Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7107 Location: Derby

Halogen bulbs are now banned. I must have been absent because I don't remember this coming in. I have bought halogen bulbs for my TC as I am not very keen on the LED beam spread with traditional reflectors.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/end-of-halogen-light-bulbs-spells-brighter-and-cleaner-future

OH BOTHER! Twisted Evil

bjacko · Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2022 6:36 am Post subject: Halogen Bulbs

Does not seem to apply to vehicles, only lights powered from the grid.

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4236 Location: South Cheshire

Ray, you are fine with halogen, as bjaco points out the ban applies to bricks and mortar not vehicles.

You are more likely to be illegal with LED's as many of the retro fit are not approved and technically would fail an MOT, although how this would ever be detected as dismantling is not allowed as part of an MOT Confused

Dave

Bitumen Boy · Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2022 4:27 pm Post subject:

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7107 Location: Derby

PHEW!

I jumped to the wrong conclusion - as usual - and can only say a big "thank you" to you guys. My wife is right; I only ever get half the story! Embarassed

Interestingly though, when I tried to buy some high wattage halogen (60/65) bulbs that would fit my original reflectors I found it impossible. I was able to get the 35 watt ones which I have been told are twice as bright as the original ... so I will settle for that!

MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

LEDs in units designed for incandescent bulbs will almost certainly fail an MoT based on the beam pattern alone - massive glare, no discernable beam control & most important, no usable light on the road.
Headlight units designed for LEDs & correctly marked should be OK.
_________________
Mike - MVPeters at comcast.net
2002 MINI Cooper 'S'

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7107 Location: Derby

When I first saw my TC it was fitted with sealed beam headlamps. Being smaller than original, they didn't look right but I felt sure it was something I could improve on. There seemed to be little chance of the original 8" lamps surviving but I asked the seller just in case... and to my surprise he produced the original lamps.! The glass was missing and the rubber seals seemed to have melted onto the rims; the reflectors were black and the bowls needed repair... but at least I had something to work with.!

After an expensive restoration I was able to unite the original lamps with a fabulous pair of n.o.s "cat's eye" lenses; helping to return TC 10030 to it's correct frontal appearance.

Despite wanting to keep the car looking right I felt halogen bulbs would be the way to go. The aim has always been to ensure that the MG is as usable as possible on today's roads.

lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1600 Location: Le Mans

Well, I am replacing all bulbs in my E-type but have had to wait until now for the headlight bulbs (Lucas PL headlights). But since the car doesn't need an MOT all seems to be fine I guess.

MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

LEDs will almost certainly not work in PL700 units.
BPF-base 60/55W halogens are available:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/372812841886?hash=item56cd60839e:g:crcAAOSw9qFdruE0
_________________
Mike - MVPeters at comcast.net
2002 MINI Cooper 'S'

lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1600 Location: Le Mans

I've been discussing them with this company for a year or two and he now says he has them available.

https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/

MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

Interesting website, thank you.
I'd be very interested to experience the beam pattern & usability of an LED in a reflector unit designed for an incandescent bulb. If it works it will be a world first!
_________________
Mike - MVPeters at comcast.net
2002 MINI Cooper 'S'

lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1600 Location: Le Mans

You are the expert it seems, but he has asked me to send a close-up photo of the reflector since there are apparently several types.

MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

I'm not exactly an expert! But I have done a lot of experimenting with LEDs.
LEDs generally work extremely well in units where precise beam control is not critical, such as side, parking, directional & internal lights. They also work well for reverse, flood & work lights for wide illumination.
But until the LED emitter precisely matches the size & position of an incandescent filament they can't possibly work in a reflector headlight. The 'ideal' light source is a point source; filament bulbs approach this - LEDs are nowhere near it yet.
I should point out that classiccarleds specifically state that their current BPF 36D bulb will not work in PLxx units, though I would have thought they would.
My criteria for replacement LEDs in incandescent-designed headlights are simply that you can see better down the road without bothering other road users. It seems that classiccarleds may be getting close.
_________________
Mike - MVPeters at comcast.net
2002 MINI Cooper 'S'