Upgrading midget headlamps?

[thisisnotaspoon]

Any particular kits to get/avoid?

Anyone got an pic of a car with the 'crystal' lenses? Are they any better or just an expensive and slightly 'chav' alternative?

Also, driving lights on a rubber bumper? I'd like some more light, and like the idea, but as the rubber bumper already covers a proportion of the grille would they restrict airflow to the radiator further? Not keen on having them underneath, the midgets already low enough to struggle to see over anything more substantial than a speed bump!

[Jed-S]

When I rebuilt my Midget I fitted new halogen lights from a Land Rover dealer that advertised on that well known auction site. They were the classic style and iirc they were only around £60 for a pair of bowls,fittings, bezels, headlight units and bulbs and they work really well, and have that classic look. They're as good as the halogen lights on the wife's 987.

I did think about the crystal ones but having seen a TVR S fitted with them I thought that they wouldn't look right on a classic car.

The only thing I must add is that I've completely rewired the Midget and there are relays for the dipped and main beams that are fed with decent wiring. The loom I removed was a mess and it wouldn't surprise me if the voltage to the lights was reduced, so it might be worth checking that you have 12V at the bulbs as well.

[thisisnotaspoon]

Haven't measured the voltage, but judging by the state of the loom I wouldn't be surprised if its <<12V, I figured they're so bad it's be one of those in for a penny jobs and might as well add driving lamps, but if normal halogens and relays are sufficient an improvement then I'll go with that first.

[adamInca]

If you don't have relays for the headlights try fitting them - made the lights on my B a lot brighter.

[thisisnotaspoon]

Possibly silly question, are the bowls required? Not taken mine appart so I've no idea whats behind the sealed beams units.

The car was restored by the last owner 10 years ago, so im assuming that whatever is there is in Ok condition.

[spadriver]

Used the plastic lensed type on my B racer as Spa six hour started running into the night.Absolutely fantastic light spread on dip and really great increase in distance on main.Came from ebay and cheaper than a normal replacement.
Would advise using plastic bowls as well as you do need bowls anyway.

[Expatloon]

Crystals won't look right on a B.

Use standard Lucas lights with 80/100w bulbs (or even 90/100w) and relays, and you'll have lights to put a lot of modern cars to shame !

Strictly speaking 80-90/100w bulbs are not legal for road use but my has been through a dozen MOT's with them without comment.