Lagondaforum

Subject: Converting original P80 Lamps for use today?

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As some of you may know, I intend to replace the P100 lamps on my car with P80s. I know that originally these lamps had a solenoid inside one lamp that dipped the light, the other remaining static or extinguishing - I'm not sure which.

Either way, I assume that for modern use one needs both lamps to dip so, in Lagonda circles, what is the accepted way of converting these lamps?

Reason for asking is that I may have located some suitable lamps but only one dips.

Thanks Rich...

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Subject: Re: Converting original P80 Lamps for use today?

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Hi Rich,

Good luck with your search. Try genius of the lamp http://www.geniusofthelamp.co.uk/
Or Fiennes https://www.google.co.uk/...nnes+restoration+ltd

As mentioned before, I might be interested in your P100's.

David

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Subject: Re: Converting original P80 Lamps for use today?

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I think P80s look better than P100s on a 16/80.

I think good P80s are harder to find than P100s

I converted my lights to double filament halogen bulbs which was quite successful. I bought the bulbs at the Beaulieu auto jumble . There is quite a lot of fiddling around with the holders but they do work reasonably well. The centre light is important to fill in dark patches.

Colin

Subject: Re: Converting original P80 Lamps for use today?

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Right thanks, but am I correct in thinking that these will not be legal in their original state?

p.s. I may have located some in good condition but with only one solenoid lamp. Just trying to asses the amount of adaptation required.

p.p.s. My car has two driving lamps rather than one centre lamp

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Subject: Re: Converting original P80 Lamps for use today?

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For my P100S I converted to double dip LED lights - low current, minimal heat and a much whiter light (although I accept not everyone likes the whiter rather than yellow light). The LED lamps do need to be focussed and I am able to drive at night in reasonable safety - at speed you will need modern spot lamps in my view although there are a number of options that do not look too much out of place. Dynamo Conversions provided the LED Bulbs http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com If you need restoration of the reflectors and general advice there is Genius of the Lamp and VHR Restoration. Originally on main beam you had two lamps on - for dip the the near side extinguished and the offside dipped towards the verge - that is now illegal! (and not advised) converting to double dip is straightforward using a double contact bulb holder (Paul Beck) I did have halogen bulbs for a time but I found the heat generated melted the plastic in the bulb holders - hence the attraction of LEDs. Hope that helps.

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Subject: Re: Converting original P80 Lamps for use today?

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Thanks for all the advice chaps, most useful, as usual

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Subject: Re: Converting original P80 Lamps for use today?

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My only knowledge is of P100s, of which I have several. They all have dipping reflectors, but not all have the dipping solenoid. Assuming the P80 is similarly built, you might find the easiest option is simply to acquire and fit the same solenoid type that you find in the one that does have the complete assembly, as I think you'll find the non-dipping one has everything you need apart from the operating solenoid.
Laurence

Subject: Re: Converting original P80 Lamps for use today?

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My P100s had a fixed reflector on the left one, but I managed to acquire a dipping reflector and a solenoid turned up on ebay. So just a case of swapping the reflectors and altering the wiring.
David