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Headlights like candles??????

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2020 9:20 pm
by Peter Roberts
Just took the SC out for a run in the dark for the first time in years. Candles are an exaggeration for the light i was getting out. My eyesight might have deteriorated a bit but with new H4 bulbs and a fully reconditioned dynamo the 6 volt system is totally inadequate. What are my best options for improving this such as fitting LED bulbs and if so where can i source them from.

Re: Headlights like candles??????

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2020 9:47 pm
by 356Monkey
Hi, There was a good post back at the beginning of the year on this topic titled '356 LED bulbs' which would be worth reading. I assume your car is 6 volt? This was my post on the topic before

I bought a pair of the LED headlight bulbs from http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com, they look like a really well made product but at £175 for a pair they should be. Unfortunately I ended up sending them back as the are supplied with an adaptor ring which supposedly 'enables a P43t LED bulb to be used in a P45t fitting' however on closer inspection i realised that I would have to also grind down and re model the 3 lugs on the mounting ring on the new bulbs too to allow them to sit into the bulb holder and allow it to push and twist on. For me this was a bridge too far, I don't mind a bit of hard work but clearly I'd void any opportunity to return them once I start grinding bits off to make them fit. Hopefully someone will make a proper 6volt LED lamp unit that fits the 356 headlamp.

Re: Headlights like candles??????

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2020 9:56 pm
by mycar
Hello Peter, I've fitted LEDs all round on my A from Classic Dynamo and Regulator and they all work well.

It seems the LED market is constantly changing with regular upgrades and improvement so if you can't see what you want on the website I would email them with your requirements and I'm sure they'll be able to help.

http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.c ... s-shop.php

Here's some info on this 356 Registry thread, with me struggling to understand the installation.

http://forum.porsche356registry.org/vie ... =1&t=37564&

Re: Headlights like candles??????

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 8:23 am
by Mike Smith
Buy a Fibreglass brush from RS Compnents and clean every electrical connection on the car - particularly Earth Connections

Installing Relays in the Headlight Bowls will also improve things

What condition are the Reflectors in ?

Thought for the day
A Quick Fix Seldom Works

Re: Headlights like candles??????

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 9:46 am
by Peter Roberts
Just restored the car when all the electrics were overhauled and connections cleaned. Headlight units are brand new H4 conversiions.
There is nothing wrong with the lights except being 6v they are very dim. High beam is less than 100 yds which is not good.

Re: Headlights like candles??????

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 6:35 pm
by Hugo 356
keep it 6v &...

Image

Re: Headlights like candles??????

Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2020 12:49 pm
by Peter Roberts
Just purchased a set of LED bulbs from Classic Car LED's. Fitting was straight forward and at £85.00 well worth the money. Fitting instructions were supplied but i needed some additional information and they were very helpful sending me further instructions. I can now see where i am going which is very helpful.
I am still eating carrots and leafy green veg so night driving will now be a pleasure.

Re: Headlights like candles??????

Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:34 pm
by Kenyon
Hi Peter. I think I might try some LEDs for my 356. These look like just the thing. I'm assuming the link below is to the bulbs you bought.

https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/collec ... rsion-5-9v

Did you find a place to put the control unit?

Very interested to hear how you are getting on with these so any update appreciated.

Re: Headlights like candles??????

Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:44 pm
by Peter Roberts
The control boxes are on a short lead from the bulb. There is plenty of room in the headlamp bowl for it to fit. It was a simple plug in and switch on although you do have to orientate the bulb after fitting to get the right cutoff. They supply cable ties to retain it which i put around the bowl retaining clips. I think it also included extension cables ( which i did not use) if you want to put them outside the bowl. It all comes in a bespoke foam lined presentation box with instructions. A very professional operation.
I think the link is correct but i got them from ebay

Re: Headlights like candles??????

Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:09 pm
by Kenyon
Great thanks. Much appreciated. Will check the product with the vendor before buying.