Converting to halogen headlights

[RTanguy]

So, one of my headlights has gone and I'm trying to decide whether it will be better to just replace the bulb (I think I have the bulb type not the sealed beam headlights, its a '61 saloon?) or whether to convert to halogen headlights while I'm at it! Been looking around and it would seem Wipac Quadoptics are the sort to go for, where is the best place to get them from? And are the halogen headlights from ESM any good?
Also, as (I think) I have the bulb type headlights, ESM tells me I need an extra bit of wiring harness to convert to halogen lamps, is this right?
Thanks in advance!!

[Dean]

I think the new harness bit is needed because of the big block connection that goes into the back of the halogen lights. From memory the other end of the wires have silver bullet connections, which you just plug into your existing bullet connections (or you may have to cut the existing wiring and solder some on).

If your other half is good at electrical stuff and a soldering iron then change to halogen. If at all you are concerned having a bash may render your visibility in the dark.... completely dark then I'd just look at changing the bulb for now.


I think any halogen will be okay, I fitted the Lucas ones and they do the trick. Maybe the wipac (a good brand) and the ESM are just as good.

[samuria]

i changed to halogen lights and now i can see past the bonnet there are some that have a flat lense !! the wipac quadoptic are dome like the old sealed type and are very easy to fit, they come with a pilot light which you can leave out if you wish. mine cost £25 the pair + postage from morris minor parts. andrew is very helpful and fast delivery

[bmcecosse]

I had to use my car recently at 5am -and was pleased to see how effective the sealed beam lights are. Perfectly adequate for the performance - but yes if you have the old 'bulb' type I can see ( ) the problem. There used to be halogen bulbs that fitted directly into the 'bulb' type - although the old fitting had to be cut off and Lucar connectors soldered to the wires - or a a plastic connector fitted with clamp screws.

[RTanguy]

Thanks for your help! Ill ignore any slightly sexist stereotypes about women and electrics Dean!
Definately going for halogen, just ordered the Wipac ones for £26 for the pair so can't complain! As I work in a pub and am pretty much only ever driving in the dark its probably worthwhile

[dalebrignall]

if you go for halogens you will need a altinator to power them as they use more power than the sealed beams and the dynamo wont be able to put charge in the battery and power the lights .

[bmcecosse]

No! They DO NOT use more power - at least , not significantly more than the old 'bulbs' and actually less than the later sealed beam units. Dynamo will cope easily - don't worry about that.

[Dean]

Thanks for your help! Ill ignore any slightly sexist stereotypes about women and electrics Dean!

Sorry that wasn't the intention at all.