Replacing headlights with Sealed Beam on NA (Was: Newbie)

Gravelben · Post by **Gravelben** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:49 pm

Howdy all, new MX5 owner here

Bought a cheap '89 Eunos with 205km on it, paint a bit patchy but you get that with a 19 year old red car, interior and mechanicals seem well looked after, drives great! Can't really go wrong for $3.5k, fun/$ ratio is hard to beat.

Only complaint is the headlights are pretty crap, but they may just need adjusting a bit so I'll see about that before spending money on bright bulbs, spotlights etc.

A few photos here:

whoops not allowed a link in my post until I've been a member for longer, Click the link to my WWW below to see the pics.

Post by **zorruno** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:12 pm

Gravelben said on 03/03/08 16:49:

Howdy all, new MX5 owner here Very Happy

Welcome to the fold Gravelben

Bought a cheap '89 Eunos with 205km on it, paint a bit patchy but you
get that with a 19 year old red car, interior and mechanicals seem well
looked after, drives great! Can't really go wrong for $3.5k, fun/$ ratio
is hard to beat.

Sounds great - incidentally, anyone bought one cheaper? I'd love to
know the cheapest deal anyone has got.

Only complaint is the headlights are pretty crap, but they may just need
adjusting a bit so I'll see about that before spending money on bright
bulbs, spotlights etc.

I recommend non sealed beam replacements and choose the bulbs based on
your budget. Otherwise if your budget is really pushed, people here
often give away their old sealed beams if you need some.

whoops not allowed a link in my post until I've been a member for
longer, Will have to wait before posting link to the pics.

Feel free to set up in the Garage (click the garage link at the top) and
post pics in there. Otherwise it is just a couple of posts now before
you can dispense with the 'restricted' post palava...

cheers

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Gravelben · Post by **Gravelben** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:06 pm

zorruno wrote: I recommend non sealed beam replacements and choose the bulbs based on
your budget.

How much would the non-sealed beam replacements be likely to cost? And is it a DIY job to change them or would it be a case of giving an auto eletrician some money?

petercristina · Post by **petercristina** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:41 pm

I ordered the new H2 sealed Hella units which were reasonable. Can't recall how much, probably $50 each or so. Easy job to replace yourself as they come with instructions and the difference in light is heaps! A very good upgrade to do!

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Post by **zorruno** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:18 pm

As peter said... an easy task and a satisfying replacement. Even I could do it. (Shut-up Poison...)

I started looking for my previous post on the subject when I replaced mine... and I ended up writing in the FAQ/Howto section with a few pointers and a list of previous discussions on the matter.

Hope this helps:
http://www.mx5forum.co.nz/viewtopic.php?t=8676

If you wanted to take some pics when you do it and post them in that howto... that would be good

cheers

Gravelben · Post by **Gravelben** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 10:04 am

Cheers for the advice, sounds like the semi-sealed option is the way to go - did you have to upgrade wiring/relays for the 80/100w bulbs you used?

Post by **zorruno** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:54 am

on 5/03/2008 10:04 a.m. Gravelben wrote:

Cheers for the advice, sounds like the semi-sealed option is the way to
go - did you have to upgrade wiring/relays for the 80/100w bulbs you used?

I didn't bother, and the fuses seem to be rated OK.

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Post by **jif** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:54 am

Another option may be to use the Hella plus-50 (or 30) bulbs (NOT the tinted blue ones). No wiring upgrade necessary and in my case, makes for the best headlights out of any of the 6 odd Japanese/Euro cars we've had recently.

If you're feeling adventurous, google "HIR bulb upgrade" :]

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Post by **zorruno** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 12:21 pm

on 5/03/2008 12:01 p.m. jif wrote:

Another option may be to use the Hella plus-50 (or 30) bulbs

Or live in the city... where I never get to use the high-beams...

is the 50/30 an indication of wattage?

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poison · Post by **poison** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:50 pm

This really is a 100% must upgrade for all NA's (pop up headlight model) if not already done.

I used the Hella plus-50 as suggested by Jif, I just got the same wattage of about 55W I think, and they were a massive improvement, and no concern about wiring or fuses. I think they were about $35 a pair. It was great to have a decent white light instead of the abysmal dim yellow from the glow worms they originally install in the headlights.

Yes you are right, 50/30 is the wattage, being 50W at full beam and 30W low beam. Don't be too concerned as long as its close. Up to 55/50 will be fine, I think mine were about that.

Also you should never increase the size of a fuse, the fuse is sized to protect the wiring not the thing on the end (ie; lights horn etc), also the lights are switched through relays, these could also require changing with a wattage increase. There may not be a problem short term but if it did fail I can guarantee it would be a cold wet night and a long way from home. If you upgrade fuses there is a risk of electrical burnout if there is a problem. This applies in the home too, never upgrade fuses without expert advice

If you are on North Shore of Auckland and need a hand for the changeover I can help there.

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Post by **jif** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:15 pm

plus-50 = +50% brighter ... even on low beam and in the city :]

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Growler · Post by **Growler** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:06 am

I run 55/90s for my lights and they light up the whole road.
The 90's are supposed to be illegal but the trucks use them and it passes a warrent every time.

Gravelben · Post by **Gravelben** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 1:48 pm

Well I've ordered some semi-sealed lights from mx5mart, they come with 60/55 bulbs which I may end up upgrading but will give them a try to start with.

Also ordered a windblocker (the one that sits behind the seats) to cut down buffeting on windy days, and front and rear lower suspension braces

I think I'm starting to catch the modding bug...

Gravelben · Post by **Gravelben** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:57 am

Fitted new lights last night, the difference is amazing!

The MX5 is no longer a liability in the dark, I can now travel at 'normal' open road speeds without out-driving the beams, and I've stopped trying to flick them onto full beam only to find out they already were.

Took some photos which I can upload at some stage for the FAQ if you like.

Also fitted the mx5mart wind deflector which is simple and effective, and have front and rear suspension braces to fit tonight or when I get round to it.

Psycho_Dad · Post by **Psycho_Dad** » Sun May 18, 2008 6:40 pm

my miata cost $2900, 240kms tho, it will soon cost me double that, turbo conversions rock

mazline · Post by **mazline** » Tue May 20, 2008 5:27 pm

We can do them,
Mazline Partsworld
0800 323 626
$60.00

for the pair plus bulbs.