Headlight Help Needed :)

[Hayden2868]

Hey guys, so i bought some replacement bulbs this afternoon thinking i would be able to just plug them in to the back of the light as was the case in my other cars, but on the hilux it seems the bulb is fixed into the housing?, i haven't pulled the whole light out yet to have a look but im just wondering to i need to replace the whole thing? or is there a way to convert this one to take a replacement bulb?Because i was hoping to upgrade to something brighter.
Cheers Hayden
1995 single cab 4 cyl petrol 4x4

[jacques kotze]

If I remember correctly, you basically just pull the plug out at the back, and then there should be a black round rubber you will have to pull off, then I think there should be a metal clip that you have to depress and then you pull it open, think it has a hinge effect on the side of the clip.

Then your globe should be able to come out.

[Hayden2868]

that is what i was expecting to find but this is what im looking at.

[Family_Dog]

Seems you have a sealed beam - didn't know they still made those. You might have to try the after-market spares shops, but be wary of some of the Chinese stuff, some of it is good, some of it is of dubious quality.


-F_D

[Mud Dog]

Yep, sealed beam .... you can still get them. I just wonder why that has been fitted and if it was done ex-factory or after market. The H4 fitting allows for a number of different bulb technologies to be used.

[Hayden2868]

Ahaa, i thought it looks abit retro haha i found these though so i think ill have to replace them.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TOYOTA-HILUX ... 35be359d2c" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
thanks for the help guys

[Family_Dog]

Careful with those, I seem to recall some guys here fitted those and were not overly impressed with them. Perhaps if anybody here still has these, they can chime in, I might be wrong.


-F_D

[Mud Dog]

Clear lenses are prohibited in some countries because the beam pattern is uncontrolled and can affect oncoming traffic (too bright on dip), so check on that.

The ones you show there have that beam pattern 'controlled' in the reflector as opposed to the lens, but remember that 90% of a lamp's effectiveness lies in the reflector - i.e. it's reflective quality and beam focus. There might well be a reason why the major manufacturers choose to have the beam pattern in the lens rather than the reflector - could be that you loose more light through dispersal on high-beam with it in the reflector.

[Hayden2868]

so what is the best option would i be better to ask a wreckers if they have something that will fit or is there a better aftermarket option? Normally i wouldn't be too fussed on headlight brightness but these things are like glow worms in a jar.

[pietpetoors]

I replaced mine with clear lenses and the light is better than the original lights. You get good quality and poor quality clear lens units. Seen some that is really crappy and some that is good. Mine is in my bakkie for about 5 years now and I am happy with them.

[Mud Dog]

Hayden, give those a try if they're legal over there - or otherwise just go along to any of your local automotive spares outlets and get a standard set of H4 lamp units.

[ChrisF]

question from the peanut gallery - is it an option to replace the "light unit" with a non-sealed unit ?

Get the pain out the way once, and the next bulb replacement is just that - just a bulb.

[Scott]

hella does a replacement and they seem to last and you can choose your own replacement bulbs.

[Dadz Toy]

I replaced my old ones with clear "Autopa" units about 5 or 6 years ago.
They are still sparkling clean and corrosion free as the day I got them.
You'll see that there's a shrowd over the globe so there's no worries about legalities Mr Brandstetter.
Most new vehicles are going this route and there's little doubt that they are more effective than a textured lens.
I put a HID Kit in a while back, the lights are now super bright.

Rich

[Borntofish]

I bought a Hella set years ago from Midas. They where not to expensive...

[pietpetoors]

My Chev also had sealed beams and I had to replace them with "semi sealed beams" because that is all that is available. Like Chris said, makes it much easier and cheaper next time it blows, you then only replace the globe. When you look for semi sealed beams, check out for one with a park globe in the head lights. I know some guys wire this extra park light globe to be always on when ignition is on, it then works like a DRL