Alternator

[bmcecosse]

Why complicate with a relay? It's only a 21 watt bulb (much less if an LED is used) drawing less than 2 amps.....

[amgrave]

Actually BMC, that would be a good alternative to fitting an Alternator. Put LEDs in the rear fog light and also the marker and brake lights and perhaps the front markers as well. The saving in amps would assist greatly in winter driving. The LEDs last a lot longer than bulbs too.

[surfergirl]

How about this LED bulb on Ebay fitted to an old style domed morris rear light mounted at the back. Are these legal being so bright?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MGB-MGBGT-MGC ... Sw~gRVooBo

[bmcecosse]

Perfect! Well found.

[surfergirl]

Mmm started to think about replacing the sidelight bulbs with leds.

[amgrave]

Good idea, if you do you can forget about an alternator.

[bmcecosse]

The big power consumer (lighting) is of course the headlights. Has anyone used LED bulbs in place of the now normal halogen 55 Watt bulbs ?

[amgrave]

I don't think you can get them Roy because the way they are constructed it would be difficult to get the correct focus/beam. Shame cos that would be a huge benefit.

[taupe]

Ive not tried them myself but LED BPF or H4 replacements are available here in pos or neg earth options too!

http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.c ... s-shop.php

Taupe

[amgrave]

Thanks for the link Taupe. Thats the first time I have seen them for sale, a bit of an eye watering price though £55 for two.

[oliver90owner]

Re rear fog lights - the law was 'not exceeding 21W' with no stipulation of plain tungsten or tungsten/halogen. Like side lights should not exceed 5W (and, rediculously, had to have a minimum diameter of 1'' - think here very old London buses) Unless the law has been changed since LEDs became an option, the brightness aspect is not addressed. I used to have a 21W rear fog lamp (and the same power car reversing light on the front) on my bicycle. A policeman told me it was not allowed but retracted when I pointed out those laws were specifically for cars. It was much safer on the main road, particularly in foggy conditions, as well.

Those with ultra bright LED daylight lamps, often brighter than fog lights, are also often fitted below the minimum height for fog or headlamps. Lighting rules have gone to pot, I think. I have headlamp LEDs (cheap fro epay) but have not bothered to try them in my usual car as the illegal 100/80W halogens throw a superb beam.