Head Lamps and sidelights broken now fixed. Ugrade?

[STEPHEN LINNETT]

Had the same problem fit earths locally to front end lighting i.e. lampholder earth direct to chassis this will cure it saves struggling under fuse box and creating more problems.

[JamesKT25]

Right I've got all the lights now working, I'm debating whether to upgrade the bulbs and relay the system. Ive read the wiki and i have decided where i am going to place the relays, do i need to renew ALL the wiring for heavier gauge stuff? or just the wiring between the relays and lights?

[AdrianC]

do i need to renew ALL the wiring for heavier gauge stuff? or just the wiring between the relays and lights?

The wiring between switch and relay is just to tell the relay to switch on - it doesn't carry any real current. So the original VW wiring's more than plenty.

Make sure all the wiring from battery to fuse to relay to lights to nice clean fresh earth is properly sized.

[JamesKT25]

Please excuse my ignorance, i'm here to learn What sort of size am i looking at? 27 amp is mentioned in the Wiki. is that to run from battery - fuse - relay - light - earth? And Just the standard cables from switch to relay.?

[AdrianC]

Please excuse my ignorance, i'm here to learn

The only stupid question's the one that doesn't get asked...

What sort of size am i looking at? 27 amp is mentioned in the Wiki.

If you're putting square lights in with 4x main beam 55w bulbs and 2x dip beam 50w bulbs, then you don't NEED to upgrade the dip (but it will help, both to reduce the current through the switch and reduce voltage drop, giving you brighter lights).

For the dip, you'll be pulling 2 x 50w = 100w @ 12v = 8.3A
For the beam, you'll be pulling 4 x 55w = 220w @ 12v = 18.3A
So 27A cable is plenty, but a 20A fuse would be borderline on the main beams. If you chuck a 30A fuse in, you might prefer bigger cable, but 27A is unlikely to be a big problem.

If you put higher power-draw bulbs in ("100/80", say), then the current draw will be higher.

is that to run from battery - fuse - relay - light - earth?

Yep.

And Just the standard cables from switch to relay.?

Yep.

A relay's just a switch, but operated by electricity rather than a finger. A small current "flicks the switch", and turns a larger one on.

[JamesKT25]

Wish i was putting squares in Sticking with the H4 rounds for now.

[AdrianC]

Wish i was putting squares in Sticking with the H4 rounds for now.

OK, so just 2 x 55w on main. 110w, 9.2A. 20A fuse'll be fine.

[JamesKT25]

So I don't need to relay my dip beam?

[AdrianC]

So I don't need to relay my dip beam?

You don't need to. But it'll help improve the light output, and since you're doing half the work anyway...

[JamesKT25]

Right ok, So i need to run a relay for dip and one for main. Or is it one per side?

[AdrianC]

Right ok, So i need to run a relay for dip and one for main. Or is it one per side?

You can do 'em with one for dip, one for beam, each doing both sides.
Or you can do 'em one per side. Your call.

[JamesKT25]

Is there any pro's to either way? or does it just cost more in relays.... lol

[AdrianC]

Is there any pro's to either way? or does it just cost more in relays.... lol

Pros to individual relays...
If one relay dies, you've still got lights on one side.
Capable of handling more power if you want to go Mod-Lambretta on it. <grin>
Cons...
More wiring.

<shrug>
I'd just do one for both sides.

[JamesKT25]

I can always carry a spare relay in the glove box.

Cheers mate you've been a real help!

[JamesKT25]

Am i best just getting all the bits i need on the internet?

110w, 9.2A. 20A fuse'll be fine.

Whats all this mean.... is that the cable i need?