lowlight headlights

[barkster1971]

Hi , I need to replace my headlights with some that actually illuminate the road ahead.
What have people used as an upgrade?
Links to ebay would be appreciated!
Thanks.

[unclealec]

I have these in my Riley and they are, er, illuminating.

https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/produc ... nd-pattern

[barkster1971]

It's the complete headlight assembly I need. X2.

[unclealec]

OK, noted, but these bulbs operate just as well with dull otherwise unuseable reflector bowls. All the bowls need to do is hold the bulb in place.

[philipkearney]

I'm not aware of any direct replacement headlamps for a lowlight. As unclealec says, if the reflectors and lenses are ok in your car, simply upgrade the bulbs to brighter led bulbs. I'd imagine those that were listed from classic car leds will make an enormous difference.

You could also look for a period driving lamp/spotlights and similarly upgrade them to leds also.

[unclealec]

I repeat - the reflectors could be matt black and these bulbs would still work.
They are projector bulbs.
They shoot the light rays out like a gun therefore they don't need any reflection.
They are adjustable for beam direction should the original bowls (now relegated to the sole role of bulb locating) not be possessed of enough adjustment.
Full details are in the advert that I linked.
I have no dog in this fight save that of being a satisfied customer.

[Scott]

Any 5.75" sealed beam or H4 light will fit the lowlight. The only problem is that they're usually designed to be part of a quad headlamp set up so the high beam side is relatively weak as the 2nd set of lights covers that side of things.
You might want to consider upgrading the wiring with relays to take the load off the switch.

You can also get your original headlights resilvered.

[MattGeeNY]

Having driven my lowlight purchase home the last half hour in the dark I'm quite keen on the idea of LED upgrades.
Can someone with experience tell me the type of bulb I need and should I look at upgrading the rear. The wiring loom was a custom made new replacement, new for old, in the early 80s, so as far as I know all the bulb holders/ wiring is as per the MM factory workshop manual wiring diagram.
Many thanks
Matt Gibbs

[MattGeeNY]

I looked at my lights with a friend today.
N/S bulb wouldn't come out of the headlamp! Rather wedged in, whereas the o/s one wiggled out fine!
Cannot get the 12v incandescent bulb at local car spares shop anymore. May have to try factor's tomorrow else it'll be ordering online.

[Scott]

I have a short piece of PVC hose that fits over the end of the bulb. It's a snug fit and enables the bulb to be wiggled from the headlight without the need for tiny fingers or long nose pliers.

Most LED stop/tail globes are not very good. The tail side is fine but there's usually not a noticeable difference when the brake side is applied. I went back to normal globes.
I also tried LED BPF globes in the headlights. While they looked bright enough from outside, the spread was woeful and made night driving scary. I'm back to regular globes again. This was around 5-6 years ago so I'm sure there's been advances in LED headlight globes.

[MattGeeNY]

Thanks for the advice.
I've ordered a few of the traditional prefocus 12v 40/50W bulbs to see what they're like before commiting to the led upgrade.
Cheers!