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sealed beam headlight unit - pilot / no pilot?

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 11:22
by mitchelltjohn
Dipped beam on one of my sealed bean headlight units has gone. I looking to order a new unit, but see pilot and no-pilot variants. What is the difference?

My TR7 is a standard 1981 2.0L UK RHD UK model...

John

standard 1981 DHC

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 11:47
by Shauniedawn
By pilot light, they mean you can get it with a sidelight bulb in it I believe.

Shaun

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Posted: 29 Nov 2010 14:04
by TR Tony
You want the non pilot light version as the TR7 has separate sidelights.

Or you could take the oportunity to upgrade to halogen with replaceable bulbs ............

Tony
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<font size="1">1981 2L FHC Cavalry Blue
1980 3.5L V8 DHC Jaguar Regency Red - sadly sold!
1977 TR8 FHC EFI Factory development car Inca Yellow</font id="size1">

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 16:28
by Ianftr8
Changed mine a few years ago - got the ones with pilot holes.

Had a bright idea and put some strobe lights in - just for fun!

Cheers
Ian

Ian Freeman
1979 TR8 DHC California car that never crossed the pond, started life as KDU 315V.
1962 Triumph Courier

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 16:35
by tr7jim
John,

I would go for the halagon type and last time I was looking David Manners ltd were the cheapest in the midlands.

Jim

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 19:43
by saabfast
I recommend changing to halogen too. There is a vast difference if you drive at night. I seldom do with the TR but on the odd occaision I am glad I lost the original candles. They are very quick to fit (no different to putting the sealed beam in)and in future you only need to chage the bulb if it goes. I used Wipac Quadoptic but my son used the Freeform on his Mini and reckoned they were even better.

Alan
Saab 9000 Stg 1
Saab 9000 2.3 FPT Auto
'81 TR7 DHC
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Posted: 30 Nov 2010 12:12
by Odd
Don't forget to upgrade the wiring with relays if you upgrade your lighting
- or you will (given time) fry your switch(es)...

Image <font color="red"><b>My two 1980 Wedges...</b></font id="red">
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Posted: 30 Nov 2010 12:51
by Bobbieslandy
For some reason my TR7 had 45/75w sealed lamps in, i upgraded to the halogen upgrade kit 55/65w from rimmers and it made such a difference, it made the old ones look like candles in comparison. I haven't upgraded the wiring or fitted a relay, I'm not entirely convinced that the control side needs upgrading anyway, but will go through the wiring in the summer and see exactly what it can handle. I've only increased the load by an amp and a half so expect it to last a few years yet.

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