Changing headlight bulb

eunosracr · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2015, 07:01 AM

Thinking about upgrading the H4 bulbs in the headlamps. Can anyone provide any pointers on how to access the bulbs? Is it a pain?

cycleguy55 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2015, 11:41 AM

It's probably no different than most:

Loosen the trim ring retaining screw and remove the trim ring
Remove screws holding headlamp retaining ring (3, I believe)
Remove headlamp retaining ring
Pull out headlamp assembly and remove electrical connector from bulb or headlamp
Release bulb retaining spring from catches
Remove H4 bulb
Install replacement H4 bulb. Note: Do not touch glass surface of bulb with fingers or anything greasy. If you do, clean thorougly with 99% Isopropyl alcohol or mineral spirits using a clean cloth or swabs. Any residual oil or grease WILL cause bulb to fail prematurely!
Put bulb retaining spring back in place and ensure spring 'legs' are thoroughly locked in place
Attach electrical connector and place headlamp assembly in bucket, aligning protrusions on rim of headlamp with recesses on bucket
Please headlamp retaining ring in place and insert retaining screws, taking care to ensure headlamp is properly seated before tightening all 3 screws
Place headlamp retaining ring in place, insert and turn retaining screws a couple of turns.
Turn headlamps to 'On' position and confirm headlamps are working.
Check to ensure headlamp is properly seated, then tighten all 3 retaining ring screws.
Place headlamp trim ring in place, hooking top end on catch.
Insert trim ring screw and tighten.
Remove finger smudges with a clean cloth
Step back and admire your work
Go for a drive - day or night.
Celebrate a task well done with a beverage of your choice.
Brag about your mechanical prowess at the next Cars & Coffee, Show & Shine, etc.

tortuga · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2015, 12:22 PM

CAVEAT: You can remove the ring without messing with your adjustment; look at the ring and there are angled slotted openings and only one (i think) screw that actually has to be removed apart from the one under the trim ring that lets it fall out.

Study it and it will make sense.

tortuga · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2015, 12:24 PM

Oh one more thing i upgraded to the Lucas triangle braced H4 lights, they also have a neat little "City" light bulb which lights up the lamps dimly for tooling around town in brightly lit areas without blinding everyone...Sort of a sexy look.

eunosracr · #5 (**permalink**) 10-30-2015, 12:52 PM

Great info. Thanks !

Kobura · #6 (**permalink**) 10-30-2015, 01:29 PM

Looks like a fun way to have a bonding experience with your car. Sure beats lifting the car and crawling under it.

cbreez · #7 (**permalink**) 10-30-2015, 01:52 PM

Question: How many forum members does it take to change a light bulb?

cycleguy55 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-30-2015, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kobura

Looks like a fun way to have a bonding experience with your car. Sure beats lifting the car and crawling under it.

All that bending and stooping could be hard on the back. Perhaps the best way is to get the car up in the air so the headlight is at waist height or even eye level. Yeah, that's it...

jhv48 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-30-2015, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbreez

Question: How many forum members does it take to change a light bulb?

That depends on whether the light bulb is an original or replica.

Original, one.

Replica, 1266.

MJC · #10 (**permalink**) 10-30-2015, 03:55 PM

Go LED and never look back. The light output is ridiculous.

jeffnolan · #11 (**permalink**) 10-30-2015, 10:45 PM

I replaced my headlights with LEDs. Expensive but worth it, a bright white light that is far superior to H4 replacement bulbs.

eunosracr · #12 (**permalink**) 10-31-2015, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffnolan

I replaced my headlights with LEDs. Expensive but worth it, a bright white light that is far superior to H4 replacement bulbs.

Is this a direct replacement LED bulb for the standard H4 bulbs or is there more involved?

jeffnolan · #13 (**permalink**) 10-31-2015, 05:17 PM

complete replacement.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Round-LED-Headlamp-Pack/dp/B00H8BWEGM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1446333290"]Amazon.com: Philips 7" Round LED Headlamp (Pack of 1): Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BcpjXFlSL.@@AMEPARAM@@51BcpjXFlSL[/ame]

eunosracr · #14 (**permalink**) 11-01-2015, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffnolan

complete replacement.

Amazon.com: Philips 7" Round LED Headlamp (Pack of 1): Automotive

Jeff any wiring work involved or is this plug and play? Pricey but looks well worth it.

jeffnolan · #15 (**permalink**) 11-01-2015, 08:09 AM

Takes about 5 minutes each side. 1 screw to remove the trim ring, 3 more for the retaining ring, unplug old, plug in new, put everthing back together.

Totally worth it. If Carroll Shelby had LED lighting in the 1960's, he would have used it.

eunosracr · #16 (**permalink**) 11-01-2015, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffnolan

Takes about 5 minutes each side. 1 screw to remove the trim ring, 3 more for the retaining ring, unplug old, plug in new, put everthing back together.

Totally worth it. If Carroll Shelby had LED lighting in the 1960's, he would have used it.

Thank you sir !