Improving headlamps

[Michael Hillam]

Have recently fitted pair of LED light bulbs to Lucus R100 headlamps on my Derby. Trouble is they seem impossible to focus into effective non-dazzling beam. Have received advice about placing "helicopter" tape (whatever this is) on inside of lens but does anyone know of a better approach? Certainly, their use reduces current consumption significantly.

Mike Hillam

[John Murch]

When I first used led headlamp bulbs, they used multiple leds and were impossible to focus, however as I only fitted them as daytime running lights for use abroad it wasn’t a bother.
My current bulbs have 2 led’s and focus quite well (non dipping P80), I think the latest bulbs may only have one led so focus should be just a question of adjusting the bulb position (it took me many attempts), perhaps your bulb holders do not allow you sufficient adjustment.

[Richardson Masten]

There’s a good LED headlight write up at dynamoregulatorconversion.com. He sells LED lights of many types, is very knowledgeable and willing to help. I’m not yet to a point of installing the headlamps (or any lights for that matter) in my 4 1/4, but he’s the man I’ll be buying my bulbs from.

[James Ashby]

Out of lockdown 3.0 boredom I've been entertaining and informing myself reading through recent topics - and this one (along with the 'Fuel Starvation in 3 1/2 litres' thread) struck a chord.

I fitted LED 'bulbs' in my car - from the chap who advertises in, err, The Advertiser, a couple of years ago. Not because I drive it at night or in the dark very often, but because I wanted oncoming traffic to see me coming, and following traffic to be aware that brake lights had most assuredly come on.

Strangely, drivers of some modern marques seem to assume that old cars are either an apparition and need not be paid any heed to, or are 'slow' and not to be concerned about.

Anyway, I must admit the lights (heads, sides, tails and indicators) are darned good, and the seller was both well informed and very willing to help and advise. I am keeping the old 'glow worms' safely snoozing in a sponge lined box in case I ever feel an irrational need to reinstate them, but I can't imagine why I would.

Stay sane and safe everyone.

[DavidThompson]

I used LED's to provide indicators, without having to alter the side lights other than slightly recess the holders due to the longer length of the LED's. These flash amber when used as indicators and show white when used as side lights. Additional "divers helmets" were used at the back with clear lenses and amber LED's. They work so well that I decided to replace the stop and tail lights with LED's, and headlights for good measure.
However, the red lens acted as a filter, significantly reducing the amount of light passing through them. The result was no better than the original filament bulbs, so rather than change the lens I decided to leave the original bulbs in place.
The car (26 3/4.5) is fitted with Lucas P100's which facilitate focus by way of an adjustable holder. The replacements supplied by Better Car Lighting had single LED's and were therefore , i think, relatively easy to focus. I say "I think" because the adjustments were carried out on my drive, and I have yet to drive it in the dark. I can say they are much whiter and brighter than the old bulbs.
I would say that conversion is only practicable if single LED's are used and the headlights themselves facilitate focus.