MGB & GT Forum

The headlights on the MGB are awful so I set out to find a solution. After looking at some LED sealed beam conversions, I was convinced I wasn't going to find a solution that didn't look like glowing herpes.

Then I found these sealed beam conversion lenses on DDMTuning.com along with a set of 6000K LED bulbs. (http://ddmtuning.com/Products/6024HalogenLamp)



However, I quickly found out that the in-line ballast along with the length of the bulb would not fit into the stock sealed beam housing. There is VERY limited space in here. So after doing some digging, I found a set on Amazon that I believed would work. It's VERY important to get a set of LED bulbs that do not have built-in fans or in-line ballast. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071R3KTBB/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)






You can see the brightness difference here. The LEDs emit from the sides allowing it to have a very nice cut off, so it won't be blinding to oncoming drivers. Here is a side by side comparison versus the sealed beams that were on the car:



Here's a picture of the beam pattern. I know it's a bit hard to tell, and I can get a better picture tomorrow when it's not 1:30 AM.



Hope this is helpful to you guys seeking a solution to the dim headlights.

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1972 MGB
2014 BMW 335i
2008 Chevy Silverado 1500
2004 BMW 330i (Sold)
1988 BMW 325 (Sold)

Looks fine, but the power consumption seems higher than the ones flagged up in en earlier thread here (not the equivalent power quoted):
https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/collections/12-volt-collection/products/latest-led-headlights-h4-philips-z-es-hi-lo-beam-conversion-9-32v?variant=25760255303

But we are certainly moving to affordable solutions for our MGB's now, IF one accepts a 6000+ Kelvin color value...

Ken: I hope you install a headlamp relay off your starter. The 72, along with other BL cars fry the switch easily. They look nice. And to think an original pair of Lucas headlamps sold for $113 on EBay yesterday !!

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"Only those who have patience to do simple things perfectly ever acquire the skill to do difficult things easily"
James J. Corbett

What's wrong with a 6000K color? These have a 12V draw and are 25 watts each, over half of what the stock sealed beams are.

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1972 MGB
2014 BMW 335i
2008 Chevy Silverado 1500
2004 BMW 330i (Sold)
1988 BMW 325 (Sold)

Ken,
Stock sealed beams are fine. Stock sealed beams with a relay kit is way better. H4 halogen is way better than stock sealed beam with a relay kit. The reflector in the lamp is key

There is many ways to see the road in front of you. You have taken a mega step so the difference is dramatic.

Good on ya,

B

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Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?"



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017-08-17 08:22 AM by riley1489.

Nice find Ken. I have Bosch motorcycle halogens in my B so I can see at night already but it's great that there are LED headlights that will fit our cars.

Adrian

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Home built Eaton M62 Supercharger with 8psi boost, 8:1 compression, custom "supercharger" cam from Schneider Cams, Mikuni HSR48 Carburetor, custom ground high ratio "stock" rocker arms, Maxspeeding rods with Teflon wrist pin buttons, custom aluminum cold air intake, CB Performance computerized ignition, Fidanza 9 pound flywheel, 1.44 exhaust valves in 48cc chamber head, matched manifolds, 2 1/4" exhaust system.

I like visibility.

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1972 MGB
2014 BMW 335i
2008 Chevy Silverado 1500
2004 BMW 330i (Sold)
1988 BMW 325 (Sold)

I would love to see a picture of the light pattern and brightness outside at night if possible. Thanks for sharing

Not sure where this fits with the UK MoT rules

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Bernie

"discere mutari est"

Wiring Diagrams: http://www.advanceautowire.com/mgb.pdf
Paul Hunts very useful site: http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk
Manual for download: http://www.geomatique-liege.be/MGJP/DocumentsPDF/MGB_Workshop_Manual.pdf
UK MoT guide: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/518634/mot-inspection-manual-for-class-3-4-5-and-7-vehicles.pdf
Some basic guides: http://www.howacarworks.com/

1970 Roadster (First Reg July 10 1970). Std exhaust (Bell SS) AFAIK rest is bog standard

Meets US DOT regs?

I'll take one tonight!

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1972 MGB
2014 BMW 335i
2008 Chevy Silverado 1500
2004 BMW 330i (Sold)
1988 BMW 325 (Sold)

Yes. There is a clear cut off on the beam pattern and can be adjusted to aim further down if needed. These lenses are excellent.

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1972 MGB
2014 BMW 335i
2008 Chevy Silverado 1500
2004 BMW 330i (Sold)
1988 BMW 325 (Sold)

Good post, thanks for sharing!

Hey, is that a Silvertone guitar amp head sitting on the stool?

It sure is!

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1972 MGB
2014 BMW 335i
2008 Chevy Silverado 1500
2004 BMW 330i (Sold)
1988 BMW 325 (Sold)

That's funny...I had five pairs of tested good originals and couldn't give them away. But hey, what else is new?

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1973 MGB: Blow through supercharged, intercooled, 10psi boost. VP12 cam, aluminum flywheel, 8.9:1 compression. Black label OD, Saab 15” minilites. Goes a lot better than it looks.