currylager Posted December 30, 2008 Report Share Posted December 30, 2008 Hello All, I was a bit late home in the six and ended up driving down some unfamiliar country roads in pitch black. The headlamps seemed really **** making for poor visibility and overtaking other cars really tricky. Once you'd passed the car and nipped in front of his headlamps the road in front goes almost black . Both headlamps are of equal brightness and all other electrical systems were working fine, so i'm assuming my standard sealed beam units must be ****?. Does any one know of any upgrades to improve this, except fitting spotlights??. I'm not fond of the floor mounted full beam switch either so i'm thinking of finding a way of moving the switch to a conventional full beam switch postion too, to make night driving safer and a bit less of an ordeal. Any experiences/advice would be welcomed Thanks all James. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jersey Royal Posted December 30, 2008 Report Share Posted December 30, 2008 (edited) Hello All, I was a bit late home in the six and ended up driving down some unfamiliar country roads in pitch black. The headlamps seemed really **** making for poor visibility and overtaking other cars really tricky. Once you'd passed the car and nipped in front of his headlamps the road in front goes almost black . Both headlamps are of equal brightness and all other electrical systems were working fine, so i'm assuming my standard sealed beam units must be ****?. Does any one know of any upgrades to improve this, except fitting spotlights??. I'm not fond of the floor mounted full beam switch either so i'm thinking of finding a way of moving the switch to a conventional full beam switch postion too, to make night driving safer and a bit less of an ordeal. Any experiences/advice would be welcomed Thanks all James. James, On mine i have halogen units , direct replacement, sourced from the usual suppliers, or there are HID systems that i know a couple of members have fitted, They may wish to comment. Foot switch, there was an article on it in a recent TrAction, cant recall which, whereby you loose the floor switch totaly and incorporate a relay and use the your existing switch by steering. Will have a search for it tomorrow. Cheers Guy Edited December 30, 2008 by Jersey Royal Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richard Crawley Posted December 30, 2008 Report Share Posted December 30, 2008 Similar to Guy, I have direct replacement Halogen units fitted & they make quiet a difference. I find them quiet adequate but I suppose it depends on what your used to with your daily modern. I actually prefer the foot switch! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 Similar to Guy, I have direct replacement Halogen units fitted & they make quiet a difference. I find them quiet adequate but I suppose it depends on what your used to with your daily modern. I actually prefer the foot switch! Halogen lamps help but I found that adding fog lamps really transformed night driving. I mounted them low, below the (raised) 74 bumper and they light up the edges of the road and fill in the area between the car and where the headlamps focus. We are are so low that nobody cares and in fact most people around here drive around with fog lamps on at night anyway (as I do in the truck). Stan. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ianhoward Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 On my 5 I have also fitted halogens and installed spots that come on with the main beam (via a relay - done wish to overload the Lucas electrics!) - not that I have done much night time driving, but they certainly make a beneficial difference! Best regards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
currylager Posted December 31, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 (edited) Thanks for the input, any idea where i can get the halogen units from?, are they the sealed beam type?, i will have to check what type of units are currently fitted (can't be good). I may try adding an additional earth from the wiring loom to the front bodywork to see if it improves things too. As for the floor switch, i can appreciate some owners (More senior) are very used to this system, but with not the longest legs, i find myself prodding my left foot around panicking to find the switch and dip the headlamps when i see a another car approaching, and this actually distracts me from the road, not having ever used a foot switch system before, i want a stalk switch system. I can then concentrate of having fun due to a bit more night driving confidence. If the worst comes to the worst i may have to move the overdrive switch to the gearstick and use the overdrive for deam dip perhaps. I am sure there is more input to come, many thanks James. Edited December 31, 2008 by currylager Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richard Crawley Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 (edited) The Halogen replacement units use bulbs & most of the TR suppliers should stock them although you may get a better price from one of the classic light specialists. I bought mine at one of the classic shows but can’t remember how much I paid. I also have a pair of “as new” Lucas, Square 8 spot units; like Ian's they were originally wired into the main beam circuit via a relay & worked very well but not wanting to drill holes in things since the resto I have not refitted them; making some brackets is one of those “to do” jobs once I’ve finished pouring time & money into this house resto! As for driving with unnecessary/illegal use of fog lamps, I don't know what the law is in the States but it tends to bring on a personal attack of “Victor Meldrew” syndrome in me; they should all be pulled over & spot fined. Edited December 31, 2008 by Richard Crawley Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dykins Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 As for driving with unnecessary/illegal use of fog lamps, I don't know what the law is in the States but it tends to bring on a personal attack of “Victor Meldrew” syndrome in me; they should all be pulled over & spot fined. Got to say that the use of front fog lamps when there's no fog is one of my pet hates too! Regards Peter Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ianhoward Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 James I purchased my halogens from my friendly local Auto Electrician - probably cheaper too! They are not sealed beam having separate lamps... Best regards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fblue73 Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 I run Hella Ecode lamps with 55/60 watt halogen H4s inside. I also run power relays for both the main and dips seperately. The wiring also has the ampacity to upgrade to 100/130 watt bulbs if desired but I don't see a need at this time. The Hellas are relatively easy to find; Cibie's are a little more rare but also a possibility Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jerrytr5 Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 I run Hella Ecode lamps with 55/60 watt halogen H4s inside. I also run power relays for both the main and dips seperately. The wiring also has the ampacity to upgrade to 100/130 watt bulbs if desired but I don't see a need at this time. The Hellas are relatively easy to find; Cibie's are a little more rare but also a possibility Totally agree - this is the way to do it properly. Don't bother with the halogen conversions sold by many of the suppliers - these are usually Wipac and barely better than the sealed beams. Get some Cibie, Hella or PIAA. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
currylager Posted December 31, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 It sounds like i need to source some Hella's then, it turns out i currently have halogens on the car, but they are useless, on a well lit road you cannot even see the beams on the road . What's my chances of gettting something at the Triumph show this year i wonder? Many thanks for the input people. James. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BrianC Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 I have used Wipac Quadoptics on my TR3A for many years and have just bought a pair for Lynda's TR4A. TRGB supplied me with a pair and swapped the standard H4 bulbs for Xenons. I haven't fitted them yet, but was told I don't need to upgrade the wiring or fit a relay (although this is worth doing to preserve the lighting switch contacts and reduce the high current from the original wiring). When I had my first TR3A in the early '70s, I used to do a lot of night driving on country roads and was terrified by the appalling sealed beams. A local motorist shop advised me to replace them with Carellos which were as good as the very expensive Cibies use by the majority of rally car owners but significantly cheaper. They were, indeed, a revelation and subsequently migrated to my TR4A and then lost when I sold that. I then went for the Quadoptics which were cheap and perfectly adequate, but if I drove now like I did in my comparative youth, then for reliability, I'd think about supplementary lamps on a separate circuit, rather than just top-quality headlamps. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
88V8 Posted January 1, 2009 Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 On other cars I used to have but abandoned the crazy arrangement of supplementary lamps that come on with the main beams only - as soon as one has to dip, the light level is halved so suddenly one cannot see where one is going. On all the time or not at all. Agree about 100w bulbs, excellent provided the wiring is up to it. Ivor Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted January 1, 2009 Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 As for driving with unnecessary/illegal use of fog lamps, I don't know what the law is in the States but it tends to bring on a personal attack of "Victor Meldrew" syndrome in me; they should all be pulled over & spot fined. Not aware of any legislation here against using fog lights on non foggy days. Really, they are small and set so low I've never had a problem with an oncoming car with its fog lamps on. As I mentioned, many people including me leave them on when driving at night on narrow roads especially. You never know what is going to jump out of the hedge around here (coyote, raccoon, bear, moose etc) and the odd pedestrian or cyclist (few of which use lights on their bikes for reasons that I cannot explain). Stan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
88V8 Posted January 1, 2009 Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 You never know what is going to jump out of the hedge around here (coyote, raccoon, bear, moose etc) and the odd pedestrian or cyclist (few of which use lights on their bikes for reasons that I cannot explain). Was watching Top Gear, the programme where they drove across country in cars bought for <$1,000 and had to make a meal off road-kill. Unfortunately they couldn't find a pedestrian or cyclist and had to make do with a squirrel and a cow. Does this feature as part of your long-distance TRing ? Ivor Quote Link to post Share on other sites
currylager Posted January 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 I've noticed some of the main suppliers offer a headlamp wiring upgrade kit which includes relays £50ish, what am i getting for this money??, a nice simple to install loom and relays?, or a few spade connectors and a couple of £4 relays?. Has anyone fitted one of these kits and are they worth the money?. More questions are popping into my head now . I think i might try my local auto electrical centre to see what headlamps they can supply. James. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted January 1, 2009 Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 I've noticed some of the main suppliers offer a headlamp wiring upgrade kit which includes relays £50ish, what am i getting for this money??, a nice simple to install loom and relays?, or a few spade connectors and a couple of £4 relays?. Has anyone fitted one of these kits and are they worth the money?. More questions are popping into my head now . I think i might try my local auto electrical centre to see what headlamps they can supply. James. If its a good kit it will include relays, sockets, wire, connectors and instructions for how to connect it into your loom. Some of them also include upgraded headlamp connectors. I made my own however I didnt change the wires going to the headlamps and just added the relays to get the load off the switch. Stan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PILKIE Posted January 1, 2009 Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 A search on Ebay will turn up a few! "Try 7" halogen" Maybe even find a bargain!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Clarkey Posted January 2, 2009 Report Share Posted January 2, 2009 The Halogen replacement units use bulbs & most of the TR suppliers should stock them although you may get a better price from one of the classic light specialists. I bought mine at one of the classic shows but can’t remember how much I paid. I also have a pair of “as new” Lucas, Square 8 spot units; like Ian's they were originally wired into the main beam circuit via a relay & worked very well but not wanting to drill holes in things since the resto I have not refitted them; making some brackets is one of those “to do” jobs once I’ve finished pouring time & money into this house resto! As for driving with unnecessary/illegal use of fog lamps, I don't know what the law is in the States but it tends to bring on a personal attack of “Victor Meldrew” syndrome in me; they should all be pulled over & spot fined. the law for foglights, is they must only be used when visibility is below 100 meters, if caught with them on in normal driving conditiond is 3 poins and a £60 on the spot fine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
trfella Posted January 2, 2009 Report Share Posted January 2, 2009 the law for foglights, is they must only be used when visibility is below 100 meters, if caught with them on in normal driving conditiond is 3 poins and a £60 on the spot fine Shame they don't enforce it enough though. If I had a quid for every car I have seen with fogs on over the last few weeks in normal night-time conditions, I'd be a very rich man by now! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
currylager Posted January 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2009 i have ordered some H4 7" headlamps with the modern crystal type reflective coating on them. Apparently these project a lot more light onto the road due to the larger surface reflective area. I have also purchased a set of Osram Nightrunner lamps which are apparently 80% brighter than standard units. I'm hoping this investment is going to work out worthwhile . Will let you know how i get on. Many thanks, James. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PILKIE Posted January 3, 2009 Report Share Posted January 3, 2009 Hi all. I hope that whoever fits powerful replacement lamps,remembers other road users,especially in low sports cars!!! As I am sure the law states,to make sure the headlights are re-adjusted for when you have a heavy load in the boot! It makes them as bad as driving on full beam!! All it takes is a couple of turns of a couple of screws I have seen plenty of tourists UK and foreign with fully loaded up boots, with lights that would blind low flying aircraft!! It is not only common courtesy,but I believe its a legal requirement! OK, if you are popping down the dump or allotment, but not at night,evenings when going on a long journey with an engine,bricks,cement in the boot!! Dave Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ianc Posted January 3, 2009 Report Share Posted January 3, 2009 Of course, the Citroen BX and Xantia have self-levelling suspension, and the 2CV had a simple cable arrangement to permit the driver to adjust the headlights from the driver's seat. Clever, these frogs! For the last 15 years, I have had a Citroen (BX then Xantia) as the family car, and have been very happy. The Xantia HDi (turbo-diesel) estate has amazed me, as it has averaged 50.09 mpg over the 64 thousand miles since I bought it second-hand. It becomes ever more economical as it gets older! Ian Cornish Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PILKIE Posted January 3, 2009 Report Share Posted January 3, 2009 They may be clever,but nothing would persuade me to by a french car! NOTHING!!!! I would rather go by taxi,bus,train,plane,bike,shanksies pony,pogo stick!! I threatened to leave home when I was 13 if my mum bought a 2cv!! I would rather be able to fix my own cars,and relatively easily at that!! than delve into a cramped engine bay on a frog car,or have to resort to taking it to a,"and sorry to use a dirty word" DEALER!!! !! at god knows what ££'s per hour!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.