Euro headlight onversion

[bill_bain]

Euro (carello) headlights for Milanos come up every so often on eBay. How hard is the conversion from the US Elma units?

Bill

[Hit an Apex]

What's the difference besides orange side marker lights?

[bill_bain]

The Carello lights are supposed to be better since they were E code lamps instead of the SAE Elmas - much like the difference between H4 7" and the US sealed beam units. I have 7" H4 on my Spider and they ARE much better than the old sealed beams, even the halogen ones.

I have a vague recollection that the Euro units are not quite straight drop-in replacements -- I recall that the mounting points are a bit different and so is the harness, but I could be (often am) wrong, so I thought I'd ask.

[BigSwede]

I really don't know but I have a hard time believing that they changed any sheet metal on the US cars, come to think of it there were some US cars sold in Sweden in -87, even has the california stickers in the engine bay... So probably no change in mounting points.

I bet you need the H4 sockets for the H4 bulbs or large female spade connentors.

[denovich]

I have the euro headlights on my Verde. The difference is quite noticable... The E-code lights have that nice horizontal cutoff.

They came pre-installed on my car, so I can't say how difficult they were to install. But looking at the end result it doesn't look very difficult at all. The hardest part will be opening your wallet and paying for them.

--Mark
http://mark.denovich.org
The Alfa Wiki: http://alfa.denovich.org

[nizam]

Bigswede, this may be hard to believe but Alfa actually did make a small sheetmetal change between the US and Euro versions with respect to the headlight mounting brackets.

The mounting holes for the US lights all line up with the Euro lights, EXCEPT one. For that, a special "Z" bracket (the shape of a Z) has to be made to mate the mounting holes of the Carellos to the US cars. This is easily done ... the flat metal piece can be found in any hardware store (usually they are predrilled) and the bending can be done by hand, plus a 90" edge like a concrete staircase. If you want a good looking and accurate bracket, you should really measure it all up and bend it correctly with a bending brake, but ... it's all up to you.

The electrical connections ARE different, but in both cases, they are three-wire jobbies for the main lights. One low/main beam, and one high beam. Euro cars have an extra lamp at the bottom of the housing for the parking lights. This is completely separate from the main harness for the aforementioned lights. The socket for the H4 bulb that you will be using is plentiful too. Any auto parts store will be able to provide you with a brand new pair.

Finally, the "America" versions of the 75 that were sold in Europe had both the side markers in the bumpers and Carellos.

As for cost, the price of the Euro headlights are really VERY CHEAP compared to rice lights for the Hondaz and Acuraz out there. Plus, they actually work really well (relative to the weak Elmas) and they're not ricey!

[BigSwede]

So the sheet metal is different? How utterly not economically efficient...

Strange how they kept the California stickers in the engine room then.

[JoeCab]

Here's a picture for comparison. The US spec headlights I took off were practically new having been under plexiglass protectors their entire life. Both sets of lights were using standard wattage bulbs.

[motoital]

The one thing that hasn’t been mentioned is I think is best part of the Euro headlights, they don’t have the fragile brackets. They are one piece & don’t have the metal peg & plastic socket that always breaks. I got a set of ebay kind of pricey, seems all of my money goes to ebay just bought a supersprint exhaust for my GTV today bumper 2 days ago but I just cant stop my self, between Alfa's & Ducati singles IM always broke! Anyway the headlights are a good piece to make your Milano different.

[JoeCab]

If anyone is interested we have 2 sets of Euro Headlights left in stock at Centerline from our recent shipment after Jes (AR4me) snapped up 2 sets.

They are just over $600 for both headlights, 2 new amber Euro side markers, and the H4 style connectors. These are NOT Carello brand lights, which are currently over twice that price new, but the light pattern is the same and they work identically.

That's it, when these are gone I do not think we will be gettting more.

Joe

[bellagt]

Adding to what Nizam has said, the three main considerations for installation conversion are:
1) Mounting Bracket: The two mounting bolts hidden by the grill remain the same. The third by the front indicator lenses is offset and will need a home made bracket. See attached photo; its pretty self explanatory once you see it.
2) Electrical Connector: You will need to find an H4 connector to replace the existing connector; if you can't find one at the local auto parts store, search the web for an H4 connector (supplier); should cost ~$7/connector. When you splice in the new connector, the 3 wires stay in the same relative (left, center, right) position as the old connector.
3) "DRL" Lamp: There is a 5w lamp with a separate electrical connector. You can choose to leave it unconnected, wire it up to turn on with your parking lights or wire it up to turn on with your ignition as a pseudo "daylight run lamp"

If you're lucky, you can find a pair for ~$250-$300 in the US; or you can try to find a pair on eBay.UK where you might be able to find them for as little as US$25, wind up paying 3 times as much for shipping and still be ahead than buying them from a US seller (I've done it both ways).

Good luck,
Ken

[bellagt]

One other item that may occur after installing Euro lamps:
The ARC headlamp warning light may come on. I understand the ARC system monitors electrical circuits for a specific resistance level with some allowable error. Euro H4 lamps may have an electrical resistance outside the acceptable range; the ARC will think there is a problem when the lamps are turned on and the headlamp warning light will come on. (I hear the same happens with the rear tail lights if the bulbs are replaced with non-OEM brand bulbs.) Anyone out there with Euro lamps and the ARC headlamp warning light problems? Or has everyone de-nutted there ARC by now?

[Timo]

This Euro light conversion seems like a real nice safty up-grade. So no additional relays are needed? Just go with the stock relays on the US spec Milano? Thanks, Tim

[ralfalfa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellagt ....... or you can try to find a pair on eBay.UK where you might be able to find them for as little as US$25,

[bellagt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralfalfa Remember the UK lights are set for RHD - not good for US & other LHD countries Ralph Houston, TX