LED headlight bulbs - anyone got them?

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FFG

Active Member
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Redditch
Series 3 with one rounded Lucas unit (possibly original) which is going brown on the bottom, the other side has a cheaper flat unit (Autopa?) but the fixing is rubbish (plastic ring that clips on which actually just pops off) so it just wobbles in the housing. Got 2 new Lucas round face units with bowls etc and want to change the bulbs to LED. I've tried some from China but the dip worked if I touched the 2 pins but as soon as I put all 3 pins into the holder it didnt work at all, either side. I'm now considering Nighteye units as they have a 3 yr warranty and a good light output:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nighteye-...id=100033&rk=5&rkt=8&mehot=pp&sd=171837009219
Anyone tried them or recommend something that works. I've swapped my dads Halogen unit with Philips +150% and tried them in the truck first but didnt seem to be much brighter, just a bit whiter, so wasnt that impressed, even though they have been very highly rated.
FFG
 
I've not tried them because they are illegal on public roads, headlamp bowl must be approved for fitment of leds.
Those night eyes are above the legal power for headlights as well.
You have been better of getting some crystal lens with quality halgens of 55watts.
 
80w = 40w each bulb ie less than the original 55w. Also found this:
http://www.mobilecentre.co.uk/images/Data_Sheets/JWS/LRM_LED_Headlights.pdf
I've replaced the sidelights and rear/brake lights and you can at least now see the back of the truck. Replaced the rear lights with the same ones I used on the TVR. Brake lights come on a fraction quicker too which is a bonus. These are the headlight lens I've got which match the old Lucas one on the truck:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-7...629830?hash=item41a6a3d846:g:80kAAOSwmmxW6XcA
I know I'll end up with halogens but just exploring options.
FFG
 
Id miss that rosy glow from a series headlamp. Like sitting round a coal fire. Having said that I got sick of changing side light bulbs so went LED. They are horrible. Stark blue/white light. Just look stupid with the original sealed beams next to them.
I did try to yellow them up a bit by gluing half a kinder egg globe over them but they went green. Ill get round to replacing them one day with a warmer LED.
 
Mine are a cold white. At the end of the day being able to see is more important than what they look like surely. I really struggled when I collected the truck in the dark having to drive the 150+ miles back home. Its easily reversible if required.
 
I'm changing bulbs not the headlight unit so not sure how you can even tell. i agree I don't like the 3 LED units as they are too modern. Its an old truck and I've got old TVR's too but when something needs changing I try to upgrade rather than replace with 1970's technology. It wasn't available then but if it was they'd have used it. I doubt there is ANY car which is exactly as it came out the factory. I'm returning the hybrid front end to original. I'm not going to change the SD1 V8 that was swapped in 1996 though as its the reason I bought it. Love V8's. Next year it will have had the V8 in longer than the original petrol engine.
 
I don't know if you remember the Physics lessons that covered light, but this diagram should begin to explain what the problem is with LED replacement bulbs.
clip_image0083.jpg

The thin wire element has to be in exactly the right position for the parabolic reflector to get the beam to point as planned. The fact that the LED itself is way bigger than the wire is already a problem because the focus is ruined. Then you have to be completely confident that the LED chip is exactly the same distance from the reflector - you see where this is going... Next is the lens - those ridges are meant to shape the beam - but because the beam isn't arriving where it should on the lens, then the lens will now throw it in completely unexpected directions.

Why does that matter? Well, for one, a lot of that extra light is now going to be lighting up a larger area. That may well impress when first switched on because 'everything looks brighter', but it would be a lot better if it were properly concentrated. But the second reason is far more important to me. Your dip beam cut-off will be out of focus, and that means that I'm going to get it in my eyes.

And because that makes me cross, I'm going to go onto high beam, just before we pass each other and so that you don't have time to give me full beam in return. Go for the halogens.
 
I agree with Boguing. There seem to be a lot of cars about that have very bright led style lights that dazzle oncoming drivers. To me, this is plain inconsiderate, people who fit these bloody things are saying stuff you, I want good lights and I don't care if you are blinded by them.

Col
 
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