Front Headlight and "shell"

[AndyH]

Hi,

I'm about to buy the front headlights.
I was intending to buy some Quadoptic units (with sidelight), but was less certain about the correct source for the supporting / adjustment shell.

I see Demon Tweeks and Europa Spares have some Quadoptics and nest / shell units, but wondered if anyone had any advise on best units for the job.
I guess adjustment from the front is a must??

Regards
Andrew

[rutthenut]

You would certainly want adjustment screws from the front - which would normally be covered by the headlamp surrounds.

Fiat X1/9 headlamp bowls are the 'correct' part.
In theory, any type of bowl/mounting frame should work.

I've used a headlamp with sidelight, as that removed the need for an extra lamp at the front. However, when the headlamp motors failed, it meant I had no visible lights at the front. A separate sidelight would be better than nowt.

SVC are one of many sources for headlamp units, URL somewhere in this site.

[Chris J]

Andy

Whatever you do, DON'T buy some Wipac Quadoptic halogen 7" headlamp units. The silver backing will go rusty before you know it. I know, because I've had some in the past. They're usually cheap, but not in the long run.

John's right, you'd best fit X1/9 bowls. X1/9 size Carello headlamps too, if you can get them.

[guy mayers]

Well I've never experienced reflector failure on my Wipac Quadoptics and they are sat on the floor next to me as I type..... The reason they are not going back in is that both have stone chips in them - punched right through! I will be buying new ones (with sidelight) not because they are cheap but because the Carellos are almost impossible to get new and are invariably rusted to bits if used. Plus I think the Quadoptics give a better light pattern than the Carellos I've had off X1.9s. But the X1.9 light assembly is the one to go for as far as mounting whatever you do decide upon.
Guy

[Chris J]

Guy

The Wipacs WILL last a lot longer on a car that doesn't see a lot of UK winter weather. They don't last as long as Bosch of even Cibie units, though. I know.

[rutthenut]

Another 'gotcha' to look out for is that when the headlamp unit is in the down position, rainwater will run over the back of the headlamp unit itself. That is, if you do not put some other guard, gasket or cover on it.

The result is a small swimming pool or goldfish bowl, which can blow the bulb and/or speed up rusting of the reflector.

If the headlamps are mounted fixed in the up position, you shouldn't get that problem (unless you go through some deep puddles)

[richard hall]

hi
can any one help,looking to find out how the headlamp motor joins onto the flap that makes the headlamp raise up/down,bought the bits from hawk but this bit is missing or is it something that i have to make up?

[guy mayers]

Hi Richard, you'll need a pair of Fiat X19 headlamp adjusting rods. Bronze collars at either end with a left and right threaded ends to allow adjustment of the rod to the correct length.
Guy

[richard hall]

thanks guy, i think i got the only pair of x19 h/lamps in n.ireland but ajusting rods are missing and there is nothing on the motors ,
has anyone a spare set that i could buy ?

many thanks richard

[strat6v]

I'll have a look tonight.

[richard hall]

that will be great strat6v
many thanks
richard

[Ken Tomblin]

For a better light pattern and authentic look try Cibie H 180 units £17.69 + V.a.t. availible from Camberley Auto Factors part No VLU 082439

[richard hall]

thanks ken, have lamps already just need ajusting arm from motor to headlamp flap,
i run my own motor factor business here in n. ireland but fiat x19 stuff is not that easy to find, i agree with your lamp choice as i fitted a pair to my mk1 historic rally car

stra6v had you any luck?

richard

[Sptwoman]

Richard,

Unsure whether you've had any luck but alternative source is here (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FIAT-X19-HEADLIGHT-ADJUSTERS-WARWICKS_W0QQitemZ4618628581QQcategoryZ10382QQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem) ...

Regards,

Allen

[richard hall]

thanks just put a bid on,at least i can look at a picture of the required item


richard