Headlight replacement

[PaulB]

I need to change both my headlights, they work but the chrome has worn away and they are not very bright. I have seen replacements available but they are for LHD and my car is RHD. Is it only the glass lens that makes them left or right hand drive or is the fitting holding the bulbs totally different. I’m thinking it just the class lens.

[Garry]

Paul,

Welcome to the Group

It is only the glass lens that angles the beam to the left for the RHD cars.

If you are going to replate the reflectors, they need to be silver plated for the light not chromed which does not reflect the brightness needed.  Otherwise you can buy replacement lenses from most of the regular suppliers listed in the Tech Manual

Can i suggest you join as a Full Member and then have full access to the wealth of information here on the Site as well as access to all the past Pagoda Notes and receive the biannual Pagoda World magazine.

[AdelaidePagoda]

If you are looking for safety and are not too concerned about keeping it 100% original, consider upgrading to LED bulbs. Absolutely game changing for driving at night as the original golf ball style halogen bulbs and dull silver reflectors are dangerous if you do a lot of night driving. In Australia we have kangaroos and wallabies on the roads at night.
Easy job to do and easy to change back for car shows or the next owner. See the photo for the difference.

[mdsalemi]

https://www.holley.com/brands/holley_retrobright/products/exterior/lighting/headlight/round_headlights/

[lreppond]

Michael

Did you (or anyone else) use these Holley lamps?  Do they require an adaptor for hookup or are they plug and play.  Did you go with classic or modern bright?   Looks like a really quality product.

[mdsalemi]

Michael

Did you (or anyone else) use these Holley lamps?  Do they require an adaptor for hookup or are they plug and play.  Did you go with classic or modern bright?   Looks like a really quality product.

While I've considered updating, I just don't drive at night. Last time I drove my Pagoda at night was many years ago, leaving a PUB just a little too late and the last 2 hours or so were at night...
These things only make sense if you are a regular night driver (not me) or have money to burn.

[Baybear]

I put these Holley sealed beam LEDs on my Volkswagon beetle using the modern white. They are plug and play, very bright with a sharp cutoff pattern. Will be going on the Pagoda next. See attached picture of the light.
Will

[PaulB]

Thanks to everyone for your reply, I do think the brighter LEDs are the way to go just for safety. So many times, I've been out and about late at night and struggled to see. however, I will have to put this project on hold for a time because I now have a more pressing issue with overheating, the car seems to be running too rich after warming up and the revs are too high sitting in traffic.

[Merc_Girl]

Definitely agree that you should go for LED lamps/bulbs. These are significantly brighter than the current lamps:bulbs. As you are in UK, I thoroughly recommend classic car legs ltd, they are very helpful
https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/

I am currently considering having the reflectors re-silvered, rather than buying replacements. I’m still not convinced that current reproductions are made to the same standards. If you ever watched  Drew Pritchard Classic Cars, they had some lamps re-silvered by a company in the jewellery quarter of Birmingham, Genius of the Lamp; https://www.geniusofthelamp.co.uk/