8 replies to this topic

[Marc13]

Hi
I need to replace the headlamps on my 1971 Mini.
It currently has the sealed beam units (as link below)

https://www.minispar...px|Back to shop

If I change to the quadratic halogen headlamp kit below - is it simply a case of removing the unit and disconnecting the wires from the back and then connect the new unit and pop it back in? Or is there other parts/wiring required?
https://www.minispar...px|Back to shop

Thanks

[Ethel]

Pretty much,

 

As you can see in your link (says they're out of stock, by the way)  you'll likely have a little bit of splicing to do for the sidelights.

 

There can sometimes be problems with light units being deeper than the headlamp bowls, but you should be ok with regular H4's. Just be aware of it & the risk of shorting if bare metal on the back of the bulb connector can touch a metal bowl.

[Marc13]

Ok thanks - fingers crossed. Sounds pretty striaght forward

[Shooter63]

Being colour blind I'm no sparky but aren't the high/low beam cables/wires in a different position on H4? I seem to remember I needed to change the terminals around within the connector block when I converted my Mk1.

Shooter

[Cooperman]

If you can find a pair, the Cibie headlights are definitely the best which use an H4 bulb.

I have a pair of Hella with H4's on one of my cars and with100W main beam H4's they are great, but the wiring has to be upgraded and relayed to use the 100w main beam halogen bulbs.

Another good option is the Autopal units. I used a pair a long time ago and they were fine.

But then, anything is better than the original sealed beam 'electric candles'  .

[cal844]

If using the H4 kits I'd buy a pair of Osram Night breaker bulbs, much better light output, even through non relayed 50 year old wiring

[Marc13]

Headlamps now delivered - but I have a little problem.

 

The back of the news ones are not the same as the old ones. The 3 spades are positioned the same. But my existing electrics/connector have the side light bulb (I presume) connected as part of the connector that plugs into the 3 spades, and the old spades on the old lights are configured to allow the connection and room for the side light bulb to sit over a clear part of the back of the light unit (so it can shine through). Whereas the new Quadoptic lights dont allow for the side light bulb - you cant push the connectors on to the spades as the bulb prevents this - plus there is no clear area for the side laight bulb to shine through. Photos below. Can I make these new lights work with minimal adaptions, or is there a different route I have to take.

 

Thanks

Old light unit

 

Electics/connector

 

New light unit

[cal844]

Cut the sidelight fitting off the top of the connector, then you need to strip the insulation from the live and earth, extend the wiring and fit terminals to fit the new sidelight fitting

[gaspen]

Headlamps now delivered - but I have a little problem.

 

The back of the news ones are not the same as the old ones. The 3 spades are positioned the same. But my existing electrics/connector have the side light bulb (I presume) connected as part of the connector that plugs into the 3 spades, and the old spades on the old lights are configured to allow the connection and room for the side light bulb to sit over a clear part of the back of the light unit (so it can shine through). Whereas the new Quadoptic lights dont allow for the side light bulb - you cant push the connectors on to the spades as the bulb prevents this - plus there is no clear area for the side laight bulb to shine through. Photos below. Can I make these new lights work with minimal adaptions, or is there a different route I have to take.

 

Thanks

Old light unit

 

Electics/connector

 

New light unit

 

Are you satisfied with the new lights?