Moliver Posted May 23, 2020 Report Share Posted May 23, 2020 Hi There, improving some "correct for the periode" Tasks on my TR, I think I have to kick out the Bosch headlights on my TR2 ... Well, the Standard Lucas would do it but I somehow like the Tripod type. I am just not sure ,for which year/model they were correct ? Pictures Show them on several cars (early TR2 s to 3As... Any input on tripods history and purpose very welcome. regards Oliver Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted May 23, 2020 Report Share Posted May 23, 2020 They certainly look the part. The issue you will discover is that the light output is scarily poor compared to any modern car you have driven. OK for pottering about on well lit roads where you seldom exceed 80 kph. But try a quick drive on an unlit country road and you become a mobile road block as you cannot see where you are going. Do not forget the Ralph Nader statement that most American cars made in the 1960's at above 60 mph (100 kph) were driving ahead of their headlamp beams. So my opinion is......Tripods for show, halogen/LED for GO Peter W Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moliver Posted May 23, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 23, 2020 Thanks Peter, this is the input I was looking for. Were they original standard for a certain peridod ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tr2_applegreen Posted May 23, 2020 Report Share Posted May 23, 2020 Be aware that the tripod head lights won't pass the German TÜV (MOT), as far as I know. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RAHTR4 Posted May 23, 2020 Report Share Posted May 23, 2020 Hi Oliver, The earliest indication that I have found for the fitment of Tripod head lamp units is from the Lucas Equipment & Spare Parts – 1955 Standard & Triumph Cars. Publication No. CCE902D and dated April 1955. In this publication they were listed as follows : * Model P700 - Headlamp unit - 51546A - Light unit - 554999 - (with photo showing the tripod) * Listed as alternative fitment for Triumph 2-seater Sports TR2 They were then fitted to all subsequent Sidescreen cars and the TR4 until 1963. I like the look of the Tripod headlamps and have a N.O.S. original pair fitted to my 1964 TR4. If you do decide to fit this type of headlamp to your car, I would recommend that you try to obtain original N.O.S. units as the reproduction items are not the best of quality. Also as they accept BPF bulbs many upgraded versions are available to increase the projected light. I trust this is of interest. Regards, Richard Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nobbyc Posted May 24, 2020 Report Share Posted May 24, 2020 You can get tripod headlights that accept H4 fittings for Halogen or LED Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted May 24, 2020 Report Share Posted May 24, 2020 (edited) 3 hours ago, Nobbyc said: You can get tripod headlights that accept H4 fittings for Halogen or LED Yes you can, usually marked P700 in the center of the tripod. The beam pattern on these is not good, unless you wanted to illuminate the tree tops on full beam. I had a pair on my '3 for a while, but have now changed to a pair of Valeo units, which are much better (especialy with good LED H4 bulbs). Bob. Edited May 24, 2020 by Lebro Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tr2_applegreen Posted July 7, 2022 Report Share Posted July 7, 2022 (edited) Post can be deleted - found the answer to my question in another thread. Edited July 7, 2022 by tr2_applegreen Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rogerguzzi Posted July 7, 2022 Report Share Posted July 7, 2022 Hello I have a pair of genuine Lucas ones still in the boxes but the inside of the glass has gone cloudy! I think it could be cleaned if you are careful the silvering is good. If you are interested I will take photos and you can make me an offer Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tr2_applegreen Posted July 8, 2022 Report Share Posted July 8, 2022 @rogerguzzisure! I'll send you a PM! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tim hunt Posted July 8, 2022 Report Share Posted July 8, 2022 On 5/24/2020 at 8:53 AM, Lebro said: Yes you can, usually marked P700 in the center of the tripod. The beam pattern on these is not good, unless you wanted to illuminate the tree tops on full beam. I had a pair on my '3 for a while, but have now changed to a pair of Valeo units, which are much better (especialy with good LED H4 bulbs). Bob. +1. Yes Bob, it's a great pity that these Valeo (Cibie) units are NLA. Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ralph Whitaker Posted July 8, 2022 Report Share Posted July 8, 2022 I have a pair of cheap re-pros fitted, and yes they are rubbish, but I don`t believe the original Lucas units were. I have not had to drive with mine at night yet, but I know from trying to set the beams against the garage door that the light pattern is all over the place. I doubt it would pass on an MOT beam tester. I would like to fit the Better Car Lighting units, which are available with LED bulbs, but very pricey. I am waiting to hear some good reports though before I part with £300. Ralph Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Black Forest TR3A Posted July 8, 2022 Report Share Posted July 8, 2022 Oliver, don't go the tripod way. Light is safety. Here in Germany you roll at least with 100 KPH (on the Bundesstrasse). Brakes of our TRs are far behind the brakes of every modern car on the road. I have Bosch/Hella in all my older cars, in Combination with Osram Nightbreakers - pretty good. And the TÜV for LEDs (Osram) is on the way (exists for TR4-6 now). But if you still want to kick out the Boschs I would be happy to buy them ... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobH Posted July 8, 2022 Report Share Posted July 8, 2022 6 minutes ago, Ralph Whitaker said: I would like to fit the Better Car Lighting units, which are available with LED bulbs, but very pricey. I am waiting to hear some good reports though before I part with £300. These may be the same light units but without the LED bulbs ? https://www.completeautomobilist.com/products/pl700-pl700-trirep https://www.holden.co.uk/p/lucas-7-in-rhd-pl700-tripod-light-unit-1?s Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ralph Whitaker Posted July 8, 2022 Report Share Posted July 8, 2022 10 minutes ago, RobH said: These may be the same light units but without the LED bulbs ? https://www.completeautomobilist.com/products/pl700-pl700-trirep https://www.holden.co.uk/p/lucas-7-in-rhd-pl700-tripod-light-unit-1?s Thanks Rob, yes I think they are the same, without any bulbs. BCL do a pair including halogen bulbs for £199, or £299 with their own LED bulbs, not sure whether there is VAT on top of those prices though, which makes either of the above look good value. Ralph Quote Link to post Share on other sites
keith1948 Posted July 8, 2022 Report Share Posted July 8, 2022 Hi Oliver If you haven't done it already try fitting headlamp relays. These are available from Moss and others. I did this on my 4A that has sealed beam units. When we first went to France we had yellow beam deflectors without the relays and could hardly see a thing. With the relays much better. In the standard wiring the power goes through the switch circuit as well as the headlamps and while 'ok' the lights are not really that good. Fitted relays to main and dipped beam so the switch circuit only needs a small current while most of the power now goes to the lights. Not only does this greatly improve the lights but also means the switch is less likely to burn out. This would enable you to keep the period headlights without going down the led route. As for beam scatter with tripods I can't comment having never used them. Keith Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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