1980 1600 Coupé Headlights

[A Ross]

**update** for Carello read Cibie.

Having worked out that the current front lighting set up on my Coupé is a bit of a lash-up I need to do something this year to address the problem. It would appear that my Carello inner high beam lights are mounted outboard and in the inner position is a very poor quality set of sealed beams units (think candle in a jam jar).

I had initially thought that going for this set of 5.75" classic LED headlights from this Bangin' Headlights https://www.banginheadlights.com/collections/5-75-headlights/products/traditional-5-75-led-headlights-full-set-chrome might be the answer to get a road-legal high performance beam pattern without the fiddle of having to source rare Carello or SIEM parts that would need refurbishment anyway. What is keeping me from ordering these is the concern that the moulding blobs on the glass are not compatible with the Beta's chrome surround. (This is still my preferred option if they will fit within the chrome rings)

My second option is to move the Carello high beam lights back into their correct location (much to the relief of other road users) and get some used Carello H4 dipped outer bowls that have the original look. Carello headlamps for RHD cars in good order seem very thin on the ground so I would be interested to know if anyone has experience of a another make or brand new replacement H4 low beam lights that works well on the car.

Now  I have my Berlina which will be kept very standard, I am a bit more flexible with how I progress things with the Coupé.
 
Just interested in peoples thoughts and recommendations.

Alex

[SanRemo78]

Watch this space Alex - I bit the bullet and ordered a full set of the Restomod version from Bangin Headlights last week. They might not arrive for a month though? I'll find a way to fit them into the Carello or Siem housings in the coming months!

RHD Carellos are very very hard to find as new old stock. I looked for the beast part of 18 months. All I found was a NOS mismatched pair of ones that were probably Beta saloon. One has a sidelight fitting, the other doesn't. I did consider buying a set of LHD ones and attempting to dismantle them and reassemble with the RHD lense from a corroded headlight.

Cost/benefit? I guess that's up to you and whilst I don't anticipate using the Beta much at night it's my choice to have some decent lighting on the car.

Cheers
Guy

[peteracs]

Hi Alex

On the Carello lights unlike the Siem ones (try finding any of those) the chrome ring fits to the outer bowl mounting bracket, not the light which just sandwiches between the two. the small location tabs on the lights can be a pain, but you can mod the outer bowl to suit which is what was done for my lights which are not Carello original on the Spider, but you would not want to fit these particular ones as they are a pain in different ways (rear end). There are a few guys out there offering budget packs of 4 new lights for around £50, I would buy a set of those as pretty cheap and gives you an idea of what you are up against, even if you decide to go elsewhere eventually.

Peter

[HFStuart]

I've an extensive collection of 5.75" lamps from when I was searching for the correct single piece rectangular ones for my Spider - I'll have a rummage over the weekend.

[A Ross]

Thanks Guy, I would certainly be interested to see the results of the bangin' headlights conversion and to see if there are any challenges in fitting them. I'm impressed with what I have seen so far in terms of classic looks and hue, but a thoroughly modern beam pattern.

Alex

Watch this space Alex - I bit the bullet and ordered a full set of the Restomod version from Bangin Headlights last week. They might not arrive for a month though? I'll find a way to fit them into the Carello or Siem housings in the coming months!

RHD Carellos are very very hard to find as new old stock. I looked for the beast part of 18 months. All I found was a NOS mismatched pair of ones that were probably Beta saloon. One has a sidelight fitting, the other doesn't. I did consider buying a set of LHD ones and attempting to dismantle them and reassemble with the RHD lense from a corroded headlight.

Cost/benefit? I guess that's up to you and whilst I don't anticipate using the Beta much at night it's my choice to have some decent lighting on the car.

Cheers
Guy

Thanks Guy, I would certainly be interested to see the results of the bangin' headlights conversion and to see if there are any challenges in fitting them. I'm impressed with what I have seen so far in terms of classic looks and hue, coupled with a thoroughly modern beam pattern. I await the results with eager anticipation.

[A Ross]

I've an extensive collection of 5.75" lamps from when I was searching for the correct single piece rectangular ones for my Spider - I'll have a rummage over the weekend.

Thanks Stuart - please let me know what you find and we will sort something out as this could be a great solution until I see how the LEDs work out.

Many thanks
Alex

[A Ross]

Hi Alex

On the Carello lights unlike the Siem ones (try finding any of those) the chrome ring fits to the outer bowl mounting bracket, not the light which just sandwiches between the two. the small location tabs on the lights can be a pain, but you can mod the outer bowl to suit which is what was done for my lights which are not Carello original on the Spider, but you would not want to fit these particular ones as they are a pain in different ways (rear end). There are a few guys out there offering budget packs of 4 new lights for around £50, I would buy a set of those as pretty cheap and gives you an idea of what you are up against, even if you decide to go elsewhere eventually.

Peter

Thanks Peter -  New budget lights are definitely a for now option too. I'm wondering if there is a budget make out there that offers an easy fitment and good beam patterns. Years of MK1 & 2 Golf ownership taught me that Hella & Bosch are good, but need to see if they do a 5 3/4" fitment for the Beta.

Alex

[HFStuart]

I've an extensive collection of 5.75" lamps from when I was searching for the correct single piece rectangular ones for my Spider - I'll have a rummage over the weekend.

Thanks Stuart - please let me know what you find and we will sort something out as this could be a great solution until I see how the LEDs work out.

Many thanks
Alex

Alex, I found two complete units converted to Cibie 5.75 lamps the reflectors are usuable but not perfect. pm me your emal and I'll sent you some pictures

[peteracs]

Hi Stuart

His email is on the left hand side just below his photo.

Peter

[A Ross]

I've an extensive collection of 5.75" lamps from when I was searching for the correct single piece rectangular ones for my Spider - I'll have a rummage over the weekend.

Thanks Stuart - please let me know what you find and we will sort something out as this could be a great solution until I see how the LEDs work out.

Many thanks
Alex

Alex, I found two complete units converted to Cibie 5.75 lamps the reflectors are usuable but not perfect. pm me your emal and I'll sent you some pictures

Hi Stuart - thanks for looking these out. I actually hit the button and ordered some budget bowls from Car Builder Solutions as a stop gap. However,  I am not totally confident whether these will be suitable until I get them. Would it be possible to send some pics on Facebook messenger of your Cibie units as it would be good to have a backup plan. I'll PM you my email.

Many thanks

Alex.