C15 Romahome headlights

[scotty]

Hi all,

Is it possible to fit better halogen style headlamps to my 94 reg romahome ? My lamps have the big old style filament bulbs and they are not very bright. ( I think about 45 W)
The nearside headlamp has misted up and needs a new unit so I thought this may be a good time to upgrade to a brighter system.

As an interim measure I have added 2 small halogen spot lamps to aid my night driving vision and the results are amazing. I can see where I am going now !

As an after thought, if I could upgrade, would the alternator stand a little more current being drawn ?

Thanks.
Scotty.

[peterholden]

Yes you can.

i bought my bulbs off the Internet because they were very expensive at our local car shops.

The web site is www.consumabulbs.com

Tell them that you need a halogen bulb to replace a 410 tungsten bulb

[scotty]

Many thanks for the help.
Regards
Scotty

[jayjay]

Hi - can I do the same with bedford rascal/suzuki supercarry beamers? You might as well walk in front of mine with a couple of candles!

[Dabs]

Be very careful upgrading any headlights,its not unheard of that some people have actually burnt the wiring out to the headlight by installing more powerfull bulbs.Also check that the actual light fitting itself is not a plastic/polycarb as the increase in heat can damage(melt) the headlight.The Mazda Bongo has plastic light units that can go yellow over time due to excess heat caused by brighter bulbs.

Have it checked out by an auto electrician if in doubt

Dabs

[peterholden]

I have actually put halogens in a C15. (They were an option when new but with a different headlight - because of bulb fittings).

The new bulbs werer 60/55W and were well within the power rating of the bulb fitting, wiring and fuses. they made a fantastic difference to driving in the dark, you could actually see!

[scotty]

Thanks to all for the help.

I did suspect a complete headlamp assembly may be required to fit halogen bulbs.

As outlined by Dabs, I was concerned about overloading the alternator etc. but if it was an optional extra I guess it should be ok.

Drove from Nr. Lincoln to the fens tonight and on dipped beam at about 50 mph it's not good.

Where possible I switch on my extra spots but would prefer 1/2 decent headlights instead.

I have emailed the company you kindly suggested but no answer so far.

Many thanks for the help
Regards
Scotty.

Jayjay, great idea about the candles - but the wind keeps blowing them out.

[peterholden]

Sorry Scotty I have not made myself clear.

You do not need new headlamp assemblies you can get halogen bulbs to fit yours. It is just tha Citroen used a different headlamp when they fitted H4? bulbs.

Contact consumabulbs and they will sort you out at a reasonable price.

[scotty]

Hi,

Many thanks. I did email consumabulbs and am still waiting for a reply.

Cheers and Beers
Scotty.

[martinw]

I have changed my headlight bulbs to halogen,and have been using them for the last two and a half years with no problems at all. And yes, I can see where I am going now!

But don't forget you will most probably have to realign the headlights to get the correct aim again.

M

[scotty]

Hi M,

Many thanks for the info. Still waiting for an answer from consumerbulbs - so may have to try a different supplier.

Good point about the headlamp alignment. If I manage to find the bulbs, I will get them set up.
Regards
Scotty.

[lunnie]

I telephoned comsumerbulbs today, left a msg and they returned my call, bulbs on the way
perhaps they have not received your email, it does happen.

Peter I did use your name, to identify bulbs for my vehicle. A very nice lady in their office most helpful.

Joan

[lunnie]

I received my bulbs this morning, so I believe that your email Scotty was most definitely not received. £4.30 for 2 bulbs.

0870 042 5714 if you wish to phone them, postage is free, if they are not available leave your number and they return your call, brilliant service.

Just need help changing and aligning my bulbs now - Martin are you near Wolverhampton? ;D ;D ;D

[scotty]

Hi,

Very many thanks for the info. I guess my email never got there.
Thanks for the phone number. I just phoned the very helpful lady at consumerbulb and have ordered a pair of bulbs.
I won't know until they arrive if I have ordered the correct type ?

Seems like the 410 bulbs are 40/45 watt (as per the ones in my van right now) and the HB12 are 55/60 watt. I hope the HB12's will fit in my van as thats what I have ordered.

Regards
Scotty.

[martinw]

Hi Joan

Glad to hear you had a good holiday,I did too.

Sorry I wont be anywhere near Wolverhampton in the near future

I'm sure a woman of your calibre must know a competent person who could do it for you, or perhaps where you take it for the MOT.

If you are any where in the Peterborough region PM me and I could meet you somewhere.

Nice to here from you again,

Martin

Joan please note, the glass of the bulb must not be touched with bare fingers, it will ruin the special glass they are made of, just hold the bulb by its base. M

[lunnie]

Hi Martin,

Many thanks for your advice, but as you say a woman of .......... well I phoned an ex Rover worker ( now there's a thought, rover and worker together!!)

and he came and fitted them for me, as well as changing my front wheel for the spare on my little Rover car, as it was flat as a pancake, plus he fitted an undercupboard light for me, between myself and my friend Anne we keep him busy, I have a list of jobs for him on my cupboard door, and he ticks them off one by one, and then I add more!!!! Next year he will be really busy, decided to have my brick fireplace totally removed, gas fire out and to make it a blank wall so that I may vary my furniture, he has been warned (sorry mean informed) ;D ;D ;D

He is a good lad, a friend of my husband's so I keep him up with spends.

[lunnie]

Had another look at the boxes of bulbs supplied and I have received the same as I had already!!! she obviously didnt remember that I had asked for the Halogen replacement for the 410 tungsten.

Oh well back on the phone tomz!!!!!

[scotty]

Hi All,

Well, the new HB12's arrived this morning and they are halogen and they do fit. Cost for 2 bulbs was just under £10 post free from consumerbulb.
Can't wait for it to go dark now to try them out.

Many thanks for providing the contact details and all the help and advice.

Cheers
Scotty.