Okay so I know there are 1000+ posts before me about basically the same thing but...
I was thinking about upgrading the original headlamps on my 1990 Mini Mayfair and I have a few questions. Firstly what headlamps are good? (by good I just mean brighter than the originals!) I was looking at getting http://www.minisport.../info_QUAD.html but I'm confused as to whether they are road legal in the UK?
What are sidelights and do I need them?!
Am I going to have to do any soldering?
Cheers,
Jack
Upgrading Original Headlamps
Started by
Gertrude the great
, Dec 12 2012 07:08 PM
4 replies to this topic
#1
Gertrude the great
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Starting My Mini Up
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Posted 12 December 2012 - 07:08 PM
#2
Skortchio
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Camshaft & Stage Two Head
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Posted 12 December 2012 - 07:27 PM
Wipacs and Cibies offer a better reflector than the standard lamps, the shiny bit that directs the beam.
For the Uk make sure you buy RHD models, such as the kit you linked.
Side lights are the small bulbs which sit below the main light and come on with the first click of your headlight switch and yes you need them.
Both Cibie and Wipac use H4 bulbs which are different to the standard mini ones so you'll have to join the included connectors to the loom somehow. You can use snap connectors or probably even twist and tape the wires but I'm highly suggest against it. So yes, soldering is required.
If you're upgrading your lights then running a new live feed direct will also yield a substantial improvement over the stock lighting loom, the original wiring is tiny and causes a lot of resistence which diminishes the light output form the bulb.
For the Uk make sure you buy RHD models, such as the kit you linked.
Side lights are the small bulbs which sit below the main light and come on with the first click of your headlight switch and yes you need them.
Both Cibie and Wipac use H4 bulbs which are different to the standard mini ones so you'll have to join the included connectors to the loom somehow. You can use snap connectors or probably even twist and tape the wires but I'm highly suggest against it. So yes, soldering is required.
If you're upgrading your lights then running a new live feed direct will also yield a substantial improvement over the stock lighting loom, the original wiring is tiny and causes a lot of resistence which diminishes the light output form the bulb.
#3
Joe-C
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Posted 12 December 2012 - 09:12 PM
I got some quadoptics a few months ago and they came with crimp connectors so no soldering required, although soldering is better.
Cibies are supposed to be the best but are nearlly twice the price of quadoptics, which are still way better than standard
Cibies are supposed to be the best but are nearlly twice the price of quadoptics, which are still way better than standard
#4
jaydee
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Crazy About Mini's
Posted 12 December 2012 - 09:22 PM
No soldering required but i'd reccomend rewiring the whole lot as standard wiring is too poor to cope with the extra power.
First check you have a relay switch on the headlamp circuit as early minis come with no relay.
First check you have a relay switch on the headlamp circuit as early minis come with no relay.
#5
mini mayhem
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Posted 12 December 2012 - 10:00 PM
im running after market cheapo angel headlights, they are rhd//lhd as they have no 'kick up' in the beam pattern towards the ditch, handy for cross europe driving etc, running H4 so could be even better with expensive bulbs and up rated loom with relays
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