Club 80-90 Forums

Has anyone fitted LED lamps in there round headlights. if so is it easy to do and are they anygood.

Thanks

They are illegal..https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=162374" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ah Ok thanks

I was/am intending to fit these,
http://campervanculture.com/shop/vw-t25 ... grade-kit/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
So has Jed got it wrong,

Regards Gary

Ps I hope posting this has not opened a

Worth a read...https://www.motoringassist.com/motoring ... r-legally/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Just do the relay and Osram nightbreaker bulbs upgrade.

R0B wrote:Worth a read...https://www.motoringassist.com/motoring ... r-legally/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Haha - I was just on the same page. As I read that, the bulbs are not legal, but the MOT test is only looking for some features of the light output, so it can pass an MOT but still be illegal.

The MoT is a minimum safety standard that does not permit dismantling to be carried-out during the examination. It does not, generally, enforce Type Approval. Therefore, it is possible to have an unroadworthy car that has just passed its MoT Test.

5. I wish to incorporate LED lighting to my car’s exterior. How can I do this legally?
The only way is to use a complete lamp unit that has been tested and wears a Type Approval Mark from an approved maker, such as Ring Automotive.
However, GEM has come across complete LED lamps that do not wear any form of Type Approval Mark and such kits admit in the very fine print on the packaging that they are not for road use. Buy with care.
Any modification, however, must be declared to your insurance company.

So that website seems to suggest that unless CVC's kit has been Type Approved it may well fall into the category where it will pass an MOT, but is technically illegal.

Its no safer being able to see better if the vehicle coming towards you is blinded by glare from your lights, they are then a danger to you as they can't see or are no longer looking.
When I see a vehicle with blinding lights my natural reaction is to look away.

Same goes for push bikes and motorbikes who think you will see them better with blinding lights, no you don't you just look away.

Buy some driving lights if you want to see on empty country lanes, in built up areas you should be thinking as much about other road users as youself.

I used the new LED headlights for the first time any distance last night. They were great. I'm sure they didn't dazzle anyone. No one flashed me and the light spread on dipped beam was clear to see and within MOT guidelines. Main beam was a revelation.

So my verdict on MY LEDs is that it makes driving at night much safer for me, and as far as I can tell isn't causing any problem for oncoming drivers.
I intend to discuss the matter with my local MOT tester prior to the next MOT.

CVC's video shows the difference quite well https://vimeo.com/151308205

Incidently, the new LED side lights are also great, and worth having on, which is more than could be said for the old ones which were a waste of space.

Has anyone used the led indicator bulbs - as my normal indicators don't work very well in my smoked (just kampers - bought before I knew about brickwerks - now converted for many years rear lights & often other vehicles don't seem to see my indicators even though they are working.

a1winchester wrote:isn't causing any problem for oncoming drivers.

laa laa laa I'm not listening.

round corners and on hills thats when your lights will be blinding people, there are so many bad lights don't expect anybody to tell you.
Have you parked up and viewed your van from a good distance and close up at all angles to see if its glary?

Hella units are NOT designed for LED bulbs and WILL cause stray light. I spent many many hours on this which is partly why I ditched Hellas altogether. They leak light all over the place. Less of a prob with tungsten or halogen, but with LEDs its terrible. As said, they don't comply on our vehicles at all and there is no scope to do so legally other than perhaps purpose-designed headlight units. Personally I don't think they're needed either. Better units with stock bulbs, updated cables and relays will match any LED bulbs (which won't last long by the way). As I said in another thread, it only takes another driver you're involved in an accident with to say "he blinded me" and you're totally stuffed. Don't do it.

See: https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=162374" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and: https://www.motoringassist.com/motoring ... r-legally/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you want decent lights on a round headlight model, see:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEIkGpC72GY&t=81s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

How to: https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... ry_to_dash" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

When you consider that you can buy a pair of brand new (two) 7" round headlights from powerfuluk for sub-£40, why mess about trying to compensate for crap headlight units (which Hellas are in my view) by fitting brighter or illegal bulbs.

itchyfeet wrote: laa laa laa I'm not listening.

Have you parked up and viewed your van from a good distance and close up at all angles to see if its glary?

Yes, I have. They look ok to me. I am very sensitive to this as I am among the first to criticise drivers whose lights dazzle ME! So it would be hypocritical if I were to join them. That's why I am so pleased with my LEDs. They are better than I expected in a number of respects, including not dazzling others. They aren't arc lights, just so much better than my old original ones.

I expect to be doing some more night driving on Sunday / Monday, so will watch out for any reactions from other motorists, but to be honest, I'm not expecting it.

hightop ratty wrote:Has anyone used the led indicator bulbs - as my normal indicators don't work very well in my smoked (just kampers - bought before I knew about brickwerks - now converted for many years rear lights & often other vehicles don't seem to see my indicators even though they are working.

Yes, I fitted LEDs all round. The indicators are good. Not a huge amount brighter than my old ones to be honest, but certainly noticeable. A bonus is that they would keep going for longer if you ever had to park up with hazard warning on. They wouldn't drain the battery.

Apart from the headlights, the biggest improvement is the reversing lamp. I can now see what I am backing into at night!

CovKid wrote:Hella units are NOT designed for LED bulbs and WILL cause stray light. I spent many many hours on this which is partly why I ditched Hellas altogether. They leak light all over the place. Less of a prob with tungsten or halogen, but with LEDs its terrible. As said, they don't comply on our vehicles at all and there is no scope to do so legally other than perhaps purpose-designed headlight units. Personally I don't think they're needed either. Better units with stock bulbs, updated cables and relays will match any LED bulbs (which won't last long by the way). As I said in another thread, it only takes another driver you're involved in an accident with to say "he blinded me" and you're totally stuffed. Don't do it.

See: https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=162374" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and: https://www.motoringassist.com/motoring ... r-legally/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you want decent lights on a round headlight model, see:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEIkGpC72GY&t=81s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

How to: https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... ry_to_dash" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

When you consider that you can buy a pair of brand new (two) 7" round headlights from powerfuluk for sub-£40, why mess about trying to compensate for crap headlight units (which Hellas are in my view) by fitting brighter or illegal bulbs.

I contacted Powerful UK after reading your message. They said they had tried to do a kit but didn't have a vehicle to try it on. They pointed me in the direction of this set.
http://www.powerfuluk.com/kit-car-round ... e-rhd.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Were these the ones you used? If they were, was it an easy job to adapt the VW fixings and do you have any idea if using LED running lights instead of a filament sidelight would be legal?
I plan to do the wiring upgrade then put in new lights, so thanks for all your advice in the posts.
Pete

a1winchester wrote:

itchyfeet wrote: laa laa laa I'm not listening.

Have you parked up and viewed your van from a good distance and close up at all angles to see if its glary?

Yes, I have. They look ok to me. I am very sensitive to this as I am among the first to criticise drivers whose lights dazzle ME! So it would be hypocritical if I were to join them. That's why I am so pleased with my LEDs. They are better than I expected in a number of respects, including not dazzling others. They aren't arc lights, just so much better than my old original ones.

I expect to be doing some more night driving on Sunday / Monday, so will watch out for any reactions from other motorists, but to be honest, I'm not expecting it.

Have you considered photobiological testing and the effects of blue light on the eye if vieed too close for too long, its a requirement of appoved LED lighting....probably other requirments too that you never thought of.

The problem with a high blue light content is your iris does not close down so causes damage to the retina, all white LEDs are blue LEDs with phosphor coating, the colder they are the brighter they are and the more dangerous they are.