Early 308 owners: HEADLIGHT! HELP!

I'd get yelled at if I was to contribute in the manner that seems most reasonable, so I'll just remain mute. Let's hear it for the Anti Archive Search Nazis!

So I'll just say, "Yes."

 

There is nothing "wiz bang" that you need...just buy some Hella "euro" code headlights and be done with it.

http://catalog.com/susq/hella/hdlmpprc.htm#7

You will see a 200% improvement. The standard halogen 60w/55 are just fine...if you feel the need, you can sport the +50% bulbs....don't get the high watt jobs, unless you wish to rewire and add wiring and relays direct off the battery. Avoid the +100 % bulbs unless you like the "blue" ricer look.

Dave

 

But you could search the archives & find out about the true HID conversion like I installed in my 308...

 

Peter, before you go spend a bucket of money just try some new halogen bulbs.

Lights get dim as they get old. Simply installing a new set of bulbs can make a big difference. I have Cibie lenses with standard halogen bulbs and they are plenty bright, as bright as any other car I have.

I think I used Sylvania "Bright White" or "Blue White" bulbs, (they look white, not blue).

Take a look at the reflectors inside the headlamps to see if they are discolored or corroded. If so that can be the cause of your Lucas style headlights.

I have heard of removing the headlight assemblies from the car, removing the lamps, and swirling soap scum remover (Tub and Tile Cleaner) around inside the headlamp. This brightens the reflector also.

Most importantly, bad grounds cause dim lights!

 

I have posted this before and I REALLY believe this is the best bang for the buck: There is a relay harness that you can buy that will solve all your problems. I'll post the name when I find the box around here this afternoon. Basically it allows you to install any bulb you want up tp 130 watts. It runs a hot wire to the battery, one to ground. It has female plugs that your headlight harness plugs into and then it plugs into the back of the new headlights. Nothing can be easier. Basically it just lets you switch realys for higher wattage bulbs instead of switching the light itself. Just this will brighten up the 55/60 a lot because the battery is feeding directly to them. You can then use any type/watt bulb you want. I have had these on all my cars since the 80's with no problems. I installed 90/130 bulbs. It lights up better then anything else out there now. I have never had a problem with traffic either because they are aimed correctly. No one has flashed me ever to dimm my lights. This is one tip you will LOVE. The harness was around $40-50. Maybe less.

 

Dr. Tom, I hope you find the box, I would love to know where it came from. I built something like that from scratch for my XJS and the parts alone were more than $40, not to mention my time.

Paul

 

Keep them the way they are; it's more concourse that way.

Ken

 

Ken,

Speaking for myself, I agree with you in that "it's more concourse that way". However I don't do shows. I bought mine to drive and at night I really like to see what I am going to hit, don't like surprises. Plus, if I can see it I might not hit it.

Paul

 

I used the Dave Handa Hella light trick on mine (with the +50% bulbs) and it made a huge difference for about $100. Nothing fancy, no rewiring. Just replace the bulbs and you're done.

Verell's HID lights are COOL and bright but there is a lot more modification and cost to that approach.

Birdman

 

Here is an example of the wiring harness Dr. Tommy is talking about:
http://www.suvlights.com/ click on "headlight wire harness", you would want the one for the "H4" type bulbs. Even with stock wattage 60w-55 bulbs, this could have benefit of making sure you are getting full voltage to your bulbs.



Dave

 

Ken, in the name of G-d and Enzo... Have you ever tried driving with stock lights at night??? May as well use a flashlight or, better still, ESP!!!

Oh, wait, lemme spend $220 EACH TIRE for those lousy metric things.

Oh wait, i got a good one, how about the stock air IN the tires. You know judges will check the air IN the tires to make sure it is from Italy ;-)


Ok, i took this a bit too far. But geeeeeeeeeeeeeeze... Why on Earth would you actually WANT to keep those lousy dim stock headlights????

 

The problem for some of us is that we drive them at night more then we park them on the golf course during a pretty contest.

 

Yeah, guys, April Fools, really!

 

HA HA!

You so funny!

 

Pete why haven't you asked me dammit! Convert to h4 bulbs and lens housings. Buy some Hellas And be done with it. Get 100/80w HID look bulbs preferably from PIAA. It's ricey, but their bulbs are quality. They won't burn the wiring. Out where you live, the violet in the lights will make the road reflectors 90% brighter.