LED headlight upgrade for Eurospec '85 QV

Hi folks,

I've been reading about this topic in the many threads posted here on it, and I just need clarification, as I'm not sure I'm reading it right:

It sounds to me like on an '85 Eurospec QV, the headlamps are replaceable bulbs that use H4/9003, while on the US cars, they remain sealed beam halogen only, and must be completely replaced. Is this correct?

 

As the cars left the factory 36 years ago, that is correct What is actually in the headlamp housing depends on what owners have done in the interim - many US cars will have been upgraded with Hella, Bosch, Cibie H4 housings and replaceable bulbs, and in the last 6 or so years LED replacement units (or LED bulbs in the H4 housings) have started to appear.

 

If you want good quality 7" LED headlamps these are your 2 choices. All the other LED options are ChiCom junk.

LED Headlights – Model 8700 EVO 2 Classic (jwspeaker.com)
27270C - 27270C (truck-lite.com)

Sticking an LED bulb in an Euro H4 headlight is just as bad as the HID conversions that were done earlier. If you want Eurospec H4 get them here:
Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

 

JCR not sure if you have done this conversion to your car, but most of the LED light assembly's will not fit the 308. They area on the back of the light that has the cooling fins is very large and will not fit the light holder ring. Even if you manage to get it through the holder the adjusting mechanism will not work. The light is binding. Ask me how I know..

 

Interesting that LED don't fit the 308. They are bolt in for the those who restomod muscle car era cars and they fit 911s with the sugar scoops. Of course after installation they should properly aimed.

 

TommyA, you're referring to placing an LED H4 bulb replacement in a standard H4 housing - yes, many if not most have a large element behind the light housing that can cause physical interference.

The LED unit like the Truck-lite 27270C is different - it's a properly designed, integrated unit for the LEDs that is no larger than a regular H4 Cibie etc housing, and is designed specifically for the LED output - it provides a sharp, even cutoff on low beams that is as good as the best H4 halogen units. I was an early adopter of the Truck-lite 27270C to my 308 back in 2014, documented in this thread:
Installed Truck-lite 27270C 7" LED headlights

There are several other threads reviewing these, a search for "27270c" in this section will find them. Highly recommended upgrade over even the best H4 halogen units by me and others.



Low beams


High beams

 

The Trucklites don't seem to have the parking bulb. My (308 GTS 78) lamps have the usual H4 and two spade terminals that feed a parking light bulb sitting in the reflector. This lights up by flicking the light stalk down (main beam goes off). Is there an LED installation that follows the switching and harness in this case?

 

Had the Trucklite LED headlights...hated them. YMMV.

 

For me, I have been using HID for like nine years now and I love it. It’s a bit brighter than the LED and yet it’s not blinding for the on coming vehicle as long as the aim is set and adjusted properly.

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Yep. I put in HID's a while back, when LED technology wasn't up to it. The only problem is they're so bright, it's hard get a good focus out of them. I might re-visit LED in search of a sharper low beam cut-off and a more focussed high beam.

 

Put Trucklite LEDs in my 328 couple of years ago. Pleased with their performance.

 

Does anyone make a LED light that will shine both white and yellow? Would be useful to have a fog light/headlight.

 

Why? Otherwise your comment is not very helpfull.

 

I found the illumination pattern pretty bad. Bright lights, but not useful light. Not really focused into the driving path, and a weird "break line" in the falloff.

Much prefer regular Sylvania H4 bulbs.

 

I think I found something here in the UK that retains the sidelight / parking light. I'll investigate further, maybe buy a pair and report back.

 

I fitted these as a direct drop in for my halogen H4’s

AUXITO H4 9003 LED Headlight Bulbs, 12000LM Per Set 6500K Xenon White for High and Low Beam Hi/Lo Plug and Play, Pack of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TQLK6SH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_57N8HTG994NJR7QFTAN6

I very rarely drive mine at night, but they seem ok and much brighter the 60/55W Halogen


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This is a good video to watch about head lights

 

do these things fit the 328 ?

 

As much as this new lamp protrudes forward, I would be very surprised if you didn’t damage bodywork the first time you lowered your lights. On top of that the styling looks god awful compared to the aesthetics of the 308.

 

I agree

 

Looks great!!!

 

Thanks! It really is so nice to drive at night with the HID

 

sorry guys that was the wrong video, try this one.

 

No, I don't think they will fit.

 

I agree, those aren't the lights for a 3x8 series. wrong look.