12 replies to this topic

[Tornado99]

I was checking what is currently fitted to my '88 Mini Lucas headlights. Car is in Canada and according to what I've found in Haynes, it should have bulb type 415. Not sure what those are equivalent to in modern bulb types like H4 etc. Are they a British Pre-Focus type? Looking at it in the lamp, seems the bulb is safety wire wrapped into place in the reflector, not using any sort of clip or spring. Is that normal or has somebody hacked it together? Also discovered there is a "pilot" or "parking" light also in the reflector, just like my '70's vintage UK motorcycle. 

 

The headlights are pretty dim for around town driving at night, but do give a nice yellow glow. Highbeam seems OK for dark roads at lower speeds. Can these lucas reflectors take upgraded bulbs or LEDs?

Edited by Tornado99, 27 July 2020 - 01:01 AM.

[steeley]

Are you sure they have a separate bulb and are not sealed unit

[cal844]

Should be sealed beam units, usually stamped on the lens somewhere

[fokko]

As far as I know, in 1988 these type of lamps were used: https://minispares.c...410.aspx?090903. You probably have this type of headlamp: https://minispares.c...81A.aspx?090904. The clip that should hold the bulb in place can be seen in this picture in the square numbered "14": https://minispares.c...ps.aspx?1~10~95. Can you confirm this?
 

Edit: fixed incorrect hyperlinks

Edited by fokko, 27 July 2020 - 08:37 PM.

[gazza82]

To fit H4s you would need new headlamp units. Those old "large" bulbs are also low wattage 45/50 I think .. Sealed beams are no better than a couple of candles!

 

https://mossmotors.com/ might be worth a look or MiniMania .. assuming shipping to Canada from USA isn't cost prohibitive

 

[Tornado99]

As far as I know, in 1988 these type of lamps were used: http://minispares.co...bs/GLB410.aspx. You probably have this type of headlamp: http://minispares.co.../27H5981A.aspx. The clip that should hold the bulb in place can be seen in this picture in the square numbered "14": http://minispares.co...s.aspx?1~10~95. Can you confirm this?

Sorry but your links are not working for me...gets to MiniSpares page but then gives an unknown type error.

 

Mine are definitely not sealed beam type. There is a large bulb within, and as stated appears to be secured using seizing wire not a clip. I'll have it apart again and take some snaps for y'all....

 

This one looks very much like what I have, including the pilot position and of course LHD:

 

 

http://minispares.co...px|Back to shop

[Tornado99]

As far as I know, in 1988 these type of lamps were used: http://minispares.co...bs/GLB410.aspx. You probably have this type of headlamp: http://minispares.co.../27H5981A.aspx. The clip that should hold the bulb in place can be seen in this picture in the square numbered "14": http://minispares.co...s.aspx?1~10~95. Can you confirm this?

 My old '74 Norton Commando came with a BPF type old style bulb. There are now specialty LED formats that can replace these. Was wondering if what my Mini has is also considered a BPF fitting and so could use similar LEDs. 

[Cooperman]

If you have a BPF type bulb, there are now halogen replacements for these.

However, you would be better off fitting a Wipac halogen conversion.

[gazza82]

Try this ...

https://www.minispar...lbs/GLB410.aspx

[Tornado99]

Try this ...

https://www.minispar...lbs/GLB410.aspx

Yes that looks like what I have on now. 

I assume then that the seizing wire is not the normal securing mechanism?

[fokko]

I fixed the links in my previous post. As you can see, they point exactly to what you have found yourself. The clip I mentioned is the correct securing mechanism. The way forward is to put H4 in. There are indeed H4 lamps with a ring that will fit your headlamp units, but there are 2 things you'll need to keep in mind; H4 gets much hotter, it's a question whether your headlamps can cope with that and the other thing is that your reflectors might already be rusty, so they're about to be replaced anyway. Minispares sell the Wipac Quadoptic kit, which is a direct replacement for your headlamps. I'm sure you'll be able to get them somewhere near you as well. Also keep in mind that H4 might draw more current and it is advisable to fit a relay in between the dash switch and your headlamps.

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

Crikey, them are old lamps, I had that type on my 1960 Morris Mini !  Someone mentions candles, that's generous, more like 2 matchsticks, one in each lamp at that!

 

I think it's time for an upgrade.

[Cooperman]

Yeah, real 'electric candles'.

Once you fit either the Wipac or Autopal replacement units with the correct halogen bulbs it will be like "Who turned the darkness off"!

If you can find them, Cibie or Hella units are even better, but can be hard to find these days.