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Install an Off-The-Shelf Headlight in a Standard..

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  • Install an Off-The-Shelf Headlight in a Standard..

    One issue with the standard square headlight is as-sold, you can only use a Yamaha replacement, which as we all know are difficult to find sometimes and usually expensive. I suggested this to DaVinci, but was at a boneyard yesterday so I picked up a car/truck headlight bucket assembly to see if this was feasible... well, it is.

    Here's the how-to and if all you have is the bucket and trim ring, I'll give dimensions so you don't even need a OEM light for a pattern...

    [IMG][/IMG]
    Here's the comparison between a OEM and automotive-type bucket. In this case, this one is off a '80s S-10, but there's plenty of other vehicles that used these and they'll all work as long as the trim/retaining ring is rounded like this one. Cost me all of $7....

    [IMG][/IMG]

    Cut off the original adjusting/mounting ears.

    [IMG][/IMG]

    The next several pics are all related. In this one, this is how you locate the mounting points. Using a square against the top and left edges (looking from the back), the center of the main mount is 4.5" over from the left end. The top aiming screw is 1.5" in, or 3" from the center hole. The lower adjusting screw is opposite the top center hole.

    [IMG][/IMG]

    Main mount fabbed and installed. The top of this should be between 1/32" and 1/16" higher than the headlight retaining ring, or in this case, 1/4" above the bucket. I'll note here that the two adjusting brackets should have their hole centers even with the retaining ring also. I'll also note that the main mount I made out of some scrap body sheetmetal, but I used some stouter .062 thick material for the adjusting brackets so they won't bend.

    [IMG][/IMG]

    The upper adjusting bracket. The 'tab' with the hole in it should be .4" (13/32") on it's inside length after bending. Bend it to 90 degrees, then go another 15 for the correct angle, and do the same for the lower bracket. By the way, all the screw holes are 3/16".

    [IMG][/IMG]

    I drilled a 7/16" hole through the bucket for a nut. I'm using a 10/32 screw and nylock nut for the main mount. You'll need to lay the nut in there loose, then install the light. You'll be able to hold the nut with some needle-nose pliers when assembling. Note that the screw cannot be any longer than 3/8" or it will contact the light. Also note that I did the pop rivets from inside shell for the same reason; it's tight in there...

    [IMG][/IMG]
    This pic is important; to properly locate the headlight, the center of the mounting should be exactly 1.125" from the front edge of the retaining ring.

    [IMG][/IMG]

    Same thing goes for the adjusting tabs, although you have a little wiggle room here...

    [IMG][/IMG]

    This shows the finished top mounts, but also shows that I had to bend the two top retaining ring tabs back for clearance; the bottom ones should be OK.

    [IMG][/IMG]

    Installed headlight... looks factory...

    [IMG][/IMG]

    Final modified parts. I cut the excess back out of the bucket (that was harder than all the rest!) for a bit more room, but you may not need to.

    If you don't have any of the OEM hardware, you'll need one 10/32 x 3/8" screw, one 10/32 nyloc nut (I don't see any way to get a lockwasher in there) for the main mount, and two 8/32 x 2.25" screws, two 8/32 square nuts, and two .25" OD x 2" long springs. You may be able to find the springs at the wrecking yard, look around.

    You can now use any standard 5x7 automotive headlight, or any aftermarket replacement like a Cibie or Hella. No more hunting for a good OEM unit...

    That's it unless there's any questions...
    Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

    '78E original owner - resto project
    '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
    '82 XJ rebuild project
    '80SG restified, red SOLD
    '79F parts...
    '81H more parts...

    Other current bikes:
    '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
    '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
    '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
    Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
    Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

  • #2
    Leave it to you Steve, coming up with that, nice job.
    2H7 (79) owned since '89
    3H3 owned since '06

    "If it ain't broke, modify it"

    Comment


    • #3
      Great work, Steve! Looks exactly like the pictures in my head! Very detailed explanation, too.

      Next time I drop my light and break it, this mod is on my list.
      Former owner, but I have NO PARTS LEFT!

      Comment


      • #4
        I did nearly exactly what you did, but with mine, the headlight was a little cock-eyed in the housing because I am not as good as you in the measurements. I ended up buying a later model housing and lens and just sed an h4 bulb. Plug and play.
        Skids (Sid Hansen)

        Down to one 1978 E. Stock air box with K&N filter, 81H pipes and carbs, 8500 feet elevation.

        Comment


        • #5
          looks like a great mod!

          Steve thanks for taking time to document along the way...

          one request though - don't channel any more pics from DAVINCI's head - I'm afraid of what we might see

          seriously - this mod needs a page on the permanent tips.

          John
          John is in an anonymous city with an Alamo (N29.519227,W-98.678980)

          Go ahead, click on the bikes - you know you want to...the electrons are ready.
          '81 XS1100H - "Enterprise"
          Bob Jones Custom Navy bike: Tkat brace, EBC floating rotors & SS lines, ROX pivot risers, Geezer rectifier, new 3H3 engine

          "Not all treasure is silver and gold"

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks guys... I've been wanting to put a Cibie light in my standard for years, this will let me. The parts won't go to waste...
            Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

            '78E original owner - resto project
            '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
            '82 XJ rebuild project
            '80SG restified, red SOLD
            '79F parts...
            '81H more parts...

            Other current bikes:
            '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
            '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
            '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
            Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
            Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by crazy steve View Post
              Thanks guys... I've been wanting to put a Cibie light in my standard for years, this will let me. The parts won't go to waste...
              I want to see some comparison shots of the OEM lenses compaired to the cibie lens. Once I get things finished I will be driving it in the dark frequently when coming home from work so I want to see what the difference is and if it is worth the $$
              Nathan
              KD9ARL

              μολὼν λαβέ

              1978 XS1100E
              K&N Filter
              #45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
              OEM Exhaust
              ATK Fork Brace
              LED Dash lights
              Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters

              Green Monster Coils
              SS Brake Lines
              Vision 550 Auto Tensioner

              In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

              Theodore Roosevelt

              Comment


              • #8
                Nate, I've installed Cibie lights in numerous vehicles over the years, and they've never failed to give me an improvement over what I had before, even when replacing a H4 halogen light. They use optical-quality glass for better light transmission, their lens designs are first-rate, and the best part is you can get this in a legal package, not some hashed HID conversion or oversized lamp that will burn up your wiring. If I'm buying an hi-performance aftermarket light, it's my first and only choice...

                Here's a link; scroll down for the square lights...http://www.danielsternlighting.com/p.../products.html
                Last edited by crazy steve; 06-26-2011, 12:39 PM.
                Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

                '78E original owner - resto project
                '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
                '82 XJ rebuild project
                '80SG restified, red SOLD
                '79F parts...
                '81H more parts...

                Other current bikes:
                '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
                '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
                '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
                Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
                Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

                Comment


                • #9
                  Steve- Is this mod necessary if I want to use a different headlight, and my housing is the '79?
                  1979 XS1100F
                  2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by IanDMacDonald View Post
                    Steve- Is this mod necessary if I want to use a different headlight, and my housing is the '79?
                    Yes. If you want to use anything other than a OEM Yamaha sealed beam (which are difficult to find and expensive if you do find them, plus the light output suck in comparison to new bulbs).

                    There are some old yamaha replaceable halogen H4 bulb conversions but they too are rare and expensive.
                    Nathan
                    KD9ARL

                    μολὼν λαβέ

                    1978 XS1100E
                    K&N Filter
                    #45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
                    OEM Exhaust
                    ATK Fork Brace
                    LED Dash lights
                    Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters

                    Green Monster Coils
                    SS Brake Lines
                    Vision 550 Auto Tensioner

                    In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

                    Theodore Roosevelt

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      The '78E (US version) used a 'sealed beam' with a non-replaceable lamp. All other models and the '79-81 US version used a replaceable H4 type lamp. The sealed beam shows up used or as NOS parts regularly as nobody really wants one. The big problem with the OEM H4 lens assemblies is they had inferior sealing and the reflector silvering goes bad over time from moisture, so good units are very hard to find... and more $$ than a Cibie conversion when you can find them.
                      Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

                      '78E original owner - resto project
                      '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
                      '82 XJ rebuild project
                      '80SG restified, red SOLD
                      '79F parts...
                      '81H more parts...

                      Other current bikes:
                      '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
                      '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
                      '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
                      Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
                      Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by crazy steve View Post
                        The '78E (US version) used a 'sealed beam' with a non-replaceable lamp. All other models and the '79-81 US version used a replaceable H4 type lamp. The sealed beam shows up used or as NOS parts regularly as nobody really wants one. The big problem with the OEM H4 lens assemblies is they had inferior sealing and the reflector silvering goes bad over time from moisture, so good units are very hard to find... and more $$ than a Cibie conversion when you can find them.
                        I thought they all had the sealed bean and the replaceable lamp was offered later. Not quite as rare then I guess!
                        Nathan
                        KD9ARL

                        μολὼν λαβέ

                        1978 XS1100E
                        K&N Filter
                        #45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
                        OEM Exhaust
                        ATK Fork Brace
                        LED Dash lights
                        Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters

                        Green Monster Coils
                        SS Brake Lines
                        Vision 550 Auto Tensioner

                        In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

                        Theodore Roosevelt

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          They're still rare as so many have gone bad....

                          The sealed beam was the only one that was sealed good enough to maintain it's silvering over the years so you'll find those installed in the later bikes when the owners couldn't find a good H4 lens.

                          I've got 3-4 of the H4 lenses around here, but I've only got one that's good enough to where I'd use it and that one is marginal....
                          Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

                          '78E original owner - resto project
                          '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
                          '82 XJ rebuild project
                          '80SG restified, red SOLD
                          '79F parts...
                          '81H more parts...

                          Other current bikes:
                          '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
                          '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
                          '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
                          Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
                          Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by natemoen View Post
                            Yes. If you want to use anything other than a OEM Yamaha sealed beam (which are difficult to find and expensive if you do find them, plus the light output suck in comparison to new bulbs).

                            There are some old yamaha replaceable halogen H4 bulb conversions but they too are rare and expensive.
                            So, if I bought an LED headlight like "The Rev", I would have to abide by this mod, no alternatives? It won't just drop-in the bucket?
                            1979 XS1100F
                            2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Nope.......
                              Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

                              '78E original owner - resto project
                              '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
                              '82 XJ rebuild project
                              '80SG restified, red SOLD
                              '79F parts...
                              '81H more parts...

                              Other current bikes:
                              '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
                              '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
                              '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
                              Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
                              Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

                              Comment

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