Headlamp unit overhaul

[Rich K]

Hi,

Just getting into the overhaul of my headlamp units. I will be fitting Quadoptic halogen headlamps as an upgrade. Decided to source new backing bowls, inner bowls and outer retaining rims as they are relatively cheap and will save time trying to refinish the tired and corroded old ones. I have retained the original mounting plates (YKC682 and YKC683) as these seem to be unavailable and will refurbish these. I am thinking of adding relays to the main and dip beam circuits in order to avoid high current running through the headlamp switch. Not sure why Triumph didn’t do this; probably those pesky bean counters I expect. All the linkages will be cleaned up and lubricated on reassembly. Any tips on the correct lubrication for all the various parts would be welcome.

Thanks, Rich.

[saabfast]

You can get a relay loom for the headlights off ebay very cheaply:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153763778314 ... 1438.l2649

Saves a lot of work.

I have fitted H4 Quadoptics but not taken the lights out of mine. I just lube annually using some WD40 followed by white spray grease. I feel the WD40 gets into the joints better and helps the flow of the grease into them.

[FI Spyder]

l to accept. I had read that Lucas submitted three wiring looms before one was cheap enough for BL to accept. Don't blame Lucas, blame BL. I have the loom and the halogen headlamps but never got around to installing them. I had a high output Lucas alternator of some sort so they were always bright enough even at idle and I never did that much night driving so never got around to installing them (yet).

[Beans]

... Not sure why Triumph didn’t do this ...

Because the switches can easily cope with the currents that the original system throws at them
Problems start with old age of the components and people not capable of maintaining them properly

[Rich K]

Hi,

Thanks guys for all you replies. Good to know that there are at least a few people out there keeping the faith with the forum.

Thanks Alan that plug and play loom looks really easy and good value. I did wonder whether the existing wiring would be up to scratch for more powerful light units. The ebay item looks to be using a decent wire gauge. The engine bay connections on my lighting wiring are quite oxidised and would probably clean up but better to replace in this case I think.


FI Spyder, I had also heard a similar story about BL and Lucas in relation to the quality/cost of the electrical system.

Beans, I take your point about the existing switches being able to cope when properly maintained. I think I will take a belt and braces approach and upgrade the wiring with relays while I have the whole thing apart.

Thanks,
Rich.