360R headlight LED replacement options

[Xhilr8n]

Just got the car, not even driven after dark yet, but I’m looking to change out the headlights.   A prime motivation is to add daytime running lights.  Looks like the factory and plenty aftermarket options have the horizontal drl, but seems like one ones with circular running lights might be more visible a d suit the car better as well.

 

What experience has anyone had in recent years with a new build?

 

And ok I flipped my pic before posting but it still put it in upside down.  Impressive.

[Vovchandr]

A few points. 

 

The flipped iPhone image problem is known but wordy to explain. Easiest fix is take your pictures in the default landscape mode and you'll be fine. 

 

OEM is obviously best but price. I've been using a knockoff with horizontal DRL and it's been fine for me as many others. Buy any headlight on Amazon with hundreds of reviews and a good rating and it should be a pretty safe bet. Mine isn't a new build at all however. 

 

I would also recommend you look into upgrading taillights especially if you don't plan to add a third light. Our cars have a small profile and it's low. With distracted drivers it can be easily missed especially since we can brake very quickly. Justaddlightness if you want to retain old look or OEM Caterham for new style 

[mrmustang]

From my previous thread:

 

Lights are in, on first blush, they are 5-10 times brighter than the originals.

The first picture is a comparison between the two.

New LED light assembly on left, original on right

 

Next is the low beams of both new lights installed

 

 

Followed by the high beams also to show light pattern

 

Notice the light pattern on the floor, while a bit pricier than some of the others, based on my previous experience with the "vintage" (yellowish/classic halogen) units on my Tiger, and these new style (bright, crisp, white, modern LED), these will be my new go to when upgrading from a halogen style bulb and/or assembly.

 

 

 

Edited June 2, 2025 by mrmustang
added verbiage

[Xhilr8n]

Thanks.  This car has LED tail lights but I am interested in some rear running lights on the roll bar, some that integrate well, not held on by cable ties 😉

 

Our greatest fear is another driver just plain in their own world.

[Vovchandr]

10 minutes ago, Xhilr8n said:

bar, some that integrate well, not held on by cable ties 😉

 

 

@das76 you still selling your units?

[mrmustang]

8 minutes ago, Xhilr8n said:

Thanks.  This car has LED tail lights but I am interested in some rear running lights on the roll bar, some that integrate well, not held on by cable ties 😉

 

Our greatest fear is another driver just plain in their own world.

I've seen several folks wire in these in to their roll cages. it will require you to drill a hole in the rollbar and fish the wire through one of the downlegs to get it to where you can splice it in to your brake light/running light harness. I suggest you add a small rubber grommet when you do this to prevent chaffing of the wires, I also suggest using automotive double backed tape to hold it on. If you really want added safety, you could actually add two, or even three to the back of your cage, Two on each down leg (outer), and one in the center of the upper crossbar.

https://gofastcampers.com/products/slac3rd-brake-light

 

 

[CBuff]

I added this from @das76  install was super easy plug and play.  I mounted them on the outer roll bar vertical. Made hiding the wires easy and it’s just below my half hood.  (Note: after about a little less than a year I did have a couple of led burn out. By happenstance I had the exact same kind of led that came with the kit and swapped it out - $10 on Amazon). 
 

 

I think there are some threads about full halo drl aftermarket’s. Can’t seem to find them at the moments but they are here somewhere. 

 

Edited June 2, 2025 by CBuff

[CBuff]

https://hogworkz.com/5-3-4-black-harley-halomaker-headlight.html?utm_source=google_shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18711809191&gbraid=0AAAAADhsQDBnbR5ubkEWfTtzTesSoV5ez&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9O_BBhCUARIsAHQMjS5ubAL7Ww-L_G3ZQNO9nY4vB2yLjIdaPCS2lqrmo00obukXobNZ5l4aAgf2EALw_wcB
 

it was something like this. Please don’t quote me on if this one is the best or if it fits. 

[Xhilr8n]

A quick search show that a lot of motorcycle headlights will fit the Caterham housing, 5 3/4”.   Plenty out there, some on Amazon for $40 each.  
 

There are many options and many claims about all sorts of things going on, but of course the question is whether the soldering gun etc have to come out to make it work.

 

Today I took one headlight apart and  (upside down 😉) photographed the wiring to get some idea of how the car let the light know what to do.

 

So here’s the question.  Has anyone put these halo lights into their late model Caterham?  Surely there is no plug and play, that might be too easy.  Has anyone found that, or have experience with an option I need to be warned about?  Don’t want these lights to end up out in the woods with a couple of printers.

 

 

[CBuff]

Old thread to start you down the rabbit hole. 
 

 

And more

 

Edited June 3, 2025 by CBuff

[mrmustang]

1 hour ago, CBuff said:

Old thread to start you down the rabbit hole. 
 

 

 

I remember that thread, lucky for me, I have the 7" headlight assemblies as the smaller ones now offered run in to that Motorcycle style cross over 

 

 

Bill S.

[Xhilr8n]

On a bit of a lark I ordered an Amazon option. Made sure returns accepted.
 

Amazon.com

I’m not saying this is the way to go, just that it’s something I’ve tried that seems to have worked.

These things fit great, hardest part was figuring out how to redo the four springs on each light that hold the bulb to the bezel. First light took an hour and a half. Second took 20 minutes.

Almost plug and play. Had to crimp the connection for DRL with the halos, some shrink wrap for good measure.

Not driven them yet, did cast them on the garage door to rough in the aim.

[Xhilr8n]

Took her out last night enough to know what these lights can do, at normal driving around about 50 mph.  I had compared to stock when just one was in.  There is no comparison.  Stock Halogen a tiny fraction of the output from the LEDs.

 

DRL halos easily engaged at first click as it should be.

 

At first I thought I had them aimed low, but the low beam in right about where you’d look for your apex.  The low beam stays on when the brights are selected.   No one flashed light at me like I was too bright on low beams and the impressive DRLs

 

The dotted pattern of the LEDs in the halos oddly complements the 7 painted on the grill.  A good look.  Sorta War of the Worldly but modern.  And like $75 to your door overnight, never harmed any original wiring.

[pethier]

I probably should look into headlights.  My headlights are patterned for use in a country where they drive on the left side of the road.