21 replies to this topic

[minisi35]

Hi all, what are the best headlamps to buy for my rebuild?? i have used the "RING" make before and just wondered if anyone had come across any better alternatives
thanks

[L400RAS]

Cibbie are one of the best, but a bit expensive. Wipac freeforms are the next best imo. Remember to get RHD with sidelight (I assume your car is not a clubman front).

[minisi35]

its a standard saloon, wipacs any good?

[L400RAS]

its a standard saloon, wipacs any good?

Yes, model S6072 includes sidelight. Search most mini suppliers. (Priced individually)

[Chris_R]

I've put Wipac Freeforms on mine, I love them

[MRA]

These not only look good but are very good....

With sidelights
http://www.mra-minis...ht-fittings.htm

Without sidelights
http://www.mra-minis...-side-light.htm

[bobs]

To answer the OP's question:

Lucas P700's then Cibies H180's

I had some Wipac's, put them on after someone crushed my cheap Autopal's parking... took them off again the reflectors were worse than the cheap Indian made Autopal's and a 3 times the cost irrc.

A lot of people on here use Wipac, they're fine, but not something I'd recommend as "best" which was the question, better than sealed beam is all I can say... but not as good as some £10 cheapy lights you can pick up at a show... Autopal.

I personally settled with Cibie's on mine in the end (after 4 or so changes), the reflectors reflect even dim sunlight at dusk on road signs, that is all you need to know, bulbs/bulb strengths are a separate topic...

[MRA]

Wipac make Lucas lamp bodies...... is all I can say to that one

And to say that cheapo lamps are anywhere close to Wipacs is blatant rubbish, the processes used on Wipac bodies is the same as that used by the mega expensive PIAA & Hella lamps both of which run rings (no pun intended) around Cibies... Now whilst Cibies are good they suffer from rust still which is why I only fit Hella or Wipac units in my own Mini's

[bobs]

I'm personally talking about design of reflectors for road use rather than manufacturing processes between brands which is another good factor in a decision, so I'm glad to learn the above.
Sorry if I caused any upset, just stating what I've noticed having owned a few different designs over the years. My Wipac freeforms would spread light very thinly all over the place for me to warrant recommendation, maybe they've changed the design?

[The Goot]

Thanks for posting this question. I've been thinking of upgrading my light as well. Still have originals on my car and would like to have better lighting. Just don't know how much i'm willing to spend yet and how much work is involved changing the wiring and all.


Goot

[MRA]

I'm personally talking about design of reflectors for road use rather than manufacturing processes between brands which is another good factor in a decision, so I'm glad to learn the above.
Sorry if I caused any upset, just stating what I've noticed having owned a few different designs over the years. My Wipac freeforms would spread light very thinly all over the place for me to warrant recommendation, maybe they've changed the design?

No offence taken, I have found the Wipac freeforms to be almost as good as my Hella Rallye 2000 lamps which are 8" in diameter and where used by all the top rally champions of the mid 80's to early 90's or later.... I don't currently have any lamps fitted to my Cooper 1330... but used to have 2 sets of Hella Rallye 2000's fitted to my Turbo Mini

It would be interesting to confirm your points, and mine I guess to get a good idea of point we are both trying to make

[chrisls]

I've found the Wipac freeforms very good.

Nice crisp beam pattern, and very bright where they should be.

[Guess-Works.com]

I've had a set of freeforms ever since they came out.... Very good... but only as good as the bulbs you use....

[Cooperman]

The qquestion was 'what are the best lights'? The answer is Cibie.

[Guess-Works.com]

The qquestion was 'what are the best lights'? The answer is Cibie.

Your opinion is Cibie....

IMO, Freeform ( with good quality bulbs )

But appreciated, they are both better than some of the cheap tat which is available on show stands... let alone candles ( opps sealed beam units )