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MG MGB Technical - Headlamp upgrade - Hellas or Cibies?


Having upgraded my 71 BGT's alternator (to a Bosch 85A) and fuses - now it's time to tackle the old sealed beam headlamps!

I'm thinking of Cibie's new complex reflectors if 7" are available. (see http://dsl.torque.net/products/products.html)

[EDIT: it looks like these Cibie CSR's are for four headlight setups, as there are seperate high and low beam units]

Or these Cibie 7" E-codes (see http://www.talbotco.com/e-code_lamps.htm)

Or, as a third option, Hella E-Codes (part number H70476) (see http://www.hella.com/produktion/HellaPortal/WebSite/Internet_usa/ProductsServices/PDF/Headlamps.pdf)

Obviously I'm upgrading the wiring too (relays, main line fuses, dedicated fuses for each side, etc).

I've read around quite a bit to get opinions - I'd be interested in reading yours!

ps I'm in New Zealand, so don't have to worry about silly DOT requirements!
Curtis Walker

Curtis
FWIW I have been running with Hellas for 20 years - also Bosch on a VW we briefly had - I don't think the Hellas can be bettered.

Back in the 60s we used to use Cibies driving lights on the bumpers - expensive - always getting smashed - didn't give a worthwhile improvement

Roger
PS I use the standard H4 lamps - didn't upgrade the wiring
RMW

Curtis, don't forget to add a relay in the system (one for each, high and low beams) or you'll end up burning the (expensive as he77) switch.

Don't ask how I know.
Luigi

How do you know? ;)

Don't worry, these guys will be getting fully fused and relayed dedicated wiring.

Thanks for your replies.
CJ Walker

I use budget Wipac conversions and to be honest they were a bit pants. For example a car was following me down an unlit B road and I had to pull over and let him past - his lights were casting a shadow around my car :(

Following the ideas across on www.mgb-stuff.org (IIRC) I added relays and 60% brighter bulbs. They are certainly brighter, but I'm now looking for a bulb with a better pattern (and the lens backs have gone rusty after 20months). I've heard Cibie's are the dogs do-dahs...
Stefan Carlton 1

Recent thread on this and i commented there - www.u-cars.net i think - do a google search for rally places in UK - they sell an unbeatable cibie headlamp and bulb (powerwhite) combo.

Its can't be bettered. The cibies have on of the best cut off and scatter patterns of any headlamp.

~PHIL
Phil

I think Phil means http://www.cars.u-net.com, they have been recommended to me as well...
Stefan Carlton 1

Take the comma off the end folks and Stefan's link works ;?)
Stuart Robson

I too had Wipac lamps and they were cr*ppy, poor light control and rusty reflectors in 2 years. Why do respectable suppliers bother with stocking this rubbish? I've had Cibies for several years now. They are OK but not exceptional with standard H4 bulbs.

Mike H
Mike Howlett

I was given a pair of Cibie Iodes of 72 vintage which I have in my GT using standard H4 bulbs. These are still in very good condition with the reflectors and glass still bright. The light output and pattern are very good even by todays standard. Fit a relay in each circuit however as it protects the weak headlamp switch but it also minimises volt drop by considerably shortening the circuit. My roadster rebuilt 02/03 has Wipac. I'm not impressed with the pattern and have serious doubts about reflector life.
Iain MacKintosh

This thread was discussed between 13/07/2005 and 15/07/2005

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