Sealed beam headlights - whats my options??

[Jongould]

I am not wanting to replace my old sealed beams but instead I want to replace my converted lights. Basically I was on the Strata at the weekend and my headlights were constantly filling up with water, its obvious that the problem is the fact my headlights have a bulb fitted and this allows water in so I am after a sealed unit. I know I can fit the standard sealed units but was wondering if anyone knew of any better options? I dont really want HiD but do want something better than the 1960's design of lights they seem to still be selling today...

So whats do you know?

 

[dogsbody]

Wouldn't a jar of vaseline be a cheaper, simpler option?

 

[ER1C]

Wouldn't a jar of vaseline be a cheaper, simpler option?

Why do you know a gay chap with some going spare ?:rofl:

 

[Jongould]

Wouldn't a jar of vaseline be a cheaper, simpler option?

The heat generated by the lights would simply melt it away and a few rivers would wash it away, its a pain in the arse to keep taking the lights out, I want a permanant solution really... I have thought about using o-rings, sealants e.t.c. but they are all a bit of a bodge and no guarentee it will always work but alot more work when a bulb goes...

 

[dogsbody]

The heat generated by the lights would simply melt it away and a few rivers would wash it away, its a pain in the arse to keep taking the lights out, I want a permanant solution really... I have thought about using o-rings, sealants e.t.c. but they are all a bit of a bodge and no guarentee it will always work but alot more work when a bulb goes...

O.K. I'll find another use for it.

 

[vilguy]

have you got the rubber covers that fit over your bulbs? should be a pretty tight fit on them. Alot of people junk them as they are a bit of faf.

 

[Jongould]

have you got the rubber covers that fit over your bulbs? should be a pretty tight fit on them. Alot of people junk them as they are a bit of faf.

Good shout that man, didnt even cross my mind, they are both missing so will look at getting some to fit, might solve alot of the issues...

 

[vilguy]

I think i might have some if you get stuck.. i took mine off to install my HID setup and just could not be arsed to mod them to fit.

lot of people remove them from vehicles thinking they serve no purpose other than to be feckin annoying, but them stop moisture getting into the light and settling on the lense, which then affects your beam pattern etc.

 

[Defender Bits]

...and a smear of silicone bathroom sealer around the edges of the cover will make them pretty damn near waterproof IMHO

 

[The Ferkin BoB]

...and a smear of silicone bathroom sealer around the edges of the cover will make them pretty damn near waterproof IMHO

thats the way
better still tho silicone lubricant for plastic pipe joining,i put it on bolt heads etc...works a treat on my rear light lenses too...

 

[tacr2man]

this could be the answer

Parts for Jaguar E-Type Serie I and II (6 cylinder) • Headlights, lamps and wiper moto - Headlights, lamps and wiper motor - SC Parts

they were oe in a few performance cars before halogen , and gave a pretty good light IIRC HTSH

 

[ratty]

Upgrade the headlights to crystal clear E marked ones and then fit Halfords +100% or +125% bulbs (same wattage just higher light output). Then you can fit the rubber boots and all should be good.

 

[vilguy]

+1 on that, i got the crystal clear ones and they look much prettier too. I think they came with new rubber boots too if my memory serves me? (if you have lost your old uns)

£25 off ebay

 

[Jongould]

My current ones already are crystals, this is why I didnt want standard sealed beams as even with crystals and decent bulbs they are still a bit poo. I will get some boots and see if I can seal them, see how that goes

Cheers for the replies tho people of LZ

 

[ratty]

My current ones already are crystals, this is why I didnt want standard sealed beams as even with crystals and decent bulbs they are still a bit poo. I will get some boots and see if I can seal them, see how that goes

Cheers for the replies tho people of LZ

Do they do sealed beams in Crystals?

 

[Jongould]

Do they do sealed beams in Crystals?

I haven't found any, that would have been the ideal solution but it seams no one likes sealed beams anymore so no one has bothered... its a shame as sealed beams are great for water tightness...

 

[The Ferkin BoB]

Upgrade the headlights to crystal clear E marked ones and then fit Halfords +100% or +125% bulbs (same wattage just higher light output). Then you can fit the rubber boots and all should be good.

does the light spectrum deal with the slight wander you get with mud tyres on the road?

early "blue bulbs " were poor for overall light spectrum and were also poor on verge lighting being almost a spot light....

 

[ratty]

I haven't found any, that would have been the ideal solution but it seams no one likes sealed beams anymore so no one has bothered... its a shame as sealed beams are great for water tightness...

I'd go for the uprated bulbs.

My only criticism is that I have a dark patch for the first 6 to 10 foot when on high beam. One day I will get around to fitting some fog/spot lights to the front and wire em up to the main beam to fill this void.

 

[ratty]

does the light spectrum deal with the slight wander you get with mud tyres on the road?

early "blue bulbs " were poor for overall light spectrum and were also poor on verge lighting being almost a spot light....

Yes.

I fitted crystals and blue bulbs to my V8 and found that although they were better it was almost a dark light that they gave off.

 

[The Ferkin BoB]

Yes.

I fitted crystals and blue bulbs to my V8 and found that although they were better it was almost a dark light that they gave off.

ahh ok,

so it would be worth beefing up the overall wire circuit to the main lights then....

the use of work lights on the road is a pull but I have never had any issues with under chassis lighting on the nearside in the tratter,between the wheels just gives me the verge in sight therefor much better for oncoming traffic fitting in the gap...
prehaps a small driving lamp just behind the a-pillar...