Peterbilt 359 Lights

Frequently Asked Questions About Peterbilt 359 Lights

What year models of Peterbilt 359 are these lights compatible with?

Our Peterbilt 359 lights are designed to fit trucks manufactured from 1967 through 1987. However, compatibility can vary depending on whether your truck has been modified or has aftermarket bumpers. For lights mounted on the cab or sleeper, most products will fit all 359 models within this range. For bumper-mounted lights, verify your bumper style first, as some 359s came with different bumper configurations, especially in the later production years.

Are these lights DOT approved and street legal?

Most of our headlights and marker lights for the Peterbilt 359 are DOT approved and meet FMVSS 108 standards for street use. Look for the DOT marking on the product page or lens itself. Auxiliary lights like fog lights or additional driving lights may have restrictions depending on your state. We recommend checking your local regulations for auxiliary lighting placement and usage requirements, as some states limit the number of forward-facing lights or require covers when driving on public roads.

What's the difference between sealed beam and LED conversion options?

Sealed beam lights are the traditional halogen units that were original equipment on most 359s, typically drawing 55-65 watts per light. LED conversions offer 3-5 times more light output while using only 20-40 watts, reducing strain on your electrical system. LEDs also last 30,000-50,000 hours compared to 500-1,000 hours for sealed beams. The main consideration is that some LED units may require slight modifications to the mounting bucket or additional wiring for proper function, while sealed beams are direct plug-and-play replacements.

Do I need special wiring or mounting hardware for installation?

For direct replacement lights using the same mounting points as your original equipment, you typically won't need additional hardware. The original Peterbilt 359 uses standard 3-prong connectors for sealed beam headlights and bullet-style connectors for most marker lights. However, if you're adding auxiliary lights or converting to LED, you may need relay harnesses, inline resistors to prevent hyperflashing, or new mounting brackets. Each product page specifies what's included and what additional items might be needed.

Which light style matches the classic 359 look versus modern upgrades?

For maintaining the classic appearance, choose chrome-bezeled sealed beam headlights with glass lenses and traditional amber/red marker lights with chrome bases. The rectangular dual headlight setup is most authentic to the original 359 design. For a modern update while keeping the vintage appeal, consider LED conversions that maintain the original shape but offer better visibility, or add period-correct accessories like chrome visors or stainless steel light bars. Avoid projector-style or halo lights if you want to preserve the authentic 359 appearance.