Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: FastWgn on September 06, 2022, 13:34:34
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I have been looking for a set of LED bulbs to use as headlights. As we all know, lighting technology has come a long way in the last 20/30 years.
The problem is of course that many of the LED bulbs are 6k temperature (very white).
We have the p45t base which is not the easiest one to find replacements for, and most seem to be motorcycle lights. While doing a search on this site I found two threads that were interesting.
First - there is a firm in the UK that makes lights it seemed people were happy with. Sadly they were priced around 65 pounds plus shipping to the US, close to $100.
Second - people use an adapter to convert the p45t base to a standard headlight (H4) p43t base. And then you have a greater selection of bulbs.
I ordered one set from a place called LEDlight.com that was supposed to be p45t and 3k temp. No go, since the low beams did not light up. Unclear if I got two dud bulbs (unlikely?) or if the wiring for a motorcycle using that bulb is different.
And I ordered an ebay special, which worked well, except the light is more in the 6k range (clearly their definition of "warm yellow" is a bit less yellow than mine...)
Has anyone been able to source an LED drop in replacement for our cars? At a reasonable price point?
Any pointers appreciated!
(yes, I know someone will state that bulbs are precision instruments and placing an LED bulb in a light not designed for it is bad etc. Agreed, but it is also the best way to get MUCH more light on the road without increasing current draw (actually decreasing). And I'm not concerned about blinding others, since we adjust our bulbs down a bit.)
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A number of us have used Classic Car LEDs from UK
https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/
They know our W113 cars and do the headlamp LEDs in a range of Temperatures.
They will cost about $100 though, BUT they work well.
These pics of my conversion may be of interest to you
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dw6X6Ceydwvk54GU2
Paul
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Paul - thank you - yes, that was the vendor and the thread I was referring to.
It looks good but not a cheap path to follow!
:D
Also could not figure out why they need that big heat sink?
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I followed Paul & Dolly’s advice and went to Classic LED as well
Trouble with all these things, postage is a killer no matter which way one is sending over the pond.
I’m very happy with mine, I can actually see at night now 🤣
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Very happy with my LED upgrades. Easy process. Huge difference at night for safer driving. Can you tell which one is LED?
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Large heat sink is because there is no air flow over the actual bulb. The harder you push the amperage to an LED the hotter they get so in order to get maximum light you need maximum cooling.
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I may stand corrected but I think the heat sink is there for the control circuit - not the actual LED bulb, they really don't get warm, esp not at the singe digit wattage we are talking about.
Modern LED bulbs don't need the large control circuitry any more since the actual LEDs are easier to "drive". Hence most modern LED bulbs do NOT have those large heat sinks any more. I think the UK suppler is an early style LED.
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Non technical response but I have an issue with LED lights on cars. Maybe its just me but its a major migraine trigger for me to the point I cant drive at night. I think its the blue light spectrum.