Headlight mod

Gotta love that wiring . . .
Post Reply
jstohr

Headlight mod

Post by jstohr »

Hi am updating my headlights. Used relays and connectors from Daniel Sterns Lighting, and it is set up for the sealed beam lights or H4 halogens. Would like to use the halogens however the Cibies recommended by Dan Sterns are a little steep for the budget as are the Hellas recommended by IAP. Wont be driving a lot at night, but the night light illumination I was getting from the stock was not safe. Bottom line I don't need the best but would like decent light. Does anyone know of a less costly but decent product that will fit, without modification into a 79 2000's headlight bucket? Thanks for the advice.
User avatar
Razooli
Posts: 176
Joined: Fri May 29, 2009 5:57 am
Your car is a: 1982 Fiat Spider 2000
Location: Newport Beach, CA

Re: Headlight mod

Post by Razooli »

I have the Hella Euro Halogen Headlights from International (bought years ago at ~$70 per pair). Excellent lighting with the Greg Smith relay system. Just a bit less expensive than the Cibies ....
http://www.international-auto.com/index ... sid=870530
Did the relays before the Hellas and the stock bulbs were definitely brighter ... but I did a lot of night driving on the back roads of Northern Virginia and the halogens made me feel a lot safer. Brakes, headlights and tires ... worth the extra money, IMHO.
Lynn Shuler
1982 Spider 2000
Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.
spider2081
Patron 2024
Patron 2024
Posts: 3015
Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:45 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Spider 2000
Location: Wallingford,CT

Re: Headlight mod

Post by spider2081 »

I am satisfied with the standard halogen sealed beam bulbs like Sylvania H6024 purchased from Walmart. I think they were about $12 a bulb.
I installed the headlight relays and cleaned the grounds.
SunnySideUp
Posts: 640
Joined: Fri Apr 09, 2010 3:02 pm
Your car is a: SOLD

Re: Headlight mod

Post by SunnySideUp »

I found and installed a set of 7" Classic Round glass H4 conversions that didn't require a change or modification to the headlight bucket. They are truly "plug-n-play." They are convex like the original lenses and not flat-faced like the some of the Hella replacements that are available for the Spider.

http://www.deltalights.com/ The lenses I received did not say "Delta" on them as is shown in their catalog (good thing as far as I'm concerned).

I also upgraded to the relay set-up for the headlights as several other forum members have. I'm really happy with the results!
Last edited by SunnySideUp on Sat Mar 09, 2013 9:38 am, edited 1 time in total.
SunnySideUp
So Cal Mark

Re: Headlight mod

Post by So Cal Mark »

I have EMPI 7" H4 bulbs available at a really low cost. PM if you're interested
User avatar
RRoller123
Patron 2020
Patron 2020
Posts: 8179
Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA

Re: Headlight mod

Post by RRoller123 »

I did what spider2081 did, cleaned the grounds and installed HI/LO relays, and the stock Sylvania headlamps are now fine. Just as bright as my 2011 Malibu right out of the showroom, which is fine with me. But I too drive very little at night, and an upgrade in brightness would be cool, especially if you drive canyonlands or dangerous moose-infested roads or whatnot..
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
baltobernie
Patron 2020
Patron 2020
Posts: 3466
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2007 6:00 pm
Your car is a: 1973 Spider [sold]
Location: Baltimore, MD

Re: Headlight mod

Post by baltobernie »

These are Indian knockoffs of the Cibie H4: http://classicgarage.com/7rounh4headb.html I now have the Belgian Cibie's, but the knockoffs were pretty good, particularly at $18 each. Both have better beam control than USA 7" sealed beams, halogen or otherwise. Of course, as others have said, you need adequate voltage and current at the lamp for good results.
jstohr

Re: Headlight mod

Post by jstohr »

Thanks for all the advice. Believe I will stick with the sealed beams for now but those H4s so cal mark mentioned will probably be on the wish list in the near future.
User avatar
opus10583
Posts: 861
Joined: Tue May 03, 2011 7:13 am
Your car is a: 1978 CS1
Location: Westchester County, NY

Re: Headlight mod

Post by opus10583 »

Hi,

I've found these Bosch Euro H4's to be a quality low cost solution for the infrequent nights I'm out among the SUV-tards in the all but "invisible" Spider: http://www.busdepot.com/0301600118

Went with the IAP relay and wiring kit as well.

Don't forget to aim them.

Ciao,
Mark
...Yes; I know what it means: Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino.

DOLCETTO: 1978 CS1; 10:1, DMS, 4-2-1...
ANDIAMMO: 2012 500 ABARTH

Acquista il Biglietto; Prendere la Gita! - Hunter S. Thompson
sweet124
Patron 2020
Patron 2020
Posts: 125
Joined: Sun Oct 01, 2006 8:04 pm
Your car is a: 1980 FI 124 spider
Location: Caledon,Ontario

Re: Headlight mod

Post by sweet124 »

How did you find the fit with those Bosch euro H4's any modification to the head light bucket.Which bulbs would you use with the IAP wiring harness upgrade
1980 fiat spider under restoration
User avatar
opus10583
Posts: 861
Joined: Tue May 03, 2011 7:13 am
Your car is a: 1978 CS1
Location: Westchester County, NY

Re: Headlight mod

Post by opus10583 »

sweet124 wrote:How did you find the fit with those Bosch euro H4's any modification to the head light bucket.Which bulbs would you use with the IAP wiring harness upgrade
Hi,

The IAP kit requires a half-inch hole in the buckets, the headlights require no mods.

I don't remember which bulbs, same source, I'll try to find the receipt tonight.

Ciao,
Mark
...Yes; I know what it means: Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino.

DOLCETTO: 1978 CS1; 10:1, DMS, 4-2-1...
ANDIAMMO: 2012 500 ABARTH

Acquista il Biglietto; Prendere la Gita! - Hunter S. Thompson
sweet124
Patron 2020
Patron 2020
Posts: 125
Joined: Sun Oct 01, 2006 8:04 pm
Your car is a: 1980 FI 124 spider
Location: Caledon,Ontario

Re: Headlight mod

Post by sweet124 »

Thanks I'll order those lights also if there is no mode to be done.Fred
1980 fiat spider under restoration
User avatar
opus10583
Posts: 861
Joined: Tue May 03, 2011 7:13 am
Your car is a: 1978 CS1
Location: Westchester County, NY

Re: Headlight mod

Post by opus10583 »

Hi,

I bought straight H4 55/60 Watt bulbs.

I don't remember exactly why I didn't go stronger; but concern for the alternator and wiring probably had a seat at the table, installed a power amp for a subwoofer at the same time, and consider night time involves the heater/defroster blower at the same time. At $4/ea I could chuck them for stronger if didn't think they were adequate.

Bosch lamps, bulbs: $60 delivered.

Much, much better than the "halogen sealed beams" it had, at about the same price.

Then I covered them in yellow stone film: I light them during the day, brights at night.

...I'm VERY concerned about being seen by the ignorati in their 4-wheeled living rooms.

Ciao,
Mark
...Yes; I know what it means: Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino.

DOLCETTO: 1978 CS1; 10:1, DMS, 4-2-1...
ANDIAMMO: 2012 500 ABARTH

Acquista il Biglietto; Prendere la Gita! - Hunter S. Thompson
davery
Posts: 806
Joined: Sun Apr 15, 2012 8:51 pm
Your car is a: 1985 Spider
Location: Ohio

Re: Headlight mod

Post by davery »

Sounds like the Bosch might something I am interested in. Are they DOT or e-code? I kind like the spread pattern from an e-code. If they are not e-code, does anyone know the model number for the Hella kit that fits the Spider that is an e-code?
Don Avery
Dayton, OH/Sarasota,FL
1985 Pininfarina
2011 Eos
2012 Mercedes E550 Cabriolet
User avatar
opus10583
Posts: 861
Joined: Tue May 03, 2011 7:13 am
Your car is a: 1978 CS1
Location: Westchester County, NY

Re: Headlight mod

Post by opus10583 »

davery wrote:Sounds like the Bosch might something I am interested in. Are they DOT or e-code? I kind like the spread pattern from an e-code. If they are not e-code, does anyone know the model number for the Hella kit that fits the Spider that is an e-code?
Hi, E: http://www.ratwell.com/technical/BoschH4.html
...Yes; I know what it means: Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino.

DOLCETTO: 1978 CS1; 10:1, DMS, 4-2-1...
ANDIAMMO: 2012 500 ABARTH

Acquista il Biglietto; Prendere la Gita! - Hunter S. Thompson
Post Reply