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Headlights

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My midget has some cheap autopal H4 headlights, and they are noticeably better than the sealed beam halogens on my bugeye. Someone suggested using the E-code lights rather than the DOT approved units.

Anyone have any insights on headlight selection? Something to help me see, but won't blind everyone else? And no ... sadly, they no longer make the version of the AutoPal lights that are on my Midget.
 
Before you get bogged down on bulb selection, check your voltage at the headlights.
 
I have had excellent result with these. They are Lucas repros that have been specifically designed for H4 bulbs. They are <span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-style: italic"></span>not</span> the standard PL700's with the bulbs switched.



MG1100halogenOffmid.jpg


TripodRa.jpg


TripodRb.jpg
 
Thanks, I have good grounds and the headlights are operated via a relay. I built the entire harness myself.

Gerard, where can I find the spec on those?
 
I am running H4s in 3 Sprites, but 3 different brands of headlamp shells.
Hella, SEV, and Lucas. All E (European? spec)
I run halogen sealed beams in the kids Sprites, the standard $8 a bulb jobs from the chain auto parts place.
I love my H4s, I have had the Hellas since the 70s and move them from my old 73 Spitfire to whatever I am driving through the years.
You do have take care when adjusting the Euro spec lamps, they have a cut off line in the lens. They are designed to throw light far down the road not up in the trees but that's where you adjust them down and in a bit more than normal headlamps.
I have no real data to support what I just said but that's what I found out over the years. I can see when driving out in the pine barrens or cranberry bogs with the high beams on and town driving in fine too with the low beams although the beam has a cut off line that takes some getting used to.
 
I have a pair of Cibie E-codes on my MG. They have some insane wattage Osram H4 bulbs, 80W/130W I think. They have a razor sharp straight line cutoff and do not blind oncoming traffic. I'm running then via a pair of Hella (fused) relays from British Wiring. Low beam is one circuit, high beam is another circuit. I made a harness using higher gauge wiring to keep it factory looking. I ran separate grounds of the same gauge. They're not as many lumens as the HIDs in my daily driver, but they are plenty bright.

relays.jpg


I bought the style that also have euro "citylights" inside the housings. I wired these to the parking lights, unfused, no relays. I use them as DRLs and keep them on during the day. I think the bulbs are about 5-10watt or so.

Go here for everything you ever wanted to know about lighting:

www.danielsternlighting.com
 
Thanks, I'm thinking I'm going to try the some Hellas with some normal wattage bulbs.
 
Trevor Jessie said:
Thanks, I have good grounds and the headlights are operated via a relay. I built the entire harness myself.

Gerard, where can I find the spec on those?

Precise replica of Lucas PL700 7" round Headlamp with tri-bar or tri-pod style as original. Comes with P43t (9003) H4 bulb: 60 watt high, 55 watt low. Halogen Bulb.

Superb optics and come complete with H4 Halogen bulb

For Left hand drive vehicles (right hand traffic).


These are Lucas PL-700 replica halogen headlamps. Moss sells the non-halogen version of these for $169/set and the genuine Lucas (non halogen version) for $125 each. You can't put a halogen bulb in the other and have them work properly. These sell on UK British parts sites for $125 or more each.

I have a couple sets available. I'll sell you a set for $149/pair, plus shipping. (List price is $279/pr.)

Quite a few friends have purchased these from me and have been really pleased.

Let me know if you are interested.
Gerard
 
They look great Gerard, and that sounds like an excellent deal. However, at this point in time I'm more about function than looks. I'm sure they function great, but I'm looking for something that functions well and allows me to spend extra change elsewhere.

If I hear of anyone contemplating those tri-bar lights I'll be sure to send them your way.
 
Regular old head lights, sealed beam from the auto store. Like 12.50 each. They really just fine.
 
Maybe fine for an occasional trip to a local car show in fair weather, but what about a narrow unlined country road late at night with blowing rain and a fogging windshield?
 
What I got in the Jag. Standard everyday, except one is still original Lucas (1964).
I'm used to six volt positive earthed generator-fed lighting, so I can do it fine.
The youngsters that need cruise control, aircraft landing lights, GPS, heated seats (and mirrors), plus traction control with automatic transmission, no.
 
It is a slippery slope. You start modifying one part of the car and suddenly you see other areas you want to change. There are certain aspects of the car's character and quirks that I enjoy, but there is much that I want to change.

You old farts and and your wooden spoke wheels just stick to the parade route and stay out of my way. :wink:
 
Tevor, You too will one day become an OF like the rest of us.
 
Technically, I am an old fart. (so I'm told by my kids).
 
TOC said:
The youngsters that need cruise control, aircraft landing lights, GPS, heated seats (and mirrors), plus traction control with automatic transmission, no.

I'm 43, don't know if that qualifies me as a youngster. Don't need any power operated gizmos, but I don't skimp on brakes or headlights.
 
Scott_Hower said:
TOC said:
The youngsters that need cruise control, aircraft landing lights, GPS, heated seats (and mirrors), plus traction control with automatic transmission, no.

I'm 43, don't know if that qualifies me as a youngster.

tragically, yes it does. :cryin:
 
Trevor Jessie said:
You old farts and and your wooden spoke wheels just stick to the parade route and stay out of my way. :wink:

ROTFLMAO!
 
You want funny, get some grandkids in your car and ask them to roll the window down.
They will finally ask you where the switch is.
Whatever you do, do NOT dig out your Western Electric Type 300 dial phone.

I thrash my Jag pretty hard for a 2.4L MK2.

43 does classify you as a "youngster".
Most of the LBC's on these forums were built and driven long before you were born.

Dave
 
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