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+--- Thread: LED Headlights (/showthread.php?tid=2362)
LED Headlights - John P - 07-02-2019
Hi,
When I built my Ulsteroid some years ago there wasn't quite so much concern about originality so when it came to headlights I bought some brass spinnings and made up my own using the reflector part only (not the glass) from a classic mini.
This means the bulb holder is designed for an H4 bulb and at the moment I have conventional 6-volt tungsten filament bulbs fitted.
I would like to fit LED bulbs to reduce the current required, especially as I am still on a 6-volt system and have seen some bulbs on e-bay which are 6-volt and dipping. (See https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H4-LED-ATV-Motorcycle-Headlight-Bulb-Head-lamp-DC-6V-800LM-White-High-Low-Kit/153052998507).
These are very cheap by comparison with some I have seen which are specifically aimed at vintage cars so am I missing something?
Any advice would be appreciated.
John.
RE: LED Headlights - Steve kay - 07-02-2019
My immediate response would be that the Austin owners I know, and my own experience, is that LED cards are a very good idea, work very well and allow 6v systems to continue better than ever. However, whilst our specialist suppliers are certainly not cheap, the investment in utterly reliable LED cards set up for our cars and supported by reliable traders is important. The job of installing the LEDs is well explained and quick. See previous debates on this site.
RE: LED Headlights - Stuart Joseph - 07-02-2019
Good morning John. Personally I would talk to Peter at 'Classic Regulator and Dynamo Conversions' in Lincoln. I have been using and recommending his products for some years with excellent results.
As far as the on-line products are concerned from personal experience the old adage of 'buy cheap buy twice' applies.
Regards from the creative county - Staffordshire
Stuart
RE: LED Headlights - Derek Sheldon - 07-02-2019
Quite agree Stuart, now have four cars with them
RE: LED Headlights - John Mason - 07-02-2019
Hi John, I agree with what the others have said about reliability however if the eBay bulbs are a straight swop into your existing bulb holders it maybe worth risking a tenner for two headlamp bulbs. After all our cherished suppliers that we all trust started it with no reputation for quality or service. That came later as there service and quality products proved themselves.
John Mason
RE: LED Headlights - Derek Sheldon - 07-02-2019
Quite agree Stuart, now have four cars with them
RE: LED Headlights - GK5268 - 07-02-2019
My Ruby & the Rover both have LED headlamp bulbs from Classic Dynamo & Regulator Conversion, not cheap, but do the job, the Ruby is running on 12V, and on H4 set-up (same as the Rover which originally had sealed beams). All the other bulbs on the Ruby are LED, most on the Rover are, I have had failures of LEDs on both of the side lights, individual LEDs failed in each cluster, but sending them back to CDRC, really to let the manufacturer know, resulted in two new ones being supplied - been in service for about 3 years, so whilst the initial outlay is high, buying from someone like CDRC does give peace of mind.
The headlamps on the Ruby are brilliant and night driving is great, especially, as the driving position is quite elevated, so the blinding of on-coming car headlights is moreorless eliminated, which makes it more enjoyable.
As Stuart says, "buy cheap pay twice", you get what you pay for, if it is too good to be true then it probably is.
RE: LED Headlights - David.H - 07-02-2019
(07-02-2019, 02:04 PM)GK5268 Wrote: My Ruby & the Rover both have LED headlamp bulbs from Classic Dynamo & Regulator Conversion, not cheap, but do the job, the Ruby is running on 12V, and on H4 set-up (same as the Rover which originally had sealed beams). All the other bulbs on the Ruby are LED, most on the Rover are, I have had failures of LEDs on both of the side lights, individual LEDs failed in each cluster, but sending them back to CDRC, really to let the manufacturer know, resulted in two new ones being supplied - been in service for about 3 years, so whilst the initial outlay is high, buying from someone like CDRC does give peace of mind.My ex Hong Kong AG has "desirable" 1960's motor bike rear/stop lights with MES (miniature Edison screw) bulbs of about 3 & 6w as far as I can guess (unreadable) Has any one tries LED/ MES bulbs? 6w is not a lot for brake lights!
The headlamps on the Ruby are brilliant and night driving is great, especially, as the driving position is quite elevated, so the blinding of on-coming car headlights is moreorless eliminated, which makes it more enjoyable.
As Stuart says, "buy cheap pay twice", you get what you pay for, if it is too good to be true then it probably is.
RE: LED Headlights - garryruck - 07-02-2019
My Seven is 1929 fabric saloon and has the BS15 holder for 6V 25W single terminal filament bulb with no dip. Looks as if the "dip" is achieved by switching off the "main" beam and leaving the sidelight bulbs in the reflector on. Dazzling - not!! Is there a similar bayonet fitting 15mm LED which would suit with at least as much or more light available from the lights as they are. Not keen to mess about with the bulb holder if possible. Any advice appreciated.
RE: LED Headlights - spannerman - 07-02-2019
Do the led headlight bulbs do main dip or main dim?
Has I have found the h4 LEDs I've got do main and dim not main and dip?