[TR] Headlight Update

[Anthony Rhodes]

The TR2-4a had wiring that is not really up to the job.  The original
headlight wattages were rather low. And the wires were just adequate,  They
are "28 strand" which might be OK for about 14 amps total.  (actually, I think
they are 14 strand??? Barely ok for a pair of 40 watt bulbs?)  if theycare 28
strand the in principle that is OK for two 55/60 halogen lights

But the switches are not really up to the job. And there are a lot of
connectors and wire length, each adding a bit of voltage drop to the bulbs.
Halogens in particular HATE voltage drop.  A little drop causes significant
losses in brightness.  Modern halogens are best run with relays and a good
heavy power supply wire.

-Tony

On Oct 15, 2014, at 2:14 AM, triumphs-request at autox.team.net wrote:

> Message: 11
> Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 05:14:34 +0100
> From: "Dixie4" <dixie4.wales at virgin.net>
> To: "Jeffrey Gayton" <jtgayton at icloud.com>, <triumphs at autox.team.net>
> Subject: Re: [TR] Headlight Update
> Message-ID: <0C44E88440234A54A13FB5E87D8131A2 at AdrianPC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
>    reply-type=original
>
> The legal standard in UK is 65/50W I would not have thought an extra relay
> was required. However, this is a personal opinion and experience.
> I have successfully used 100watt H4 bulbs for off road use in standard 7"
> round headlamps as a replacement for 65watt bulbs with standard wiring
> without mishap. I must state that is was on 70's Ford Escort which may
> possibly have had heavier wiring than a TR3 as standard. The only time I had
> to fit relays was when fitting four huge Cibi Super Oscar spot lamps.
> Oh those were the days...........120mph down forest tracks 1 1/2 times the
> width of the car, at night, after a hard days work. Must have been mad!!!
>
> Adrian,
> Wales UK