Re: Anyone fitted H.I.D. headlights to a 60s Alfa?

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@xxxxxx>]

Hi Andrew:

Why not try a set of 7" Cibie or Bosch H4's?  I can't imagine not being 
satisfied with those, and you'd be able to install them for ~$120.  Stay 
away from anything DOT-approved, so that means using what are commonly 
called "E-code" lamps.  I don't much like the 7" Hella's, mainly because of 
a poorly-defined beam pattern, compared to the Cibie or Bosch.  You could 
even install Carello H4's, for originality's sake, but again, the Cibie and 
Bosch are better.

One of the problems with aftermarket HID's is that you'll only get one 
beam, that is, high OR low.  Such is a limitation of the Spider's body 
configuration of only 2 lights.  Some of the newest HID conversions have a 
mechanical shutter inside the lamp that shields part of the bulb for low 
beam usage, but that sounds a bit too complex for 100% reliability, at 
least for me.  I couldn't justify the expense, either for ANY DOT-approved 
lamp, even HID's.

One last thing to consider would be an upgrade of your Duetto's generator 
to an modern alternator (~65 amps), which is a common and sensible 
improvement.  Everything electrical on the car will work better, from the 
ignition to the wipers, including the lights.

Regards,

Dean
Lutz, FL
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's



At 09:42 PM 7/2/2003, you wrote:

> Date: Wed, 02 Jul 2003 12:36:18 -0400
> From: "Andrew Schwartz" <andrew_s_swartz@domain.elided>
> Subject: Anyone fitted H.I.D. headlights to a 60s Alfa?
>
> I am sick of the headlights on my '67 Duetto (US spec).  They barely
> illuminate in front of me and I'm often not even sure if I've got them
> turned on.
>
> I would like to improve my lighting without stressing the electrical system
> of the Alfa.  And H.I.D. headlights came up as a thought.  They are very
> expensive (~$500), but appear to be dramatically brighter and actually use
> less power (~35W).
>
> I would like to combine this with remounting the lights from the inside and
> fitting the Carello covers.  Has anyone installed H.I.D. lights.  Any
> 'gotchas' I should be aware of?
>
> Thanks,
> Andrew
> 1967 Duetto Spider
> Brookline, MA
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