Which headlamps to replace old sealed beams?

[janz]

The time has come (I guess) to consider replacing the sealed beam units in my English Moke. One of a matching pair blew during the L2B. Phil B kindly gave me several 'limp home' units but now I have a collection single different units, each throwing a considerably different beam and matching an adequately powerful pair is increasingly difficult. There are many H4 conversion lamps out there. Has anyone got a good recipe for suitable curved lens lamps and bulbs that will fit the existing bowls and connectors? I want to retain as much of the original character as possible.

[grantourer]

Hi Jan. Why not just buy a new pair of sealed beam units?


http://www.somerfordmini.co.uk/eshop/in ... ts_id=4165

and just cover the pilot bulb hole.

[Nigel(no top)Sykes]

I'm sure you can get them without the side light "hole" or else what would the Clumans, Rileys and Wolsleys do ? Not to mention the myriad of other BMC types.

[Wally2]

Hi again Janz, I have a Classic mini catalogue from www.moss-europe.co.uk which has Crystal halogen headlamp kits fo direct replacement for original 7" seal beams. They are £35.70 a pair, plus H4 60/55 watt bulbs @£3.84 ea.
Cheers
Chris

[janz]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies. Yep, Nigel - want the 'less side lights' version. I think I'll go for the conversion kit though - It'll be better in the long run. I checked the size of Halogen lamp plastic bowls v sealed beam metal bowls, and I think it's going to be OK.

This chap mailed me back to say the connectors were the same as the sealed beam type and would fit straight in. It includes bulbs. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... TQ:GB:1123 I'll give them a go and report back.

Before I do that, I'll give Moss a call and get a price comparison. Used to use them for my MG (in those days.... got rid of the flat cap and white silk scarf now )

[Nigel(no top)Sykes]

Yes, the halogen bulb type headlights are a straight swap for standard ones (look at most any traders stall at any Mini meeting)and they are certainly brighter even before you put higher wattage bulbs in !

[johng]

Following a discussion @ National - I spoke to Minisport & who told me Lucas had discontinued sealed beam then Wagner took over production but also ceased because , he believes, the tooling was wearing out & the market didn't warrant the cost of re-tooling. They don't stock look-alike halogen replacements. I spent weeks trying to find sealed beams to no avail. Unless someone knows otherwise......

[Nigel(no top)Sykes]

I knew ther was a reason I had that pile of units in the box in my garage

[fistral fig]

These will do the job
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAND-ROVER-SE ... 3a784fe466

[janz]

They look like they might just do the job. Thing is, I rarely drive the English at night... but if I do, I at least want them both to put out a similar light. I'll order a pair and report back

[Doug G]

I'm going to try and put this in this evening . . . or tomorrow morning.

[janz]

Have succumbed to technology - That one drive too many on 15W/30W sealed beams - and then another one blowing on the way home at night.... bought the sealed beam halogen conversion kit with 60W/45W bulbs - brilliant can't believe I needed time to convince myself . Kept the originals - just in case.

Thanks to Aulder Brady for supplying sealed beam spares to get me home

[Doug G]

Have succumbed to technology - That one drive too many on 15W/30W sealed beams - and then another one blowing on the way home at night.... bought the sealed beam halogen conversion kit with 60W/45W bulbs - brilliant can't believe I needed time to convince myself . Kept the originals - just in case.

Thanks to Aulder Brady for supplying sealed beam spares to get me home

Was this you?

[Robin Jones]

Just a word of advice to anyone converting to the halogens;
They draw quite a bit more power. The generator or alternator will probably handle that part of it okay.
But, the poor switches will be taxed beyond their abilities. They will fail shortly after the conversion.
What is needed are some relays. So all the switch does is send a low powered signal to the relay that's wired directly to the solenoid for power to the lamps.
Moke smoke smells really bad. And it seems to get dark right after smelling said smoke.....

[Dean]

Stock up on some of this stuff.