Discussion
A headlight went on the Chim so I looked into what were the best bulbs as I had heard about the issues, but never really notced them to be that bad on mine. I did a search on PH and found that there was worry of 80W bulbs melting the wiring so I bought a set of 50% brighter 55W bulbs. When I was fitting them, I noticed that the bulbs were already 80W ones. I fitted the 55W bulbs and now I cant see a thing (when its dark), its like driving along with sidelights on. Its so bad that when I have full beam on, I can see a shaddow of my car when someone comes up behind me with their dipped beam on. The obvious answer is to get hold of some quality 80W bulbs. But these are technically illegal, anyone had any problems with the plod over these? or am I better off with something like the phillips 80% brighter 55W bulbs?
Many Thanks
Many Thanks
i shall have to check when i get home but for dipped beam i have got 80w and for main i think i have got 100w...i bought the use only for rally/off road bulbs as i couldnt see anything with the tuscan style front lights...been through two MOT's and never been pulled by the BIB....like i say i shall check tonight.
As for melting wires - i have driven from newcastle to worthing at night and never had any problems with wires...they were on for a good 4.5-5hrs...!!!
As for melting wires - i have driven from newcastle to worthing at night and never had any problems with wires...they were on for a good 4.5-5hrs...!!!
Edited by andy-w on Tuesday 2nd October 13:19
Did mine a few months back, they are now very good!
Replaced both the reflectors and lenses but also fitted the Mod-Wise Brighter Lights kit. The kit includes Philips 50% brighter bulbs, but more importantly overcomes the voltage drop caused by the fact that both head lamps are powered by a single 12V supply. As standard both headlamps are powered by a single wire from the fuse box, via the switch to the near side headlamp and then on to the offside headlamp.
The Mod-Wise kit adds a second supply via relays direct to the offside head lamp, resulting in both lamps receiving a full 12V and being much brighter. I also added the Philips Vision Plus side light bulbs at the same time.
The light kit is every bit as good as their Hot Start Kit
Replaced both the reflectors and lenses but also fitted the Mod-Wise Brighter Lights kit. The kit includes Philips 50% brighter bulbs, but more importantly overcomes the voltage drop caused by the fact that both head lamps are powered by a single 12V supply. As standard both headlamps are powered by a single wire from the fuse box, via the switch to the near side headlamp and then on to the offside headlamp.
The Mod-Wise kit adds a second supply via relays direct to the offside head lamp, resulting in both lamps receiving a full 12V and being much brighter. I also added the Philips Vision Plus side light bulbs at the same time.
The light kit is every bit as good as their Hot Start Kit
I've never understood this whole headlight issue. I find my lights pretty good on low beam and marvellous on high beam (and I have been known to go hooning in the dark so I need good lights!). Just have the bog standard 55watts. Im wondering if maybe they've been rewired at some point to make them brighter. No evidence of that kind of work in the receipt book but I cant think of any other answer.
Simon,
Fitting the new reflectors was the time consuming part, as on my 97 car all the adjustors were corroded and had to be cut out and replaced. But having said that, seeing the new ones makes you realise how bad the old ones were!
The Brighter Lights Kit goes behind the offside reflector and is simply a wiring harness with the relays fitted. If you are changing the reflectors you fit it from the front while the reflectors are out. If not use the same access route as you would use to change the bulb which depends on the age of the car. You take the original plug for the headlamp bulb, connect it to the harness and them connect the new plug to the bulb. Then you need to find a good 12V supply to connect the remaining wire to. This could be the alternator, 100A fuse area or take it back to the battery and fuse box area. I chose to go to the battery as I was not keen or any more wires anywhere near the exhaust manifolds! You can run the wire up the offside inner wing and through one of the grommets to the under dash area and then across and down to the battery.
The standard bulbs would be 55w dip/ 60w main as I believe that’s the Max that the law/MOT allows.
Fitting the new reflectors was the time consuming part, as on my 97 car all the adjustors were corroded and had to be cut out and replaced. But having said that, seeing the new ones makes you realise how bad the old ones were!
The Brighter Lights Kit goes behind the offside reflector and is simply a wiring harness with the relays fitted. If you are changing the reflectors you fit it from the front while the reflectors are out. If not use the same access route as you would use to change the bulb which depends on the age of the car. You take the original plug for the headlamp bulb, connect it to the harness and them connect the new plug to the bulb. Then you need to find a good 12V supply to connect the remaining wire to. This could be the alternator, 100A fuse area or take it back to the battery and fuse box area. I chose to go to the battery as I was not keen or any more wires anywhere near the exhaust manifolds! You can run the wire up the offside inner wing and through one of the grommets to the under dash area and then across and down to the battery.
The standard bulbs would be 55w dip/ 60w main as I believe that’s the Max that the law/MOT allows.
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