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Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 4:18 am
by grytvikken
Have been trying to find out some information regards getting better lights on my Terrano. I have a memory of a mod that you can do to improve the lights. Does anyone have a link or any other info that could help me.
cheers
Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 7:24 am
by albundy
Are you looking for brighter light or waterproof lights? Brighter lights just get a better bulb, I used to use the halogen blue ones, they seemed pretty good. If your after waterproof, forget it. I ended up just drilling a drain hole in the bottom of the lens to let the water out. Worked a treat.
Al
Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 7:59 am
by marmel
Not much use just slapping in a brighter bulb if the factory wiring isn't up to it.
Most factory wiring for headlights, especially from this era of vehicle is quite thin. Upgrading it to thicker wire allows for less voltage drop to the lights.
You could do it yourself or get an aftermarket kit like this:
http://www.4h.com.au/prod358.htmOr do it yourself:
http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38985That link to the store is for a nissan Patrol but you could email to see if they have anything available for a Terrano/Pathfinder.
Some good info there as well about why this works, seems to be a popular mod in Aussie.
Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 8:05 am
by skid
if you think the wirings up to it and you decide to go for the brighter bulb
ya better make sure ya have glass lenses
plastic ones melt with stronger bulbs

Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 9:11 am
by rangimotors
give the outside of the light a cut and polish and rinse the inside with some meths or similar to get all the old dust and dirt off the lense and you'll probably find its like brand new again.
Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 11:01 am
by grytvikken
thanx for the replies so far. the wiring is what i remembered as being not great .maybe a look that way could be the answer.
cheers
Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 3:22 pm
by badnuz
rangimotors wrote:give the outside of the light a cut and polish and rinse the inside with some meths or similar to get all the old dust and dirt off the lense and you'll probably find its like brand new again.
AND do the cleaning, it works a treat and cost nothing

Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 4:35 pm
by kiwipete
grytvikken wrote:Have been trying to find out some information regards getting better lights on my Terrano. I have a memory of a mod that you can do to improve the lights. Does anyone have a link or any other info that could help me.
cheers
Have a look here too for some suggestions I made and pictures of my lighting upgrade on the Terrano. Quite simple to do in an afternoon. I used halogen blue ones 120/90W lamps in my headlights. My lenses need cleaning again too, it's a bugger of a job.
http://npora.ipbhost.com//index.php?showtopic=26484&view=&hl=&fromsearch=1The only way to get waterproof lights is to replace the lights and bucket housing with the older Navara type lights, rectangular ones. and replace the grille too. I put that mod in the too hard bucket and just did the rewiring and relays. The breather holes on the rear of the light plug rubber has fish tank tubing siliconed into it and this goes to a small plastic container with water absorbing crystals in it. The rubbers are silicon greased to help prevent water ingress.
Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 4:50 pm
by chevrolux
HID

Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 5:34 pm
by marmel
chevrolux wrote:HID

Nice lights but illegal.
Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 6:24 pm
by skid
marmel wrote:chevrolux wrote:HID

Nice lights but illegal.
shite
you better get on the phone and tell all the new car manufacturers who have them on the new cars
they will have to organise a recall
can you please elaborate on why they are illegal, coz I was looking into buying a set for the 80 at some stage and don't want to waste my money..............

Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 6:30 pm
by marmel
skid wrote:marmel wrote:chevrolux wrote:HID

Nice lights but illegal.
shite
you better get on the phone and tell all the new car manufacturers who have them on the new cars
they will have to organise a recall
can you please elaborate on why they are illegal, coz I was looking into buying a set for the 80 at some stage and don't want to waste my money..............

Have a look here:
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/get-your-lights-right/get-your-lights-right.html"HID conversion kits (an HID bulb with a high voltage power unit or ‘ballast’ which fits into the original headlamp unit in place of the original bulb with no change to the headlamp lens, reflector or housing) are illegal on any vehicle being used on New Zealand roads.
However, a complete halogen headlamp unit can be replaced with a complete HID headlamp unit provided that the replacement headlamp unit complies with approved standards. If in doubt, get advice from a vehicle lighting retailer you trust."
Unless you are going to replace your whole headlamp you can't use the cheap HID kits which are sold by the thousand on ebay or trademe. I would assume to buy standard approved HID headlight units would be faarkin expensive.
Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 6:34 pm
by skid
Cheers,
you're right they are a bit pricey
I found the above light, which is a complete bolt in replacement for the 80 series cruiser
have lost the contact now and they don't seem to be listed on his website anymore
oh well they were bloody expensive anyway, bout $700 if I recall, but one of those lotto dreams anyway

Re: Can I improve my Terrano headlights
Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 8:29 pm
by aroma
I made mine water tight but replacing with sealed beam lights never realy worried bout brighter bulbs as also had spotties on it