140 and 150 Headlamps
140 and 150 Headlamps
Geo, what was orig equipment in the US?? (Actually, Im going to put
a set of plain tri bars in (as I like those best) but I would like to know
what was right......I see the 'J' lites at the shows but... David M. Drenzek
Original equipment for XK-140s and XK-150s exported to the US for legal
sale included round sealed beam headlights, the same as were fitted to
our Fords, Chevys, Studebakers, etc. US laws required them in order for
the cars to be sold here. Many bulb-and-reflector options wee available,
but not for domestic usage. A variety of state inspection standards made
retrofitting a fine art, for both esthetics and better lighting; right-hand-dipping
bulbs of various types were (eventually) available for our use, from Continental
sources and sharp importers. I believe the P700 lamps were the period British
option, with the "J" lamps optional on the sedans; the PL700
is probably the most cost-effective alternate today. Wipac made quartz-halogen
right-hand-dipping bulbs for use in all of these; these bulbs get very
hot, and the reflective plating in genuine lamps may be damaged by the
higher-than-expected heat; the replicas have not seemed to exhibit this
problem. Best of luck; I firmly believe (for restoring/customizing your
car) you should do whatever pleases you; YOU're the driver/owner! Enjoy!
- Larry Schear, Twin Cam, Inc.
About 8 months ago, I brought up to the group the fact that my California
XK-140 had Marchall reflector lamps installed when I obtained the car.
I had wondered whether they were a dealer or aftermarket option. Based
on Larry's note, I would suspect that they were aftermarket. It's strange,
though that I have both original and repro wire harnesses that connect
to the back of the European lamp just fine. - Regards, Mike Carpenter
Mike, Are the connectors different than the standard ones used today?
I have Cibie's in my daily driver and Hella's in my S-type (once or twice
a week driver). Both use the standard 2-blade or 3-blade connectors just
like the originals. - Dick White
Dick, My Marchall headlamps use the three blade connector, which must
be standard. Like the Tri-bars, my lamp has the small light bulb that inserts
into the back of the reflector and the connector attaches to the bulb retainer.
I have not inspected a standard US sealed beam installation, but it seemed
to me that a sealed beam unit would have a different connector arrangement.
Apparently not? - Mike Carpenter
Any comments on this statement: re XK140 headlights: a few, very early
140s had an upright rectangular 'J' badge. - Regards, John Elmgreen
XK-140's and XK-150's in the Euro market only. I've got the info in
my old Lucas books. Never as original equip in the US. - George Badger
My very early 140 did not have the headlight "J" badge when
I got it. However, the headlights were not original. I have since replaced
them with the J-badged units. - Brian Pel
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