Spot light help.

Post by **Zonda_** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 1:14 pm

Hi, my mate has recently acquired a 1955 Minor and while he's happy with it he told me last night that the headlights are very poor and he wanted to put a set of period spotlights on it but was having no luck locating a set. Can anyone point me in the direction of where to buy a set from and are there any upgrades he can do to make the standard headlights a little better?

Thanks in advance.

Post by **flowersGTR** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 3:26 pm

i think the easiest thing to do is to upgrade the headlights from the original sealed beam to halogen. its just a simple swap and they work as well as any modern headlight. make sure the headlights are adjusted properly as well if they are pointing too high then they may seem ineffective.

http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/ind ... 21732af458

Post by **mike.perry** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 5:17 pm

The best value for money halogens are Wipac Quadoptics. Don't go for Ring, the beam pattern is rubbish. If you want even more light then you can buy uprated H4 bulbs.

Post by **Alec** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 5:45 pm

Hello Zonda,

I agree with what has been said earlier, however, the more efficient halogen lamps will not be that good if all the wiring connections are in poor condition. Ideally, if you have a voltmeter check the voltage at various points on the loom to see if you are getting all the possible voltage at the lamps themselves.
Incandescent lamp light output is very voltage sensitive which is why a good relay installation generally gives better light output for a given type of lamp.

Alec

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 8:13 pm

Don't get higher rated bulbs for those headlights - a) because they are illegal b) because the wiring won't handle the increased current and c) because the dynamo won't keep up with the charge!
However - you CAN fit 'WHITE' versions of the halogen bulbs which put out more visible light for the same 55watt power consumption. Don't get the silly 'blue' bulbs ! There is no need for spot lights unless going Rallying! Any additional lighting will need an alternator (or some clever tricks with the dynamo charging system!) fitting - if you don't have one already.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 8:37 pm

Hi, my mate has recently acquired a 1955 Minor and while he's happy with it he told me last night that the headlights are very poor and he wanted to put a set of period spotlights on it but was having no luck locating a set. Can anyone point me in the direction of where to buy a set from and are there any upgrades he can do to make the standard headlights a little better?

I'm surprised that nobody mentioned it yet, but if the headlights are really old, they may not have 55w bulbs! If the reflectors are in a poor state the light will be reduced. Either way, new halogens will be a worthwhile upgrade.

You can get halogen 7" sealed beam units but it's usually easier to get non-sealed beam units and fit halogen bulbs in them.

Post by **mike.perry** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 1:13 am

I am running 7in Halogen headlights + a pair of Lucas 55W fog lights wired through the main beam switch with a C39 dynamo on my Series MM with no problems. The fog lights give a wide beam around corners on country roads.
I was refering to the uprated 60/55W bulbs in my earlier post not the 130/90W bulbs which are probably difficult to find anyway

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 11:31 am

Your dynamo won't match headlights + side lights + fog lights+ heater + wipers!

Post by **mike.perry** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 2:51 pm

The ammeter shows a slight discharge with the heater and wipers on but the battery will recharge running on dips. That is why I have the biggest battery which will fit in the tray and a starting handle!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 4:08 pm

There are ways to force more from the dynamo - but it doesn't help it's life!

Post by **mike.perry** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 6:24 pm

I see that the Moss catalogue advertises an alternator disguised as a C40 dynamo. A snip at £389.95!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 10:10 pm

Compared to a heater at £86 -I agree!

Post by **Kevin** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 9:46 am

bmcecosse wrote: There is no need for spot lights unless going Rallying!

Why just for Rallying, there are plenty of owners that just like the period look of them.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:43 pm

If you so wish - just no need to switch them on, and flatten the battery! Modern headlights give plenty of light if set correctly - for normal motoring.

Post by **ratrodmog** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 9:05 pm

As another option, I have a set of Lucus spotlights for sale. http://www.morrisminoroc.co.uk/index.ph ... ic&t=27936