Headlamp relays

[STRETOO]

My car is a 1966 E Type FHC which is fitted with halogen headlamps. For security reasons I’m considering installing 2 relays, 1 for the high beam and 1 for the low beam. Did anybody make this upgrade?

[piman]

Hello Stretoo,

I've done it on other cars.
A fairly easy job, by using the feeds from the dip switch to activate the relays. Just bring a good sized supply from the battery to provide the power to the lamps from the relay. I would fuse the outputs from the relay to each individual filament, i.e. two fuses after the dip relay and two fuses after the main beam relay. Consider, if there is room, mounting the fuses and the relays on a base plate that can be attached under the bonnet as an assembly. If you also decide to fuse the battery to relay cable, make sure it is a large fuse, so as not to lose all the lights in case of a fault downstream of the relays.
Also purchase the correct colour (Makes fault finding much easier at a later date) and size cables, Vehicle wiring products is a company that sells all you will need and there is a helpful guide to relays and cable sizes also.
http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/V ... mepage.php

Alec

[J44EAG]

Useful site, Alec.

When operating in Bristol, I had easy access to auto electrical supplies. Down here in Portsmouth now, getting cable supplies is a real nightmare. The site now bookmarked my end. Thanks for the lead. (Poor pun)

Mike

[piman]

Hello Mike,

I've no connection with them but I have bought from them many times and always good prompt service. Other companies such as Holden Classic and Vintage sell cable by the metre, but the extra information on VWP is what I found useful. Their range of relays is good also.

Alec

[STRETOO]

Thanks a lot Alec for information. Actually I already did such a modification on my MG but I would be interested in the specific hook up to the E Type harness i.e. the best place to make the connections.

I use to buy my cables here: http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/ friendly service and a lot of choice.

Stephane

[stuarthardy]

hi Stephane

The problem with the E-Type is the multi-plug elecrtrical connector from the bonnet assembly to the Engine bay.

You would really need to re-wire the headlight circuit in the bonnet assembly right back to the socket. You would then need to re-wire the relevant parts of the plug on the engine bay side, ensuring water tight connections in the process.

If you have kept the halogen bulbs at 55W rating then the existing wiring should be fine if in good condition. If its 50 years old then you might want to replace it.

One final word of warning. If you damage the multiplug connector then a replacement is hideously expensive and of desperately poor quality. Sometimes sleeping dogs should be left to lie.

Regards