LED headlights?

[simmit]

I have fitted these to the GTC. Fitted new bowls as well. I cut a hole in the back of each bowl so the air can circulate around the fan . I couldnt believe the difference they made. No more dingey yellow beams.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-LED-Headlight-C ... -KIT-120W1

Your link takes me to a list of search results. Can you say specifically which bulbs you have and ................. what is the beam pattern compared to original on (1) main beam and (2) dip?

[Loxford]

and will see whether my friendly tester comments.

*Provided* that the coverage pattern meets the requirements specified in the MOT manual, I think it's probably unlikely your tester will comment, bearing in mind that the MOT test is not a test of overall legality, it's only a test of conformity with the MOT regs (not necessarily the same thing..... )

I agree it's all a bit of a shambles.......

They won't be checking your LEDS anyway once it becomes reality that no MOT is required for vehicles over 40 years. So much for regulations.
I think it's an utterly ridiculous idea.
Sure, it's impossible for the emissions from old vehicles meet the regs but when it comes to basic road worthiness and safety, you'd think they might want to MOT the brakes! (And one or two other crucial items).

[drcdb15]

Talking of MoT testers checking things, as far as I know testers don't actually dismantle anything during a test, so... without taking the bulbs out to look at what's printed on them, how are they to know what is producing the light, or what the wattage of it might be?

[willholderogri]

I made my own led rear lights using the original unit never failed an MOT in years fitted with them

[willholderogri]

I did try led front bulbs didn't look good in pitch dark so went back to incandescent

[Loxford]

I've just fitted 2 sided to the dip and main beams. I'm still adjusting them.
I found the pattern to be reversed on one side compared to the other. There was no way of identifying this on installation but it was clear they were not the same. One side was certainly far too high and the pattern was upside down.
I have rectified that simply by refitting the bulb at 180º but I still have a problem with the pattern not being the same on Left and Right. There is supposed to be adjustment that takes the bulb forward or backward within the reflecting unit. This is my next task.

I've replaced all side lights (and number plates) with LEDs, they are all on the same circuit - you cannot mix them.
I must say the stop/tail light on all GTE's & C's was always very dim. This is a vast improvement, even with poor reflectors.

Otherwise, they seem to be very efficient. I now need to park up with the headlights on and walk away 100yds and see what the cut off looks like, another words to be sure the reflectors are not throwing light up into oncoming driver's eyes
Work in progress.....

It's notable how instant the headlamps respond when turning on and off or flicking to main beam.
I'll probably get used to it but the pure white light somehow just doesn't look right in the old car!

[TrevorG]

I'm stunned, just went to local motor factors for two festoon bulbs for interior lights and saw led ones, so got them. Was then asked 'what are they for ' Answered...'er my car' was then told that if they were for exterior lights, they couldn't sell them to me. Ahhhhhh! another crazy bit of eu legislation. After me calming down, factors then explained that changing original light bulbs for leds is against eu rules and if car was stopped by police one could be prosecuted.

Is this so, or just another petty retailer? If so, Be wary of changing rear clusters to led lights then.

I did point out leds were brighter and safer as they hardly blow and guy then said that head office had been on at them not to sell for exterior lights as they could get prosecuted themselves. Doesn't it make you want to scream?

[derekoss]

Sadly they'll be allowed to breed and produce even more idiots !!
Just buy them on the net and then when they close through lack of business you can remind them why.

Derek

[drcdb15]

This subject has been extensively discussed already here : https://scimitarweb.co.uk/sgwrs/viewtopic.php?t=38546
and no doubt elsewhere on the Forum. Mods, do you want to merge these threads?

[Roger Pennington]

Merged - So it's worth re-reading from the beginning

[demonbluedays]

Anyone got a good source for white lights? I'm only missing reverse for a full set

[Terry H]

These may be OK https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2pcs-12V-DC- ... :rk:4:pf:0
Regards Terry H
1185

[Loxford]

LEDs on my GTC. Vastly improved the dim stop/tail.
H/lights effective but need to be carefully adjusted. you've seen badly adjusted headlights, LEDs are particularly bright but all around they reduce the power drain considerably.


Technically, they are illegal, I believe this is due to them being below the power rating because they use less wattage, regardless of their efficiency I'm not sure anyone is going to fall foul of this.

[willholderogri]

I have made my own rear lights using led panels They are bright (in the original back and lenses ) the bonus is I now have separate back light and brake light plus two led panels on each side for reversing lights (there's more but I won't bore you all with the details ) LEDs panels are £1 30 each and use five each side