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LED Bulbs? #1599786
03/05/2017 15:43
03/05/2017 15:43
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 220
Portsmouth
Mark_D Offline OP
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Apologies if this has been discussed before, I've had a quick search and can't see any threads about it.

I've seen a fair bit on YouTube regarding LED direct replacement bulbs. I was just wondering if anyone had experimented with them, or are people just heading down the HID route?

As far as I can tell, if you change to LED bulbs I don't think there's any legal issues

Anybody got any views or advice?


Fiat Coupe 20vt
Fiat Punto Mk2 Sporting
Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K2
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599787
03/05/2017 15:51
03/05/2017 15:51
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,206
FCSS 01684 593187
Countrycruising Offline
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Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599789
03/05/2017 15:57
03/05/2017 15:57
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,924
Going North on the A9
dante giacosa Offline
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Going North on the A9
its an 'exciting' time for LED headlights!

Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599791
03/05/2017 16:10
03/05/2017 16:10
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,162
Glos
Brilly1uk Offline
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Glos
Just had some fitted myself - the difference is literally night and day!
My only reservation so far is about the high beam projection distance, but I suspect this all depends on the quality of your lens?


Fiat Coupe 20VT
Alfa Romeo Spider
BMW X3
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599792
03/05/2017 16:14
03/05/2017 16:14
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 220
Portsmouth
Mark_D Offline OP
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Thanks Joe, I didn't realise there was a post.

Thanks for the replies fellas


Fiat Coupe 20vt
Fiat Punto Mk2 Sporting
Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K2
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599793
03/05/2017 16:17
03/05/2017 16:17
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 220
Portsmouth
Mark_D Offline OP
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I take it the group buy has been done & dusted now?


Fiat Coupe 20vt
Fiat Punto Mk2 Sporting
Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K2
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599798
03/05/2017 16:49
03/05/2017 16:49
Joined: Sep 2006
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Countrycruising Offline
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Yes the GB price is finished but Duncan can still supply the LED kits, they're maybe £5.00 more but you'd need to ring him to confirm.

Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Countrycruising] #1599800
03/05/2017 17:04
03/05/2017 17:04
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 220
Portsmouth
Mark_D Offline OP
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Originally Posted By Countrycruising
Yes the GB price is finished but Duncan can still supply the LED kits, they're maybe £5.00 more but you'd need to ring him to confirm.


Thanks Joe, I'll give him a try


Fiat Coupe 20vt
Fiat Punto Mk2 Sporting
Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K2
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599806
03/05/2017 19:01
03/05/2017 19:01
Joined: Sep 2006
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FCSS 01684 593187
Countrycruising Offline
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Cool thumb

Duncan Rickards 0800 246 5678

sales@classiccarleds.co.uk

Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Countrycruising] #1599814
03/05/2017 20:04
03/05/2017 20:04
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 23,300
North Wales
Theresa Offline
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I bought mine in the group buy mentioned above and am very happy with them cool

I had HID's on my old Coupe, but the LED's I've put in my current Coupe are much better and instant light too, no warm up delay neither.

I come home from work at midnight, so need decent lights laugh

The LED's are illegal though, same as HID's so you need to bear that in mind.

Personally, I think the original Coupe bulbs should be illegal instead laugh

Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Countrycruising] #1599815
03/05/2017 20:07
03/05/2017 20:07
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 220
Portsmouth
Mark_D Offline OP
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Portsmouth
Superstar! thumb Thanks again Joe wink


Fiat Coupe 20vt
Fiat Punto Mk2 Sporting
Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K2
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Theresa] #1599817
03/05/2017 20:14
03/05/2017 20:14
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 220
Portsmouth
Mark_D Offline OP
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Mark_D  Offline OP
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Portsmouth
Originally Posted By Theresa
I bought mine in the group buy mentioned above and am very happy with them cool

I had HID's on my old Coupe, but the LED's I've put in my current Coupe are much better and instant light too, no warm up delay neither.

I come home from work at midnight, so need decent lights laugh

The LED's are illegal though, same as HID's so you need to bear that in mind.



Personally, I think the original Coupe bulbs should be illegal instead laugh


Thanks Theresa thumb I didn't realise they were illegal, I thought they might have been ok, but now I'm aware. Thanks for enlightening me.


Fiat Coupe 20vt
Fiat Punto Mk2 Sporting
Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K2
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599890
04/05/2017 15:53
04/05/2017 15:53
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 220
Portsmouth
Mark_D Offline OP
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Thanks Joe & everyone else for your help. I've ordered a couple of sets as I didn't want to feel left out cool


Fiat Coupe 20vt
Fiat Punto Mk2 Sporting
Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K2
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599916
05/05/2017 08:34
05/05/2017 08:34
Joined: Sep 2006
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Originally Posted By Mark_D
Originally Posted By Theresa
I bought mine in the group buy mentioned above and am very happy with them cool

I had HID's on my old Coupe, but the LED's I've put in my current Coupe are much better and instant light too, no warm up delay neither.

I come home from work at midnight, so need decent lights laugh

The LED's are illegal though, same as HID's so you need to bear that in mind.



Personally, I think the original Coupe bulbs should be illegal instead laugh


Thanks Theresa thumb I didn't realise they were illegal, I thought they might have been ok, but now I'm aware. Thanks for enlightening me.


This 'illegal' part of fitting LED's or the HID's is the power that be saying this lights must only be fitting in conjunction with head light washers, we don't have them in the UK only Europe, and to date since this new addition was added to our MOT tests I've not know anyone receive a fail, yet.

Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Countrycruising] #1599928
05/05/2017 09:17
05/05/2017 09:17
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 362
The Shire
skeandubh Offline
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Had leds fitted to my car when mot'd 2 weeks ago. No issues. Wasn't even mentioned.

I was under the impression that the led illegal issue was also to do with type approval i.e. the original light clusters were only type approved with standard halogens. If someone designed new clusters for the coupe and had them type approved with leds fitted then all would be good. However it is possible that this is just some nonesense I read elsewhere and is only part of the issue.


[Linked Image]
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599939
05/05/2017 12:20
05/05/2017 12:20
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,924
Going North on the A9
dante giacosa Offline
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Going North on the A9
you can go at the front, during dark sections of the forthcoming Northern Tour...!

Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: dante giacosa] #1599942
05/05/2017 12:41
05/05/2017 12:41
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,787
Auld Reekie
Edinburgh Offline
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Except that, being Northern, it's not going to get dark laugh

Think someone we know might be interested in these LED's..... chinny


BumbleBee carer smile
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599950
05/05/2017 13:07
05/05/2017 13:07
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,095
Berkshire
AnnieMac Offline
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AnnieMac  Offline
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Berkshire
I find the easiest way is just not to drive my Coupe at night!


[Linked Image]
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: AnnieMac] #1599951
05/05/2017 13:30
05/05/2017 13:30
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Originally Posted By AnnieMac
I find the easiest way is just not to drive my Coupe at night!


I was like that for years, crap lights so I just didn't want to drive my LE after dark as I'm very rural over this side of the country, the LED's have made a massive difference as they've given me confidence, simply because I can see smile

Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599955
05/05/2017 14:45
05/05/2017 14:45
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 220
Portsmouth
Mark_D Offline OP
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Portsmouth
Lol, thanks for clearing up the legality issue guys. Mine arrived today around 13.00 about 10 mins after I got home from work.

Very pleased with the ultra fast delivery & price.

Many thanks to Duncan & to you guys for your help & advice thumb


Fiat Coupe 20vt
Fiat Punto Mk2 Sporting
Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K2
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599961
05/05/2017 16:20
05/05/2017 16:20
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,621
Leicester UK
Ballypete Offline
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I have a little knowledge due to my occupation prior to retirement which might help..

The issue with LED replacements is that they are not type approval marked AND don't comply with European / UNECE technical standards. Even classic status cars are not exempt unfortunately. The regs on vehicle lighting go back to the 1980s.

I believe that technically speaking you also need to inform your insurer if bulbs replaced with these so be aware in case this interferes with or negates an future claim made.

With dwindling police numbers the RPU provision is being combined regionally making traffic cops an ever rarer sight, and as I recently discovered with my first Coupe an MOT certificate doesn't necessarily guarantee you have a road legal vehicle either.

So pay your money and take your chances...


Doris the 1998 Portofino Blue 20V and Zoe the 1999 Alfa Romeo 916 Spider
Bog standard needn't be boring...
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Ballypete] #1599962
05/05/2017 16:37
05/05/2017 16:37
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 220
Portsmouth
Mark_D Offline OP
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Portsmouth
Originally Posted By Ballypete
I have a little knowledge due to my occupation prior to retirement which might help..

The issue with LED replacements is that they are not type approval marked AND don't comply with European / UNECE technical standards. Even classic status cars are not exempt unfortunately. The regs on vehicle lighting go back to the 1980s.

I believe that technically speaking you also need to inform your insurer if bulbs replaced with these so be aware in case this interferes with or negates an future claim made.

With dwindling police numbers the RPU provision is being combined regionally making traffic cops an ever rarer sight, and as I recently discovered with my first Coupe an MOT certificate doesn't necessarily guarantee you have a road legal vehicle either.

So pay your money and take your chances...


Thanks for that Pete, quite ironic that sometimes the most sensible mods are outlawed


Fiat Coupe 20vt
Fiat Punto Mk2 Sporting
Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K2
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1599969
05/05/2017 17:51
05/05/2017 17:51
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,553
Berlin
barnacle Offline
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Berlin
The issue with lighting legality is that if the replacement is even slightly misaligned, or the light point source is the wrong shape or size, the beam pattern can be completely screwed up. (In general; not specifically pointing at the coupe).

Dazzling lights are a significant hazard - whether they're in front of you or behind, if you're dazzled, you can't see other stuff on the road. And there are plenty of people who have *normal* bulbs pointing all over the place, or who haven't got the sense to turn the fog lights off if it's not foggy...

There are other issues with HID - their tendency to turn off if the current is interrupted and not turn on without killing the power completely, and their slow turn-on. And their ability to scatter like mad when shining through a dirty cover, hence the requirements for self-levelling and washers on OEM equipment.

For what it's worth, last winter I replaced (on the Bravo) aftermarket HIDs with high brightness halogens. Having a light meter to hand, I measured before and after: the halogens were *four times* brighter than the HIDs.


[Linked Image]
Don't get no respect! Coupe Fiat 1994-2000 - an owner's guide <-- clicky!
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: barnacle] #1599974
05/05/2017 18:37
05/05/2017 18:37
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 220
Portsmouth
Mark_D Offline OP
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Originally Posted By barnacle
The issue with lighting legality is that if the replacement is even slightly misaligned, or the light point source is the wrong shape or size, the beam pattern can be completely screwed up. (In general; not specifically pointing at the coupe).

Dazzling lights are a significant hazard - whether they're in front of you or behind, if you're dazzled, you can't see other stuff on the road. And there are plenty of people who have *normal* bulbs pointing all over the place, or who haven't got the sense to turn the fog lights off if it's not foggy...

There are other issues with HID - their tendency to turn off if the current is interrupted and not turn on without killing the power completely, and their slow turn-on. And their ability to scatter like mad when shining through a dirty cover, hence the requirements for self-levelling and washers on OEM equipment.

For what it's worth, last winter I replaced (on the Bravo) aftermarket HIDs with high brightness halogens. Having a light meter to hand, I measured before and after: the halogens were *four times* brighter than the HIDs.


Wow, I had a feeling it would be to do with dazzling oncoming vehicles and the fact they are supposed to be brighter than std bulbs.

Until I'd heard about the new led hype, I was considering ultra bright halogens as I didn't want to chance my arm with the law converting to hids.


Fiat Coupe 20vt
Fiat Punto Mk2 Sporting
Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K2
Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1600058
07/05/2017 16:32
07/05/2017 16:32
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Posts: 382
UK
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The illegality has been covered before. See HERE and it's exacltly as Ballypete has said, it's non-compliance that makes them illegal, nothing to do with washers or lowering/raising mechanisms. For legal use of hid/leds in our cars the headlamp housing has to be compliant else you can invalidate insurance and type approval. But because the MOT doesnt test compliance you can still get one of those !!!!!!

Re: LED Bulbs? [Re: Mark_D] #1600074
07/05/2017 21:02
07/05/2017 21:02
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 220
Portsmouth
Mark_D Offline OP
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Thanks for that, I've usually just put brighter bulbs such as the Rings or Night Breakers on my car, but I might try the leds as I've now bought them. I'll have to decide how I feel personally regarding the rights or wrongs and sum up what I'm happy with.

Thanks again for the input thumb


Fiat Coupe 20vt
Fiat Punto Mk2 Sporting
Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K2

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