I'm planning on upgrading the headlights on my '80 Mini. The std. Lucas (aka Prince of Darkness) lights are awful. Has anyone else done this? I'm concerned that the wiring may not take the current draw of the newer halogen or Xenon bulbs. Also the light switch in the stalk. Also the alternator, although my Mini appears to have an aftermarket alt. installed. Not sure whether the addition of a relay (along with heavier gauge wiring) might not be a bad idea. Thoughts anyone?

 

Philty has some kick a*s light upgrade..........Bright as could possible be......i think he got them off a BMW that he Repo'd......lol

 

If it's US-spec, there are plenty of HID conversions for 7" round headlights available because many motorcycles use them.

HID systems use 35w bulbs that draw ~42w after ballast losses: comparable to the low beams of a standard sealed beam headlamp and less than the brights.

There are also H4 conversions but those draw more power at 55/60w.

Relay kits are commonly used with older cars because the corroded old wiring cannot deliver full voltage resulting in dim lights. However even the low voltage is enough to run the relay, so the kits extend the life of the switch and delay the need to rewire everything.

 

http://www.minisport.com/classic-min...s-product.html

Crystal Angel Eye Headlamps

 

Use the relay method with your Lucas switch. It won't take it.

 

Thanks for the confirmation of the relay - a safe way to go. Presumably the gauge of the wiring itself is sufficient for Xenon or Halogen lamps? I was planning on using these, with Xenon bulbs, from GBCarparts.com
http://www.gbcarparts.com/proddetail...=Lamp7Headlamp

 

that's what i got but haven't put them in yet