Fitting Vitesse Headlights

[sam93]

Afternoon all !

I've gotten to the stage of fitting the halogen headlights that I've bought for my vitesse bonnet restoration / conversion.

However, I cannot seem to get my head around how all the parts go together. Specifically the inner & outer chrome surrounds. I've looked at a few diagrams and I have what appears to be all the right pieces, I just need someone to explain it somewhat. I've attached a few pictures to show the bit I'm stuck on.

Cheers,
Sam.

[Nick Jones]

Never seen them with two chrome surrounds before.......  Are you sure they've not just supplied two types with a different look so you can pick the one you want?

Nick

[sam93]

No, the bottom one came with the headlight bowl & the top one I bought from canley classics.

See here:

www.canleyclassics.com/?xhtml=xhtml/diagram/vitesseheadlampssidelampstaillampsandnumberplatelamps.html&xhtmlcatalogue=xhtml/catalogue/vitesse.html&category=electricalequipment&xsl=diagram.xsl

[sam93]

The point which might help clear up my confusion is, when fitted should the lights be level with the cover plates or should the lights stick out from cover plates ?

Could anyone with a vitesse put up a close up picture (side view or vertical view)

[Sheepy]

I think you have ordered too many Chrome rings, (at least you have some spares)
There should only be one on them.

These type of 7 inch style lamps were fitted to umpteen different vehicles.

The original type were nearly flush with the outer ring, but they were glass and had the ridges for the beam pattern moulded into the glass.
The ones you have and a lot of others I.e. the crystal style have the beam ridges in the rear reflector, hence giving you a clear outer lense, wich will give you a better brighter beam. They are the ones I plan to fit to the spit.
Some of the aftermarket ones sit more flush with the ring, some sit further out.
As long as the outer ring fits over the lense and supports it on the flange to hold it in position, then it's ok, and you have matching sides! Left side of car same as right side.

Hope that all makes sense.

Cheers

P.s. please don't take pictures when your sat there naked! I'm just about to eat!  ;)

[sam93]

Cheers sheepy, that's some good info. I however was in shorts / t-shirt, lol.

[garyf]

The Standard Vitesse sealed beam units should be flush where they fit into the chrome surrounds (one only per lamp as stated), it look like your aftermarket Halogen ones won't do that? :-/

The painted covers that go over both The main & dip Beam headlamps should also be a snug flush fit with the headlamps/chrome surrounds.

[SRF]

I have just fitted Halogen lights to my Mk1 Vitesse, outer ones.  They do stick out a bit more than the originals.  I don't think my chrome rings are as wide as yours.  The fitting procedure is, fit the black bowl first, if you are replacing the originals make sure the wire  inside the bowl to attach the new lights is the correct one.   Then position the glass level and the correct way up, the chrome ring fits over three small screws.  The screws are different distances apart so the ring only goes one way only. When in position turn the chrome ring to lock it into place and tighten the small screws.   The steel surround is a bit tight to fit over the new lamps.  If you are after originality you will be disappointed, but the light is far superior than the old headlights.  I'll post a picture later today.

[Pete Lewis]

hope you are going to fit a new fused supply to  a pair of relays and use the old wiring to trigger the relays
then you get 14+ volts at the pointed end not the usual 10volts down the old tired wires and switchgear
even the old glowworms will burst into live with the correct voltage .

which really makes more improvement per £ than replacing the lenses and bulbs.
  
  unless of course the sealed beams have failed
Pete

[sam93]

Of course I am, there is very little standard wiring left on my herald anyway.

[Pete Lewis]

thats good .

Pete

[Stu 1986]

Is the "relay method" applicable to the single lamp models too? I've fitted Halogen 7 inch units to my 13/60 & if there is a way to coax more power out the lamps, I'm all ears. A detailed explanation of what needs to be done would be great, extra points for a wiring diagram.
S.

[sam93]

The only reason for using relays is because as a very general rule of thumb, you should never exceed 10 amps of current through a general automotive grade switch; in a 12 volt circuit.

Stu I was asked to provide details on the subject to another forum user. Therefore I'll forward it in to you, as I don't want to type it all out again.

[sam93]

Here's a few photo's of the latest state. Almost ready for a test drive !

Somehow I ended up building a third new dash & doing a full rewire as well !