First up some new more discrete indicators, these are designed for motorbikes - the old sitting on the bench for comparison:
Headlamps I've taken a leaf out of various RhoCar examples and fitted some dominator 3.5" lamps.
Reference shots for the wiring, I managed to keep the same loom just needing to remove and re-install the various plugs.
White - Blue/Red - low beam
Yellow - Blue/White - high beam
Black - Ground
Comparison - new on the left, old on the right:
All installed and ready to go; I lined up the new lamps by first marking the pattern on the old ones inside the garage door, then without moving the car lining up the new ones. Hopefully thats good enough until MOT:
Took her for a test drive, headlights are fine, almost flush with the top of the bonnet now.
My 5 minute test drive turned into 90 minutes ;) ... down the A229 through Staplehurst, Goudhurst, Cranbrook road towards Tonbridge, hit the A21 then back along the A228 towards Yalding, up the hill and home.. a little nippy, a little wet too ! but good fun.
My 5 minute test drive turned into 90 minutes ;) ... down the A229 through Staplehurst, Goudhurst, Cranbrook road towards Tonbridge, hit the A21 then back along the A228 towards Yalding, up the hill and home.. a little nippy, a little wet too ! but good fun.
Indicators are flashing too quickly - so theres something amiss there - I'll have to check the bulb ratings on the new indicators presumably they are lower resistance?
Update - Turns out the original indicator bulbs were 12v 21w, new bulbs are 12v 10w - so that explains the higher current through the indicator circuit and faster flashing - it must think a bulb is missing - new 21w bulbs on order but I'll check they don't generate too much heat before fitting permanently.
Checked I had no short circuits, left & right hand side seemed to be about the same resistance so picked up a replacement electronic flasher relay too which can switch 0.2-20amps - it doesn't care if the indicator circuits/bulbs are not precisely matched and gives a reliable regular flash. Downside is it won't change rate if a bulb blows.
Update - May 2014 - Although these lights look the part they don't give out a very good beam, noticeably less light than the original 7" reflectors. I'm going to try some extra bright bulbs, but if the issue is with the reflectors then the whole units may have to go.
Update - Turns out the original indicator bulbs were 12v 21w, new bulbs are 12v 10w - so that explains the higher current through the indicator circuit and faster flashing - it must think a bulb is missing - new 21w bulbs on order but I'll check they don't generate too much heat before fitting permanently.
Checked I had no short circuits, left & right hand side seemed to be about the same resistance so picked up a replacement electronic flasher relay too which can switch 0.2-20amps - it doesn't care if the indicator circuits/bulbs are not precisely matched and gives a reliable regular flash. Downside is it won't change rate if a bulb blows.
Update - May 2014 - Although these lights look the part they don't give out a very good beam, noticeably less light than the original 7" reflectors. I'm going to try some extra bright bulbs, but if the issue is with the reflectors then the whole units may have to go.
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