US LHD version: sealed beam headlights to PL700s

[mrsnak]

Thinking of swapping out my old US DOT LHD spec sealed beam headlights for a pair of PL700s. Not sure what the wattage is on my current bulbs, but these new ones would be 60/55 watt. My current wiring is original, but sturdy. Do I need to do a wiring modification kit to handle the new lights?

[simmitc]

If they are standard 7 inch sealed beam units fitted to the later cars, then they too would be 60/55 watts; so no need to change anything. What year is the car - the very early ones had lower wattage lamps. As to whether modern halogen lamps give a better light is down to personal opinion, and the only way to find out which lamp you prefer is to try it.

[bmcecosse]

The wiring will be fine - it's same wattage.......

[mrsnak]

Thanks all, it's my 1961 made for export truck to the U.S.
Wanted to "dress it up a bit", and it wouldn't hurt to have a bit brighter lighting.
The current bulbs are the standard issue U.S. non-halogen sealed beams

[mike.perry]

Fit a pair of Wipac Quadoptic halogens.

[mrsnak]

Fit a pair of Wipac Quadoptic halogens.

This seems to be a forum favorite. Any reason for this over the PL700s? Those PL700s look so darn cool...

[mike.perry]

Price and performance + not familiar with PL700s

[bmcecosse]

PL700 are 'tripod' style headlamps -can you buy them these days? No better for light output though.

[mrsnak]

Moss Motors sells them here in the US, and yes, they seem more for show. I was attracted to the vintage look. Those Wipacs are more expensive here (almost twice the price), but appear to be much better lighting.

[twincamman]

Try www.ratsport.co.uk
They do repro tripod lights with halogen bulbs.

[Neil MG]

I have the PL700 on my Mk2 Jaguar with halogen lamps and they are excellent. The bottom of the lenses are marked "Made in England", apparently the quality of the optics is not so good on units marked "Foreign Glass".

[mrsnak]

Going with the tripod PL700s for the "cool factor", and have a pair incoming that are supposed to be made in UK. I know that knockoffs exist, so I'll be critical when they arrive.
Thanks to this group as usual.

[mrsnak]

Try http://www.ratsport.co.uk
They do repro tripod lights with halogen bulbs.

They do, but <<ouch>> at such a cost for LHD for us US folk and the terrible exchange rate these days.

[mrsnak]

Got pair of PL700s and put them on my '61 today. Great difference in light quality from the old US sealed beams and the vintage tripod look is super!
BTW, due to camera exposure, the small lights appear orange when they are actually white.

[Neil MG]

Looking good!

[mrsnak]

Thanks! Really enjoying the brighter lamps, too.