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MGB MGB Headlights
- Thread starter kyreb1862
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First, the usual cheap and easy ways: Clean all connectors, including the ground contacts and those on the switch. You can also add after-market halogen sealed beam lights. Just these things will help a LOT.
Now for a bit more fun: Upgrade the wiring system to include relays for the headlights, followed by really high-quality reflectors and bulbs. There's a lot of stuff on the different forums as to the best way to do this, but check Dan Masters' site at https://www.advanceautowire.com for schematics and advice. If/when you go this route, also - if you haven't already done so - give serious thought to upgrading to a 96-amp alternator. The increased capacity of the alt, along with the power-distribution capacity of the relays, will make all the difference in the world. This "not cheap and easy" method, by the way, is neither difficult nor expensive.
You may consider doing some upgrading to the rest of the lights also, to include higher-wattage bulbs around the rest of the car. In addition to bulbs, I found a really nifty idea on Darryl McLendon's "One Fast MGB" site. He uses modeler's foil ("Bare Metal" - https://www.bare-metal.com) to renew the reflectivity of his light receptacles. Works like a champ! Check here: https://www.onefastmgb.com/lighting.html for more info.
Snip - Edited to add: One thing to consider when upgrading to relays and more powerful halogen lights is to add heavier wiring as well. I've ordered individual 12-gauge wiring from British Wiring, but you can get a complete relay harness from Dan's site. Good stuff.
R.
Now for a bit more fun: Upgrade the wiring system to include relays for the headlights, followed by really high-quality reflectors and bulbs. There's a lot of stuff on the different forums as to the best way to do this, but check Dan Masters' site at https://www.advanceautowire.com for schematics and advice. If/when you go this route, also - if you haven't already done so - give serious thought to upgrading to a 96-amp alternator. The increased capacity of the alt, along with the power-distribution capacity of the relays, will make all the difference in the world. This "not cheap and easy" method, by the way, is neither difficult nor expensive.
You may consider doing some upgrading to the rest of the lights also, to include higher-wattage bulbs around the rest of the car. In addition to bulbs, I found a really nifty idea on Darryl McLendon's "One Fast MGB" site. He uses modeler's foil ("Bare Metal" - https://www.bare-metal.com) to renew the reflectivity of his light receptacles. Works like a champ! Check here: https://www.onefastmgb.com/lighting.html for more info.
Snip - Edited to add: One thing to consider when upgrading to relays and more powerful halogen lights is to add heavier wiring as well. I've ordered individual 12-gauge wiring from British Wiring, but you can get a complete relay harness from Dan's site. Good stuff.
R.
G
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I've run halogen H-4's (both Hella and Cibie) for years in my GENERATOR powered cars, no relays, NO problems with switches, etc. I must be lucky, I guess.... tho I did throw a set of relays at the Square-8 driving lights just to hedge my bets.
tony barnhill
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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I've got a set of the aftermarket flat halogens w/daylight running lights I can make you a real deal on....
sultanoswing
Jedi Hopeful
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Flat halogens....eeeeuw! (what can I say, the gentle curve fits the OE look better, IMHO!).
To mention another Daniel, I was well pleased with the service and cibies I got from Mr. Stern:
https://www.danielsternlighting.com/
96 amp alternator not needed - the two bulbs (assuming 60w halogens) still draw only 12-13v each (120w total/12v = 10 amperes)...only reason for a larger capacity alternator is extra accessories/power draw devices like aircon, car stereo etc. Having said that, I couldn't resist an 85 amp in my GT /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
To mention another Daniel, I was well pleased with the service and cibies I got from Mr. Stern:
https://www.danielsternlighting.com/
96 amp alternator not needed - the two bulbs (assuming 60w halogens) still draw only 12-13v each (120w total/12v = 10 amperes)...only reason for a larger capacity alternator is extra accessories/power draw devices like aircon, car stereo etc. Having said that, I couldn't resist an 85 amp in my GT /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
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[ QUOTE ]
Flat halogens....eeeeuw! (what can I say, the gentle curve fits the OE look better, IMHO!).
To mention another Daniel, I was well pleased with the service and cibies I got from Mr. Stern:
https://www.danielsternlighting.com/
96 amp alternator not needed - the two bulbs (assuming 60w halogens) still draw only 12-13v each (120w total/12v = 10 amperes)...only reason for a larger capacity alternator is extra accessories/power draw devices like aircon, car stereo etc. Having said that, I couldn't resist an 85 amp in my GT /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Ditto, ditto, and ditto!
Some folks like the flat bulbs but...
Dan Stern is a good source of lighting, and the service is very personalized.
Got the 96-amp Delco alt for A/C, electric cooling fan, and all the other creature comforts. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
R.
Flat halogens....eeeeuw! (what can I say, the gentle curve fits the OE look better, IMHO!).
To mention another Daniel, I was well pleased with the service and cibies I got from Mr. Stern:
https://www.danielsternlighting.com/
96 amp alternator not needed - the two bulbs (assuming 60w halogens) still draw only 12-13v each (120w total/12v = 10 amperes)...only reason for a larger capacity alternator is extra accessories/power draw devices like aircon, car stereo etc. Having said that, I couldn't resist an 85 amp in my GT /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Ditto, ditto, and ditto!
Some folks like the flat bulbs but...
Dan Stern is a good source of lighting, and the service is very personalized.
Got the 96-amp Delco alt for A/C, electric cooling fan, and all the other creature comforts. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
R.
Stewart
Darth Vader
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