Headlights (sorry.....)

[Veesix75]

I can hear all the groans for raising this one again...sorry !

I have just found out I have 2 good near side sud ti headlights, rather than one of each side. Having seen a pair sell for 'lots' on eBay recently I'm tempted to look at other options as its not a road car.

So, does anyone have some pics of how to fit the BMW lights (I don't access the other site so can't search for the old threads on this).

Have any other options been used by anyone? Many 70's and 80's cars had similar sized lamps (ford Capri / escort fiat 131 etc.), there some kit car options on good old eBay perhaps also.

Thinking out loud, would the inners fit the outers?

[suds]

http://www.europaspares.com/auto-electr ... mps-7.html

europa spares have little range of universal headlights something might fit

[Veesix75]

Thanks suds, that's worth a look for just over a tenner.

[Spacenut]

Yes, I was thinking along these lines too (only 5.75" diameter, not 7"). The only items that may be in short supply might be complementary main beams, which would normally be driving or spot lamps.

There are some other suppliers of generic parts you could also consider, including Car Builder Solutions, Stafford Vehicle Components (who I see sell 5.75" mains and dips, although not budget prices), Auto Electrical Supplies (only dips) and Vehicle Wiring Products.

One thing you could do, with a bit of additional wiring and some relays, is fit a set of four main/dip outers. I did this with my old Droop Snoot because I was fed up with following the kerbs at night whenever a BMW come the other way (sealed-beam 5.75" dips used to be rated at a dismal 37.5W). I had seen a truck using all four headlights as dips, and after taking some advice connected my headlights up the same way. Using 60/55W halogens in each unit, I was able to put 220W on the road, completely legally, without blinding oncoming traffic.

You can also connect the mains so that the dips stay on at the same time, which together with a pair of inboard 60W spot lamps (yes, the Snoot had six headlights) was able to deploy a whopping 580W!

Lauren

[PETROLHEAD]

Precisley the sort of thing ill be doing! Lol!

So long as its relayed circuits, adequate wiring size and well grounded, there is no more load on the original loom or switches.

I was thinking of going a little further and once the actual light units were selected and beam pattern snd aim established, move over entirely to xenon hid.


Some folk hate them, mainly because corsa boy throws them into his shed ride wanting to deliberately show them off into the eyeballs of anyone even remotely facing them, and this has earnt them a bad name.

Boy oh boy what a light output difference though!

I've used them many times before, with no problem whatsoever, and they are very easily returned to stock halogens for mot time.

Mot now states that if hid aftermarket kits are installed, the vehicle must have functioning auto adjust headlamp aim and washer jets!

Yeah right!

[PETROLHEAD]

Incidentally, Harveys car is using the BMW light units, so keep an eye on his thread for the result of that first maybe.

Kev had to modify the inner wing to accomodate the backing if I recall, but maybe there are other ways?

[Spacenut]

I was thinking of going a little further and once the actual light units were selected and beam pattern snd aim established, move over entirely to xenon hid.

Mot now states that if hid aftermarket kits are installed, the vehicle must have functioning auto adjust headlamp aim and washer jets!

Good idea - easier on the electrical system too, as each HID "ballast" (actually a DC-DC converter) only draws about 35W apiece.

I believe the MoT requirements are being revised to exclude cars where it is not possible to change the beam angle as a result of variations in load, i.e. 2-seater sports cars. Not sure you could make the same argument for an Alfasud, but it might be worth a try!

Lauren

[PETROLHEAD]

ha ha!

i think i push my mot guy hard enough Lauren


so far he has to temporarily suffer with varying hardness of hearing, instant but thankfully temporary sight loss, and a form of Inspectorate White Finger, where years of "feeling" for play in certain components has left his hands with a small loss of sense!


I play the game fairly enough, but he always has a laugh at my expense when i turn up with the modified stuff!


we muddle through eventually....

[Greencloverleaf pat]

I need some new front lights as well.

[Alfasixnut]

Apparently Mk4 Ford Escort quad "Morrette"? units are easier to fit into Suds than BMW units......Ratrap has done this I believe.

[justsuds]

One of my local customers put Morette lights in his Sud, he used the mounting rings that are, or were, available with the lights to fit them into the plastic backing/facia moulding. - they looked good, slightly more curved than the Sud headlights. He got the lights and mounting from Demon Tweeks. He put them into a P4 Sud, that was, or is, a series 3 1.3 that he put engine, 'box, prop, rear axle, petrol tank, dash, and heater into out of a 33 P4, - the car is now in Ireland I believe.
John.

[Veesix75]

A 4wd Sud

Generic lights

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-3-4-Halogen ... 35beb4c0c9

[Veesix75]

I'm just about to order some of the above, if anyone wants to know what they are like give me a shout.

[Greencloverleaf pat]

Let me know what they are like and if they are any good .
If so I will get a set for my sud as well.
My brother has put a hid kit on his alfa and the difference is unbelievable .

[Greencloverleaf pat]

At that price I have just ordered a set too .

[Veesix75]

Fingers crossed!

[Veesix75]

Headlights arrived, will post a few pics if anyone wants to see one (not fitted to car yet)

Very critical opinion is that they are good enough but not perfect. A bit of glue showing and a few nics in the metal lip/rim. The glass lense is not quite as curved as a Sud light but it's close enough

However for 47 quid for 4, I'm more than happy for what will be a track car, and they would be good enough fora road car as I think the plastic trim would hide most of the above.

Not yet figured out how to fit one, but I don't need an mot so 3 strong springs might be enough to hold it in.

[KevJTD]

i have a few S3 ti lights if anyone needs any?

not brilliant but useable, better than nothing!

[Greencloverleaf pat]

Got my lights today, well packaged and with bulbs only thing is I'm going to have a look tomorrow about how to make them fit as back is different ie how they fit to headlight cases but I'm sure I can do it.

[Veesix75]

Let us know how you get on fitting, I might also get around to fitting one this weekend

[alfasuddriver]

Any joy with the fitting? Looks tricky...

[Veesix75]

Not yet, we used 3 tie raps just to see how hey fitted generally, they look fine on the car but not fitted them with anything that will allow adjustment yet.

[Kermit]

Incidentally, Harveys car is using the BMW light units, so keep an eye on his thread for the result of that first maybe.

Kev had to modify the inner wing to accomodate the backing if I recall, but maybe there are other ways?

Project a "bit" behind so will hopefully get to see if these bad boys fit later this year - no rush now as won't be worth taxing and insuring so late in the year

[Greencloverleaf pat]

I haven't tried mine yet but was thinking of making the same mounting brackets for my new lights and seeing if there was anyway of bonding them on or do you think that is too risky.

[alfasuddriver]

Any developments, my poorly Sud is desperate !