Mix-match of headlights

For everything to do with Dolomites, Toledos, FWD cars and Dolomite-based kitcars.
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RSi
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Mix-match of headlights

#1 Post by RSi »

I started stripping the Sprint tonight getting her ready for her respray early next year and found I had H4 inner headlights, and sealed beam outers - what I'm surprised about is that it didn't cause me any issues as there's no relay....
Triumph Dolomite Sprint (RNK 957W)

Automatic, porcelain white - 52,820, genuine mileage (warranted).

Built 26/6/1980, 3 previous owners (2 within the same family).

Supplied by Lavender Hill Garage Ltd, Enfield, London, by garage owner Jimmy Metcalfe on 30th September 1980 to Geoffrey Robinson, Enfield, London.

Club Membership No: 2017092
GTS290N
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Re: Mix-match of headlights

#2 Post by GTS290N »

The H4s probably don't take any more current than sealed beams - both probably 55W or around that. Still a lot of wigglies going through a copper leaf contact, and even more if you use the flash option. Any damage caused so far may not be apparent unless you know where to poke your meter.
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RSi
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Re: Mix-match of headlights

#3 Post by RSi »

GTS290N wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2017 7:21 am The H4s probably don't take any more current than sealed beams - both probably 55W or around that. Still a lot of wigglies going through a copper leaf contact, and even more if you use the flash option. Any damage caused so far may not be apparent unless you know where to poke your meter.
Sealed beams will be going back on.
Triumph Dolomite Sprint (RNK 957W)

Automatic, porcelain white - 52,820, genuine mileage (warranted).

Built 26/6/1980, 3 previous owners (2 within the same family).

Supplied by Lavender Hill Garage Ltd, Enfield, London, by garage owner Jimmy Metcalfe on 30th September 1980 to Geoffrey Robinson, Enfield, London.

Club Membership No: 2017092
cliftyhanger
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Re: Mix-match of headlights

#4 Post by cliftyhanger »

Indeed. There is this bizarre/ill informed notion that fitting halogens need a relay. They don't, unless the bulbs are those illegal 100w ones or similar.

That is not to say fitting relays is a very good idea. To either halogens or sealed beams. Makes either brighter and saves the switchgear. A win-win.
Clive Senior
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RSi
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Location: Isle of Lewis (Outer Hebrides)

Re: Mix-match of headlights

#5 Post by RSi »

cliftyhanger wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2017 9:04 am Indeed. There is this bizarre/ill informed notion that fitting halogens need a relay. They don't, unless the bulbs are those illegal 100w ones or similar.

That is not to say fitting relays is a very good idea. To either halogens or sealed beams. Makes either brighter and saves the switchgear. A win-win.
I'm trying to keep her totally standard apart from fitting rear seatbelts, so it'll be all sealed beams that go back on.

I only started stripping her last night for the respray which should be early next year - I'm hoping 99% of what comes off will go back onto her - I don't see any reason why as she's in good order.
Triumph Dolomite Sprint (RNK 957W)

Automatic, porcelain white - 52,820, genuine mileage (warranted).

Built 26/6/1980, 3 previous owners (2 within the same family).

Supplied by Lavender Hill Garage Ltd, Enfield, London, by garage owner Jimmy Metcalfe on 30th September 1980 to Geoffrey Robinson, Enfield, London.

Club Membership No: 2017092
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