Headlight Upgrade

[mickm]

I have been told that the head lights will be made better So what is the best way to do this? Do I just go for the ESM method and replace the units with Sealed beam units? Or can I go for the non seales units and be able to play with a selection of bulbs?

[bmcecosse]

Halogen conversion is the way to go - many sell them. Shop around for best price and try locally - to avoid postage costs.

[alex_holden]

The usual halogen conversion kits aren't sealed - they take standard size bulbs. I recommend running a thin bead of clear silicone sealant around the edge where the front glass plate is attached to the back glass cone/reflector because otherwise if you use the car in the rain, water tends to seep into the headlamp unit and after a while (less than a year in my case) the mirror corrodes around the edges and you get less light coming out.

[bmcecosse]

Yes - I'll second that silicone idea - been there, done that!

[mike.perry]

Wipac Quadoptics are the ones to go for, they have a good beam pattern and non rusting plastic backs. And whilst you are at it fit plastic bowls to eliminate the rust trap around the headlights

[mickm]

Thanks very much I'll be on the phone and order a service kit as well. Along with some spares to take with us ,i.e fuel pump, HT leads etc. That will save the postage. Mick

[bmcecosse]

Don't buy an 'electronic' fuel pump! In fact - best bet seems to be an old SU pump with new points fitted. Rememeber to fit a new fan belt - and carry the old one as spare.

[billlobban]

Service Kits - bought one of those Web Offer things- the points (fitted last week) didnt fit the dizzy post I has to file them out to make the hole wider. Then she developed a misfire cured after some time head scratching by re-fitting the old points (they have a strange name stamped on them LUCAS - the old set). Some of these service kits contain the junk that no one buys. Try comparing the points from a well known supplier who have a normal and recommended range. You dont appear to get the recommended in the web bundle

[mickm]

Thanks folks. I carry a fan belt at all times plus points plugs and rotor arm. Yes I'll take a pump with points, all this and more will come from ESM I have been impressed with them so far, so I'll stay with them. I know this trade has some sharks, just like the bike trade, BUT when you find someone that has good parts and reasonable prices, then I'll stick with them. NO connection just a satisfied punter.

[alex_holden]

the points (fitted last week) didnt fit the dizzy post I has to file them out to make the hole wider.

I've had that problem recently too; it was impossible to get a wide enough gap without filing. The box it came in said Lucas, but they don't seem as well made as older Lucas points. Same with the new 'Lucas' condenser and rotor arms that come in the service kits (the condenser has a thinner wire and the can doesn't look as well sealed, and the rotor arm has a rivet holding the electrode on rather than being moulded together).

[Alec]

Hello Mick,

fitting more efficient halogen lamps do help but also check all the connections you can to ensure they are sound. Incandescent lamps are very voltage sensitive, and being high current, headlamps can lose a couple of volts due to bad terminations.
Relay(s) with heavy section cable is the best way of ensuring the most from your lighting.

Alec

[mike.perry]

Also a coil and a head gasket set stored on top of the spare wheel and don't forget the most important item - your Breakdown Recovery Membership Card