Headlamp Upgrade - Hellas or Cibies?

[sultanoswing]

Having upgraded the alternator and fuses - now it's time to tackle the old sealed beam headlamps!

I'm thinking of Cibie's new complex reflectors if 7" are available. (see Here)

[EDIT: it looks like these Cibie CSR's are for four headlight setups, as there are seperate high and low beam units]

Or these Cibie 7" E-codes (see Here)

Or, as a third option, Hella E-Codes (part number H70476) (see Here)

Obviously I'm upgrading the wiring too (relays, main line fuses, dedicated fuses for each side, etc).

I've read around quite a bit to get opinions - I'd be interested in reading yours!

ps I'm in New Zealand, so don't have to worry about silly DOT requirements! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Scott_Hower]

I upgraded to Cibie H4 E-codes. Bought them from Daniel Stern (Stern Lighting: https://www.danielsternlighting.com/products/products.html )

I am using H4 bulbs with 80W low beams and 100W highs. The Cibie housings also have 5W "citylights" built into them. The beam cutoff is very distinct and wont blind oncoming drivers if properly adjusted.

I'm running these with Hella fused relays from British Wiring; one for the high beam circuit, one for the low beam circuit. The existing headlight wiring is only used to switch the relay; I ran new wiring for the 12V feeds. Don't forget to use seperate heavy grounds for the lights.

Fuses and relays are a must. Some folks refuse to fuse (no pun intended!) a headlight circuit; I fused the beams independently, but if you are really worried you could fuse each light seperately (left low, right low, left high, right high). The odds of blowing all 4 are pretty slim.

 

[sultanoswing]

Thanks for the reply...I hope I can get the Cibies without the city light.

..and I agree with you about fuses - those who refuse to fuse risk the wire fusing by itself (otherwise known as melting!). THis puppy will be getting a fully fused & relayed upgrade /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif