Headlight Conversion to Halogen

[Landy4ducks]

Has any one upgraded their sealed beam headlights to Halogen?

I have seen various brands under the part RTC4615K, RING, WIPAC, BRITPART.

Any thoughts about which are the better make without having to change any wiring or relays.

[Les Henson]

Ring and Wipac are ok. Bear in mind that the new headlamp may well have a hole in it for a side light, which doesn't usually get used. If you go off road, then water will inevitably find it's way inside the lamp and blow the bulb and strip the refector coating off.

Les.

[Bowie69]

Something like the bottom ones, is what a mate has on his truck, they are VERY VERY good, and available without the sidelight bit:

http://www.wipac-aftermarket.com/uk/acatalog/Classic_Headlamps.html

[Litch]

This must be about the most common question on the various forums, do a search and you will find lots of threads.

Esentially it is a very simple & worthwhile thing to do.

[Landy4ducks]

Something like the bottom ones, is what a mate has on his truck, they are VERY VERY good, and available without the sidelight bit:

http://www.wipac-aft..._Headlamps.html

Thanks Bowie69, will definately check these out before upgrading, need to check out suitable wattage so I dont blow circuits

[ajh]

Do not even consider skipping adding relays, it's not hard, anyone can do it.... you won't be sorry.

[western]

Thanks Bowie69, will definately check these out before upgrading, need to check out suitable wattage so I dont blow circuits

don't use anything with more than 60watt dip & 65 main beam, the wiring will not take kindly to 100/80 or higher -- it gets to hot & melts the plugs on back of headlights plus anything above 60/65 is illegal for UK road use.

the crystal lense headlights are very good.

[miglia]

I have the Wipac Halogens with the polycarbonate lens just like modern cars, they are unbreakable and with the rear reflector a lot better than the glass type. I also use them in my Minis and my Mini Miglia race car, you would be amazed what a bashing they will take!

Miglia

[Landy4ducks]

Do not even consider skipping adding relays, it's not hard, anyone can do it.... you won't be sorry.

Can you give a complete novice a simple wiring diagram and help with what relays etc. - unless there is a thread you know of?

Thanks ajh

[landmannnn]

If you like off roading in the wet then keep the sealed beams and add some spot lights in the winter.

[LR90]

I went back to sealed beams

[Les Henson]

the wiring will not take kindly to 100/80 or higher

If you fit these, then your vehicle is technically illegal (been there - done that)

Les.

[Range Rover Blues]

The Wipac quadoptics are very good but if you fit them to a lifted truck they aren't as good as a basic Ring/Autopal one. The plastic "crystal" ones are ok but they go yellow with age and I have bust one.

[shortlandy]

ipf very very bright.. devon 4x4 did mine but needed new relays.

[Range Rover Blues]

Vehicle Lighting Regs (1986 or 87) prohibit the use of bulbs above 80 watts I think, 24volt bulbs are about that IIRC but for practicality anything above 60/55 is not adviseable. If your truck predates the regs you can fit whatever you like!

If you use high-power bulbs then the wiring needs to be tip-top or you will loose more preformance due to losses in the wiring than you will gain by fitting high power bulbs.

Halogen bulbs suffer badly from running at low voltages.

[Landy4ducks]

Vehicle Lighting Regs (1986 or 87) prohibit the use of bulbs above 80 watts I think, 24volt bulbs are about that IIRC but for practicality anything above 60/55 is not adviseable. If your truck predates the regs you can fit whatever you like!

If you use high-power bulbs then the wiring needs to be tip-top or you will loose more preformance due to losses in the wiring than you will gain by fitting high power bulbs.

Halogen bulbs suffer badly from running at low voltages.

Thanks for all the input - I have done a bit more research and have found that Halogens give:

100% effeciency at 13.5Volts ( 12volt system is actually about 13.2Volts)

83% efficiency at 12.85Volts

67% efficiency at 12.15Volts

53% efficiency at 11.5Volts

So you guys are correct when you say that the wiring has to be in tip top condition and fitting of relays is a must.

[hobson]

Also bear in mind you can get +90% and i think even +100% brightness bulbs.

i have the +90's in our 110 and they do make a difference, they're brighter with whiter light, and they don't put the wiring under any strain.

i got ours from Autobulbs Direct, ordered from them several times and always good service, even get a free t-shirt for my workshop wardrobe sometimes!