount to keeping you and everyone around you safe. Always be aware of your surroundings and never make any rash decisions. Plan ahead for the moderate cost of maintaining a vehicle and make time to check your vehicle at least every 3 months. If you have questions or concerns we are only a call or email away.

Dale and the team.