Author Topic: Head light conversion from sealed beam to H4  (Read 1888 times)

Offline Erny

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Head light conversion from sealed beam to H4
« on: August 05, 2019, 10:45:39 PM »
Those who have US import may still have sealed beam headlight that has quite low light output power (at least for me, very insufficient, even rated 40/50W) and "position light" in front indicators (that are consuming significant energy - 8W each)
I wanted to convert to OEM Honda but stock H4 headlight insert is pretty expensive (Stanley) if found. Fortunately, there is pretty good and cheaper solution I just tested on my CB550K1.

I was looking quite some time for good replacement insert (H4) but all I found on ebay were either not known brand to me (=no big trust) or pricey..
Finally I found Hella on amazon on pretty good price (free shipping) : https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B000VU7C1Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It is Hella H4 insert for continental Europe - right hand driving (Hella P/N 002 395 – 071) that is 1:1 replaceable with sealed beam. It comes with "parking bulb" already inserted in and sealing rubber cap (to protect from dust and moisture).

One note for people taking care all details - Hella insert is glass, but almost flat, compare to convex stock sealed beam / H4.

So, if you decide to go for:
Only what you need to source additionally is H4 bulb (I highly recommend Philips X-tremeVision moto) and make 2 short wires to connect "parking bulb"  that connects 6.3mm terminals on parking bulb to bullet male terminals (+12V and ground). So, female 6.3mm terminal on one side and male bullet terminal on other side.
For UK - look for left handed drive alternative at Hella website (different P/N!)

US import bikes have position light in front indicators - those can be now deactivaed - on my CB550K1 - simply unplug Lb/W and O/W front indicators wires from terminals in headlight and connect new "parking bulb" Lb/W or O/W terminal and connect additional wire from ground (green terminal) to parking bulb.

in total, it is almost energy neutral:
- US setup is 2x8W (position lights) + 40W low beam = 56W
- new H4 Setup is 4W parking bulb + 55W low beam = 59W

3W delta can be compensated by swapping rear tail bulb 21/5W by LED one...

Note:
as I understood from other posts here or from another sources, in principle any standard 7'' H4 insert should fit, not necessary Hella only.

I forgot to take some pics, I'll do and post here next time I open headlight again.
CB750K7 US model (1977)
CB550K1 US model (1975)

Offline mike the bike

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Re: Head light conversion from sealed beam to H4
« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2019, 11:10:21 PM »
I used a 55/60W  from a Superdream.   It took about half an hour of rewiring and getting the rim to fit.
Where's that 10mm socket got to?

Offline Erny

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Re: Head light conversion from sealed beam to H4
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2019, 02:17:39 PM »
Was trying to find Cibie, but did not find any for reasonable price (with shipping)
CB750K7 US model (1977)
CB550K1 US model (1975)

Offline Johnwebley

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Re: Head light conversion from sealed beam to H4
« Reply #3 on: September 18, 2019, 08:20:01 PM »
going to a local auto electrical factors,

  I got light unit,+ 60w-55w H4 bulb + plug  for about £25 .

 just required a little re wiring ,pilot bulb as well,

lifelong motorcycle rider,and fan

Offline florence

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Re: Head light conversion from sealed beam to H4
« Reply #4 on: September 19, 2019, 11:50:46 AM »
Land Rover Series 2 headlight fits, about £13 for a made in India aftermarket.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-H4-Headlight-Flat-Lens-Mini-Morris-Minor-Land-Rover/323811034471?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

Currently has a Lucas sealed beam from a Jaquar Mk2 but the Dip beam has failed.

Offline SteveW

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Re: Head light conversion from sealed beam to H4
« Reply #5 on: September 19, 2019, 01:25:21 PM »
I bout a pair of Mini headlights for less than £25 the pair. I had one, my mate had one. Fitted perfectly in 15 mins.
1974 CB550 K0
1980 CB650
2000 CBR929RR Fireblade
1966 Lambretta LI150 Series 3
1981 RD350LC
1972 Raleigh Chopper
1974 Raleigh Tomahawk
2011 Henry Hoover

 

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