Question about headlights.

[cleverusername]

I was just wondering if it was possible to change a Dolomite with single headlights, to double headlights, or is there a major technical barrier to doing this?

[DavePoth]

The sheet metal that the headlamps mount to is different. It's possible to change it but it's a fairly big job. Square headlamps are better at lighting the road, in any case.

[cleverusername]

Thanks, I thought that might be the case, shame that. The square lights might be more effective, but the double setup does suit the car a bit better (personal opinion).

[sprint95m]

It's possible to change it but it's a fairly big job. Square headlamps are better at lighting the road, in any case.

I disagree on both points.
Firstly, it is very straightforward for any competent repairer to adapt a "square" headlamp inner panel to accept twin back plates.

I have been in a few different cars using the Toledo/Allegro single lights and can confirm that these are as good as sealed beams but not as good
as decent halogen 5-3/4" round lamps (try XJ40). If you are doing this conversion it will be to fit halogens.......






Ian.

[cleverusername]

It's possible to change it but it's a fairly big job. Square headlamps are better at lighting the road, in any case.

I disagree on both points.
Firstly, it is very straightforward for any competent repairer to adapt a "square" headlamp inner panel to accept twin back plates.

I have been in a few different cars using the Toledo/Allegro single lights and can confirm that these are as good as sealed beams but not as good
as decent halogen 5-3/4" round lamps (try XJ40). If you are doing this conversion it will be to fit halogens.......
Ian.

So the bulbs are what matters? I was kind of hoping it was possible, because I have seen a few lower spec cars, including a few triumph se models (i think that was a 1980 special edition?). I know this sounds shallow, I just don't like the square lamps, the double lights just look so much better.

[Jon Tilson]

No the bulbs are only part of the story.

The beam pattern is determined by the complex headlight lens and the quality of the rear reflector. In both cases the quality
of what is available as aftermarket stuff is pretty variable.

I am very pleased with the beam pattern of a recent H4 halogen replacement for my Spitfire. It has a convex lens like the old sealed beam and was made by Lucas...
Trouble is that is 7 inch, so no use to you....

I had a square light wipac effort in our 1300 and when fitted with an H4 bulb the beam pattern was serioulsy ragged. I changed it for another unit made by Lucas and the pattern was much better. Ive had some pretty bad results with Wipac stuff generally in the past when I replaced lights on Range Rovers and Land Rovers. These were flat 7 inchers with H4's. I also tried Ring units and these were a bit better.

I once had a dolly that had 4 flat 5+3/4 units that were I think cibie's. they didnt look right as they were flat but the light pattern was very good.
Lucas sealed beams have a pretty good pattern but are now sadly quite rare. Unipart replacements and Ring replacements I have not found so good sealed beam wise.

My stag has H1 outers and sealed beam inners for main beam and the beam pattern is fine with Lucas original units. But dipped only sadly...

What you want is a convex glass, no pilot bulb and a decent beam pattern in 5 and 3/4. Its been suggested the Wipac make such a thing, but I'd like to try before I buy given past less than impressive results with other Wipac stuff. Mr Poth's stipulation that the square beam pattern is superior isn't one I'd go with universally, but on the whole H4 bulbs with Lucas square units work pretty well...

Jonners

[Nick C]

I am very pleased with the beam pattern of a recent H4 halogen replacement for my Spitfire. It has a convex lens like the old sealed beam and was made by Lucas...
Trouble is that is 7 inch, so no use to you....

Where are they from? A friend was asking for recommendations for replacement 7 inch lamps for his MX5, which is a similar lamp height to a Spit...