Distance Beams - real or myth?

[Dr_Buck]

I've heard that you can get carltons with 'distance beams', as in headlamps with the normal bulbs, as well as extra main beam bulbs next to the grille. Any idea where these can be found? I can't find any on eBay, or anywhere else for that matter./

These would be great, as I cover around eighty miles a day of country lanes, and winter cometh.....

Failing that, I think a pair of driving lamps, linked to the main beam, situated behind the grille should do it.

[Matt]

Or do the HID conversion.... (ask Pedro on that one!)

not sure about the distance beams mate, sorry...

[Pedro]

Just wondering if the you mean GSi type lamps, Dr?

If your lamps have only one bulb, then I suspect you do.

Basically, the GSi type has the "sharper" quandrant (nearest the grille) fitted with a driving lamp bulb and dedicated reflector.

You can kinda make it out on mine............



Other than this, I really don't know!

[Dr_Buck]

aye, they're the chickens. So they're not a special modification/conversion then. excellent.

HID conversion??  tell me more....

[colonelk]

I think these are also available on facelift models..... at least, my headlights have the extra light bits in the headlamps by the grille....

[Matt]

I thought you were on about someting else other than the spot light section of the lamp, sorry.

These lights were only available on tops models, but are interchangable.

HID conversion - High Intensity Discharge (the lights that a lot of new cars have nowadays, the ones that look blue/white at night.)

It's a simple case of getting a second hand kit from an Omega I think.

[Budgie]

I've heard that you can get carltons with 'distance beams', as in headlamps with the normal bulbs, as well as extra main beam bulbs next to the grille. Any idea where these can be found? I can't find any on eBay, or anywhere else for that matter./

These would be great, as I cover around eighty miles a day of country lanes, and winter cometh.....

Failing that, I think a pair of driving lamps, linked to the main beam, situated behind the grille should do it.

The headlamps you are looking for are the "Facelift" version as shown on the Red Carlton in the image below.
The headlamp shown on the White Carlton (inset) are "Pre-Facelift" and are interchangeable physically but I believe will require some additional wiring.

In case your'e wondering - yes the White Carlton bonnet has been re-shaped.

[Pedro]

The wiring for the "driving lamps" should be already there - it's a case of noseying about when the headlight unit is out.............

I'm sure I've posted this up somewhere on here before................

Anyhoo, the result is F*****G' AWESOME compared to standard Carlton lights, which, as we all know, are poo!

[Matt]

They weren't the facelift ones, they were merely fitted to the higher spec'd models.

I broke a facelift GLI once with no pencil beamed lights.

And Pete's is non-facelift with pencil beams.

[Pedro]

Which came from a facelift Diplomat................

[Matt]

Ah, well I still broke a facelift GLI which didn't have them..... so there!

[Budgie]

They weren't the facelift ones, they were merely fitted to the higher spec'd models.

I broke a facelift GLI once with no pencil beamed lights.

And Pete's is non-facelift with pencil beams.

I stand corrected sir 

[Pedro]

The wiring for the "driving lamps" should be already there - it's a case of noseying about when the headlight unit is out.............

I'm sure I've posted this up somewhere on here before................

Anyhoo, the result is F*****G' AWESOME compared to standard Carlton lights, which, as we all know, are poo!

Now I've woken up a little, I realize that the wiring IS there on "lesser spec" Carltons, as it's all done inside the headlight units.

To install the higher spec lights:
It's just a simple case of disconnecting the wiring connectors, removing headlight unit, replacing with desired unit then reconnecting the wiring, repeat with the other unit, and the job's jobbed!
All you need to do then is switch the lights on and check all works, and it should!

I'm sure Ian might have a couple of dozen spare pairs lying around his workshop...............

Just discovered the font options too, as you might have noticed!!!

[colonelk]

My Facelift GL has them! 

[2PAC]

Why not get a HID bulb kit from demon tweeks?

[Murph]

The wiring for the "driving lamps" should be already there - it's a case of noseying about when the headlight unit is out.............

I'm sure I've posted this up somewhere on here before................

Anyhoo, the result is F*****G' AWESOME compared to standard Carlton lights, which, as we all know, are poo!

Now I've woken up a little, I realize that the wiring IS there on "lesser spec" Carltons, as it's all done inside the headlight units.

To install the higher spec lights:
It's just a simple case of disconnecting the wiring connectors, removing headlight unit, replacing with desired unit then reconnecting the wiring, repeat with the other unit, and the job's jobbed!
All you need to do then is switch the lights on and check all works, and it should!

I'm sure Ian might have a couple of dozen spare pairs lying around his workshop...............

Just discovered the font options too, as you might have noticed!!!

You will also need to install a relay which should simply plug into one of the two slots on the right hand side of the fusebox, then check your fuse diagram and install the apropriate fuse in the apropriate slot.
Whole job can be done in 20 mins.

[Dan Carlton]

Hi

For facelift models, CD, CDX and Diplomat they were a standard fit.  If it just a case of swapping over and plugging in, I think I'll get a pair for my '93 2.0GLi!!!

Dan

[Pedro]

You will also need to install a relay which should simply plug into one of the two slots on the right hand side of the fusebox, then check your fuse diagram and install the apropriate fuse in the apropriate slot.
Whole job can be done in 20 mins.

You might be right there, Murph - I had already installed my Senator dash complete with electrics before I fitted the lights.

HID upgrade is a real worthwhile investment if you're gonna keep your Carlton - the difference is phenominal. How Elsie/Ello owners drive at high speed at night with only candles for illumination, I don't know!

[2PAC]

Before HID


After HID

[Pedro]

Those pics are a fair reprsentation 2PAC.

I reckon that the HID job was one of the best mods I did to my Carlton

[colonelk]

How much did you pay for your HID Pedro? And where did you get the kit from? 

[Pedro]

I got the kit from a mate, he got it from German ebay, and IIRC, said it cost £160 ish - BUT there was no adaptor to fit to the H4 socket in the lamp unit. I got those from www.casperselectronics.com for about £40.

OK, alot of cash for a better dip beam, but if you've ever driven a car with HID, then you know it's a good thing.

[colonelk]

Sounds like a pretty good price for HID TBH matey

Nice. Hard to wire in?

[Pedro]

Made up a small loom for each (fused) relay, then I took power straight from the battery. Had to join the dip and main beam wires* up in the steering column surround -  you might need to take the bulb out from the bulb warning light on the dash, cos this will get it having a fit. Having said that., with my TOTALLY GAY DIGITAL DASH (Oh, how I wish I could get shot of the fuckin' thing!), I couldn't see a way in to get to the bulb, so it's always on.

Mounted the dispacs and relays on the rad mounting tinwork, and joib's jobbed.

* If you don't do this, then the HID's will go out when you go for the main beam, and then you won't exactly see much............

[ian]

just to say these pencil beams are fitted on  hell of alot of carltons,but as the cars get older,and head lamps get smashed etc its quite common to have them swaped,
tenner each they should cost,and yes theres a difference,