Kits are now available on the after-market to convert the Lucas 7" headlamp units. There is the need to find somewhere to place the converter box that supplies the actual LEDs, it is not just a straight swap. I'm not sure about the 5" units.
Hi there want to get more light out of the headlights, low and high beam. What have people done?
LED? And if so is it a straight bulb swap?
Assuming you have replaceable bulb headlights (as opposed to sealed beams) there are countless upgrades.
How much more do you want? You can go from mild to wild.
I think the standard bulbs are 55/80w or something like that. You can easily buy increased wattage bulbs that will fit right in....although you might be putting the standard issue small gauge wiring over the edge.
I put new halogen sealed beams in my ‘87 and it made a big difference. Then I upgraded my 5” halogen outer headlights to 7” halogen sealed beams and it made an even bigger difference! I think I have plenty of light now. Plus, I love the look of the 7” headlights vs. the 5”. The car now looks the way it was designed.
Think about putting a relay out in the engine bay that switches power to the headlights relay, rather than running it into the cabin, thru the switch and back out again. You can use the light lead to operate a realy and get a far healthier voltage at the headlights. Mine improved quite a lot just by doing this. Depends how much of an improvements you are looking for. Its fair to say the whole headlight circuit is (being kind) sub optimal.
At the moment I have 55/80 Halogens, and 80w highs. They're totally adequate for populated California night driving.
However, where I grew up in Montana, I had 80/100w, and 110w pencil high beams (think aircraft landing lights).These did require individual relays for each fixture, but it was a small price to pay to see that deer crossing the road 3/4 mile ahead knowing all his friends were just waiting to jump out in front of me.
I kept them in that car only for a short time after I came to California as they lit up the Feather River Canyon in a Fine manner when I drove it at night. Think Daystar.
They're overkill now, as traffic has increased exponentially in the last 5 years and there's not ever a stretch of road where you can even use high beams.
(';')
