Series 1 headlight upgrade

[Lance]

Hi everyone. I'm in the final stages of restoring my Series 1 FHC. I'm keeping it almost exactly as standard, but I'm thinking about fitting better headlights. I love the look and feel of driving it as was intended when it was built (so brakes, suspension, engine etc is all standard) - it'd just be nice to be able to see where I'm going when it's dark.

Does anyone know if a kit is readily available? Or has anyone got any experience of improving the lights?

[alfi]

Lance, I fitted Halogens to my V12 as the originals were like dim candles, I also fitted relays behind the offside headlamp doing away with the standard box connector which was falling apart anyway, I used new connectors in its place. Soldier as much as you can earth everything and you will be more than happy with the result, it was the most rewarding job I did on mine as you can actually see the end result. Good luck with it. Alfi.

[Moeregaard]

I installed Hella H4s to my '65, with 55/65W bulbs. The increase in current draw was negligible so the stock alternator didn't know the difference. I once fit 80/100W lamps to the H4s in my Toyota pickup (85-amp alternator) and the electrical system didn't like that at all. I would expect similar results with the E-Type.

I don't know what the current regulations are in Britain and Europe regarding headlamps, but I'm sure they're still well ahead of us in the colonies. We were restricted to sealed-beams for many years and are still supposed to fit only the aforementioned 55/65W bulbs, which I find adequate.