Mixed Headlights: Sealed Beam and H4 - Which way do I go?
#1
Mixed Headlights: Sealed Beam and H4 - Which way do I go?
I just replaced a burned out H4 headlight bulb on my 1988 XJS. I bought two so the light would be even, only to find out that the other headlight is a sealed beam. Now I have one of each.
Which way should I convert? Are there any modern headlight alternatives? There is lots of space behind the headlights for transformers or other rocket science.
Which way should I convert? Are there any modern headlight alternatives? There is lots of space behind the headlights for transformers or other rocket science.
#2
Join Date: Mar 2008
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#3
Agree with Doug. Cibie are not cheap, but excellent lamps, far superior to a sealed beam. They have a sharp cutoff, so all the light is directed down to the road so opposing drivers are not blinded, yet the maximum amount of light is put to the road.
In contrast, sealed beams are designed to scatter the light, so as to illuminate overhead signs. The road is always dimmer with them as the lenses don't put all the light on the road. The H4 lights are usually a slightly higher wattage (55W on low beam) than sealded beams too.
Bosch, Cibie and Hella make the round E code headlights. I've used all 3, and I think the Cibie's have a slight advantage. Don't get the Chinese/ebay knockoffs, but get the European made ones and you won't regret it.
Daniel Stern is the guy for lights: https://www.danielsternlighting.com/.../products.html
This clearly shows the difference between a 55W E code light and standard sealed beams. http://www.naxja.org/forum/showpost....89&postcount=8
In contrast, sealed beams are designed to scatter the light, so as to illuminate overhead signs. The road is always dimmer with them as the lenses don't put all the light on the road. The H4 lights are usually a slightly higher wattage (55W on low beam) than sealded beams too.
Bosch, Cibie and Hella make the round E code headlights. I've used all 3, and I think the Cibie's have a slight advantage. Don't get the Chinese/ebay knockoffs, but get the European made ones and you won't regret it.
Daniel Stern is the guy for lights: https://www.danielsternlighting.com/.../products.html
This clearly shows the difference between a 55W E code light and standard sealed beams. http://www.naxja.org/forum/showpost....89&postcount=8
Last edited by Jagboi64; 10-21-2017 at 01:06 AM.
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Flint Ironstag (10-21-2017)
#4
#5
The following users liked this post:
Flint Ironstag (10-22-2017)
#6
Here what I used for mains. H1 bulbs. They have a flat not domed face
https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...5811/overview/
And these for main/dip H4
https://www.ebay.com/itm/HELLA-00285...53.m2749.l2649
https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...5811/overview/
And these for main/dip H4
https://www.ebay.com/itm/HELLA-00285...53.m2749.l2649