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MG TD TF 1500 - LED headlights....?

I own a '34 Ford hot rod and got to discussing headlights. One fellow suggested an LED unit he installed on his car.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PNKHW4E?ref_=cm_sw_r_awd_t2LXvbCB2Z9WF

Has anyone installed anything like this on your T? Maybe through a relay?

....


MAndrus

First things first. LED drop in units are not legal in any state. You'll probably never get a ticket for it (HID lamps are similarly completely illegal, but are installed on millions of cars anyway) but just be warned. They don't conform to DOT regulations on light pattern.
Secondly, you CAN buy street legal LED units - but only the full headlamp versions. Truck-Lite among others make these. Fairly expensive ($150/ea) but should last much much longer than regular units, and brighter to boot.
The current draw on LED headlamps is much lower than standard incandescent, so no need for relays (except in that relays are a good thing in general and will extend the life of your switches when used).
I'm waiting for the price to drop more before buying them. I like the idea of more light for less current draw and less drain on the electrical system in general.
Others may not like the color output, but LEDs are now capable of being made to match any existing color.
Geoffrey M Baker

The 'truck' headlights to which you refer are similar (but not identical) to those commissioned by the US Army, initially for use in Afghanistan.

These have been adapted for commercial use (DOT compliant). I have seen a set and feel that they are exceptionally, if not excessively bright. The best price I have seen for them is $434 EACH! Have a look at http://www.levineautoparts.com/militaryled.html. and not the $150 that Geoff suggests. But then again, they may be different units.

I believe too, that they are not permitted for LeMans because they almost certainly, would dazzle any driver from behind.

I still swear by the Sylvania H624 sealed beams, and whilst they don't have the British dignity of a Lucas Tripod, mine at least allow me to drive briskly at night here on the Adirondack roads of Rockburn and are still quite affordable.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gord Clark

Thanks for the heads-up.
MAndrus

Gordon, you found an expensive one! Here's the first one I pulled up in Amazon for $184

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Atrucklite%20led

Note that the price is slashed from $700+ :) Obviously a lot of price variation...

On ebay there are now a LOT of varieties, many from China, for $60+ and up. I would suggest a lot of these are headlight units that are non DOT conforming, but it's a pretty bewildering variety now.

Quite a few pairs of truck-lite units for $330 and up, on ebay.

Please note, I'm neither recommending them or suggesting I like the "look"... quite a few of the China varieties look staggeringly ugly....

Geoffrey M Baker

I put these on the 72 B and they made a measurable difference. Brighter and clearer. 40 bucks each from Moss. PJ




Paul161

Paul,
Those are not LED,,,,
Steve Wincze

This thread was discussed between 08/08/2015 and 10/08/2015

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