Driving lights question

[joeboss]

Hi guys,
I am going to fit a set of driving lights to my car.

I am going for the set up of fitting them with a unibar above the number plate.

I have a couple of questions regarding the pencil and spread beams.

I have no idea what the difference is so what set up should I be looking for?

Also are the Narva brand ones any good, I wont be using these all the time.

I do live in the city, but I will be doing trips on the Hume Highway and also the New England Highway from time to time.

thanks guys any help would be great.

[Bitza]

Pencil beams will give you distance directly ahead of you, spread distribute's the light out either side of you and give you a few hundred metres in distance. I find a combo of 1 spread/1 Pencil beam works well, the spready lightin up the roadside is real handy for seeing those 6ft grass hoppers, cattle, wildlife etc and pencil for seeing ahead. Fit the spread left side and pencil rightside.
Narva are good value for money, I've only ever used Hella, IPF or Cibie's which are more top end stuff.

Craig

[joeboss]

Thanks for the quick reply.
Recpo have 20% off lights this week so i will be going down and getting a set one with pencil beam and one with spread beam.

I would go those brands that you mentioned, but I won't be using these much, lucky to even use them a couple of times a month.

I won't have problems with vibration if i fit these to a Unibar?

[Bitza]

You might get some vibration be it minimal, it depends on how big your lights are going to be.
This can be overcome with a brace/support bracket, one end attached to the light and other end attached to rad panel using one of the grille screw's.
Hella, IPF and Cibie use to list these as a light accessory or option, I'd get some anyway.

Craig

[joeboss]

I was thinking something like this

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Narva-Ultima-175-Complete-Driving-Lights-Kit-NEW_W0QQitemZ4631948529QQcategoryZ30862QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

Not massive ones, just something better than nothing.

[Bitza]

They're actually quite a good light, price seemed okay too.

Craig

[joeboss]

Ok thanks for you help!!!

I will pick a set of these up on the weekend.

[GHZ28]

I have similar sized Hellas on my car and they are adequate for the occasional drive in the wilds of our main highways. I think you will get some irritating vibration with just the unibar and that size lamp, but as earlier mentioned, just add some braces.

I have had a vast range of driving lights over the past 30 odd years, from bull lights in the 70s, still got them, through the rallye 2000s etc, and unless you are very serious, or want it to look like you attend too many B and S Balls, they are overkill with modern reflector technology.

I have just the same size lamps, but retrofitted with HID bulbs, looks like the cheapies, thus resistant the theft, but provides light like the $1200 a pair lights.

Cheers,

Garry

[Rod VZ Storm]

Ive used Hellas (bout $160 a set 4 years ago) and some Narva ($125 a set now) and they were fine.

The Hellas were a bit better quality. My Narvas very occasionally would get some condensation in them, but nothing drastic.

A lot of people here might plug IPF, Cibie, Light Force etc. They are all good lights, but a bit pricey for your application.

What ever you get make sure they have see thru lens protectors. Im pretty sure the round Narvas you mention have them. Ive managed to crack 3 lens in 5 years travelling the coast on the Princess and Pacific Hwys. The good news is that Narva and Hella have spare lens assemblies available. (i have ordered them via Repco before with no problems)

Once you have driven with a set of lights ... you will never want to own a car without them !!!!!!

[V8R]

Can vouch for the 175 narvas here, got them fitted to a unibar on my vl, they light up the road like a champ.. even with my dogey unibar fitment, no harsh vibes except on the roughest of dirtroads.
Never had problems with blowing globes (ive got some 130w in them atm :D ) or condensation.

At that price, i might snaffle another set for my next car.

edit: heartily agree with the sentiments above, once youve had external lights, you never go back heh :)

[joeboss]

Thanks guys, where would I be without this forum!

They are going on my Pulsar that I am forced to use on these kinds of trips, so they will be a great improvement over the standard crappy lights

[WHLS1]

The Narvas got a big wrap in one of the 4x4 magazines a couple of years ago when they did a driving light comparisom/test. Certainly were best bang for your buck.

I have Narvas on the family Pajero - work very well and absolutley no issues in the 3 years I have had them including highway, off road, snow etc.

Anything will probably be a big improvement over the stock lights. Put a pencil on the right side of the bar for distance and a spread to the left spread to light up the road verge.

[WhiteLion]

Thanks guys, where would I be without this forum!

They are going on my Pulsar that I am forced to use on these kinds of trips, so they will be a great improvement over the standard crappy lights

Just remember, when you dip your high beam / driving lights, you have to readjust to that "standard crappy" light.

A better option IMO is to upgrade your current lighting package, and of course ensure they are aligned and kept clean!!

Steve

[joeboss]

I am also going to upgrade the bulbs that are in there now, but these Jap cars have nothing over my commodores lighting.