8 replies to this topic

[Kkthnx]

After some advice please. Need a new headlamp, so thought I would convert them to regular bulbs so I can go for bright ones. I've searched around, but, quite honestly I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for. Anyone that has done it able to point me in the right direction and a walk through doing it for a novice?

Thank you

 

 

[David128]

Sounds like you want halogen? are the existing lamps removable? if not conversion kit mini sport £32.00

[Kkthnx]

They are removable, yes. I've just taken it out to look at how bulbs are replaced and found its a sealed unit (bit of a novice with mini's).

[Spitz]

What year is the car?  You may need (should have ) relays if going more powerful than regular sealed beams

[David128]

If the wattage is the same should not be an issue

[Kkthnx]

1989 mini 30. Lost a couple of the screws holding the unit in in the dark so hoping I can either find them or they come with the kit.
Umm, relays? Didn't think I'd need anything like that. Could you elaborate please?
Thanks for the help so far guys. It's very much appreciated.

[Spitz]

Sorry..I can't elaborate as my electrical skills suck..lol.  I think an 89 is relayed though.

 

I put relays in my older vehicles ( MINI, MGB and Midget ) as I wanted to fit higher wattage Halogens.  In the older vehicles, all the wattage goes through the switch...leading to hot wires and burned switches.  The relay takes the wattage and the switch just triggers it.

[Kkthnx]

Thanks, Spitz. I shall go ahead and grab the kit and cross my pinkies!

[WiredbyWilson]

My 88 isn't relayed - a lot of people confuse the pink dim/dip relay as a traditional power relay - which it is not. It merely activates the full headlights if sidelights are selected and the ignition is on.

 

If you are upgrading to halogen headlights then seriously consider a relay powered loom for the following reasons:

1. It gives much brighter lighting as the system receives full 12v power.

2. Halogen upgrades are often 55w compared to 35w of the sealed units, thus draw more current and eventually melt the rocker switch.

3. It eliminates issues related to old wiring and inherited poor connections

 

This isn't a plug - but I make a full harness including sidelight wiring and independently fused lights for £60 if you didn't want the hassle / worry of doing it yourself.

 

David

Edited by WiredbyWilson, 28 October 2015 - 11:25 AM.