lights

[Mike Arman <armanmik@n-jcenter.com>]

With all the furor over lighting on the list lately, I'm almost hesitant to
post this! It has, however, been unseasonably cold here, so the ensuing
flames probably won't hurt too much.

Everyone dicussing this - everyone - has the same basic premise and the same
goal. The premise is that the stock lights are inadequate, and that we would
like to see better at night. This covers most models on both sides of the
pond (right, guys?), and both LHD and RHD cars.

I've watched the discussion go from mild to wild, and cover such
technicalities as prizim patterns and exotic light meters, etc., and the
result is still the same - I can't see a damn thing at night (Besides, I
can't CHANGE the prizim pattern anyway, and I would prefer not to buy light
meters.).

How about this: A list of progressive improvements, step by step, for each
model, something like this:

USA LHD 5000 series, aero lights:

1. Careful aim of headlights - see (archive listing) for procedure.
        Cost: DIY, zero, result, optimize what you've got.

2. Replace stock bulbs with 60/85 (or whatever) from
K-mart/Wal-mart/Discount Auto parts.
        Cost: $25, result - slightly improved pattern and penetration
        Note: Check connectors for heat damage every N weeks

3. Replace stock bulbs with 100/130 high output bulbs, same sources
        Cost: $40, result, same as #2, but more so.
        Notes: Check plastic headlight assemblies for heat deformation,
these bulbs can melt the headlight reflectors ($$$$$), watch terminals as
#2, you may need to install relays and direct wiring if voltage at socket is
under X.X volts.

4. Replace stock headlight assemblies with Cibie/Marchal/Somebodies super . . .

Anyway, you get the idea.

I'm NOT looking for a "my techno-sophistication is higher than yours"
slugfest, I just would like to see where I'm going at night.

Oh yeah, can we start this collection of lists with an LHD 5000 with Aero
lights? (I really DO want to see better!)

Best (and currently shivering in the dark),

Mike Arman



Mike Arman