Questions about SFA Headlight Lenses

[SideKick]

Hi guys

So I'm still busy trying to get as much out of my headlights as possible.

The thing now is I have those crystal / clear lenses. I went looking at what else was avaliable, but could only find those lenses with the vertical lines across it. I was then told that it's because of those clear lenses that my headlights are so weak. Those vertical lines are supposed to focus your light and those clear lenses don't do it. Your light gets shined all over the place and that is why it's so weak.

But somewhere here on the forum I read that those Osram night breaker plus bulbs only work nice with those clear lenses . . .

So which would work better? Those origeonal lenses with the vertical lines across it or the clear lenses?

Thanks!!!

[CasKru]

Those vertical lines is to defuse the light and spread it better. With the clear lenses you have more of a focused beam like spotlights.

It doesn't matter how bright the light is as long as the bulb filaments are in the focal point of the reflector

[SideKick]

OK.

So which do I want? Which will work better for me as headlights with the Osram bulbs? Do I keep the clear lenses and just adjust the angle lower (It's pointing quite high I think at the moment, that "spot" where my headlights point usually shows just below the window of the car in front of me, not on the actual road where I need to see. How do I know at which angle my lights should be?), or do I get the lenses with the vertical slits? Which will work better for me as headlights with the Osram bulbs?

[CasKru]

Those clear lense work lekka with the HID conversions but with the normal Halogen the light closeby is a problem. I personaly would go with the standard spec Hella replacement lenses (with the diffuser) if I were you.

[SideKick]

Those clear lense work lekka with the HID conversions but with the normal Halogen the light closeby is a problem. I personaly would go with the standard spec Hella replacement lenses (with the diffuser) if I were you.

What is a diffuser?

[CasKru]

Those vertical lines is to defuse the light and spread it better. With the clear lenses you have more of a focused beam like spotlights.

It doesn't matter how bright the light is as long as the bulb filaments are in the focal point of the reflector

[Mud Dog]

If I'm not mistaken, the clear lenses are not legal for normal lights but are OK for driving lights, i.e. to be used on the open road where there is no oncomonig traffic. The 'diffuser' lenses don't just spread / diffuse the light, they crreate a beam pattern which is low on the side of oncoming traffic but higher to the left in our case where we drive on the LHS of the road. In high beam they pool the beam in the centre without the LHS bias, so IMO clear lenses do not give you that much of an advantage IRO better lighting.

[SideKick]

Those vertical lines is to defuse the light and spread it better. With the clear lenses you have more of a focused beam like spotlights.

It doesn't matter how bright the light is as long as the bulb filaments are in the focal point of the reflector

Ahhhh

[zepplin]

Standard lenses + osram + relay upgrade = perfect!

[Family_Dog]

Standard lenses + osram + relay upgrade = perfect!

x 1000!


-F_D

[SideKick]

Thanks a lot guys.

Going camping this weekens so will replace those light units next week

[krazy_kameleon]

Standard lenses + osram + relay upgrade = perfect!

x 1000!


-F_D

Just make sure you get a decent relay. Bosch or Hella.
I have had relays failing after only a few weeks

I also prefer to fit the relay under the dash rather than in the engine bay. There is less heat and grime and water and they seem to last longer. the only disadvantage is the length of the wire need so you need to make sure that the size of the cable is up to the job. As the job of running all the wires is the biggest pain I always use bigger than I need then I know its done and done for good.

enjoy your camping

[Doom]

Standard lenses + osram + relay upgrade= perfect!

x 1000!


-F_D

Just make sure you get a decent relay. Bosch or Hella.
I have had relays failing after only a few weeks

I also prefer to fit the relay under the dash rather than in the engine bay. There is less heat and grime and water and they seem to last longer. the only disadvantage is the length of the wire need so you need to make sure that the size of the cable is up to the job. As the job of running all the wires is the biggest pain I always use bigger than I need then I know its done and done for good.

enjoy your camping

Ek wou nou net vra wat behels daai relay upgrade? Is dit maar net 'n nuwe relay of is daar meer iets geheimsinnigs agter dit? :shifty:

[Family_Dog]

Remember to add a fuse as well, one for each relay feed from the battery to the lights. The fuses should be mounted as close to the battery + as practical, no more than a few centimetres.

Willem, "Relay upgrade" refers fitting relays to the lights thereby cutting down on excessive wiring between the light switch and the globes. The idea is that the dip switch & light switch operate the relays and not the globes. This cuts down on voltage drop and makes a huge improvement in the brightness of the lights.


-F_D

[SideKick]

Ek wou nou net vra wat behels daai relay upgrade? Is dit maar net 'n nuwe relay of is daar meer iets geheimsinnigs agter dit? :shifty:

Hierdie is die relay upgrade waarvan ons praat:

viewtopic.php?f=92&t=26107" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[519franco]

go HIDs straight it much brighter than that over wired relays

[CasKru]

go HIDs straight it much brighter than that over wired relays

But illegal and blinds oncoming traffic... been there done that and tore the T-shirt

[519franco]

go HIDs straight it much brighter than that over wired relays

But illegal and blinds oncoming traffic... been there done that and tore the T-shirt

not illegal only illegal if you pass the 50 or 60w. hids are 35w but can buy 100w. i also heard that if it passes 8000k. but put 600k in and it brighter than your guys relay story

[CasKru]

go HIDs straight it much brighter than that over wired relays

But illegal and blinds oncoming traffic... been there done that and tore the T-shirt

not illegal only illegal if you pass the 50 or 60w. hids are 35w but can buy 100w. i also heard that if it passes 8000k. but put 600k in and it brighter than your guys relay story

But you still blind the oncoming traffic due to the light pattern that changed when fitting HID where the glowing gas bubble position in the reflector is not the same as the tungsten filament in the normal globes

[519franco]

that thats guys problem and btw when you install them you goto reajust your light so it doesnt and it will be brighter