Changing headlight globe NA6

[davekmoore]

The driver's side low beam has blown. Any tips on swapping it? Or, given that I'm going to the roadworthy place tomorrow to pick up my Golf (previous daily driver, now sold), might it be better to get them to put one in for me? In case you haven't read any of my previous posts, I understand cars, but my mechanical ability is about a 1.5 out of 10.

[SuperMazdaKart]

it's pretty damn easy. first time i did it i didn't even bother looking at any diagrams or tech guides on it. it's the sorta thing that when you do it, you can see how it comes together (or apart). all you need is a screwdriver & for the headlights to be up.

[Hammer]

Is the NA6 original headlight a sealbeam or does it take H4?

[Mr Morlock]

It is a simple job- the service centre will be able to do it- Supermazda is also right. As far as I know our cars all took a replaceable bulb not a sealed beam but I do stand to be corrected. You can tell by looking at the lamp.

[bruce]

Light up. Remove screws in face. Pull light out. Unplug globe at back. Replace.

[CheyneX5]

Jap import NA's mostly had sealed beam units, i recently replaced my sealed beams with some semi sealed housings and some philips crystal vision globes, they are brilliant!

[davekmoore]

Yup, needs a sealed beam.

[CheyneX5]

Do you currenty have sealed beam units or semi sealed? If you have semi sealed, keep them and just change the globes.

The sealed beam types generally have weak globes in them, i went through 6 different used sealed beam unit's in the course of 14 months. Usually the high beam would die in one housing or the low beam. This is the disadvantage of this type of unit, also the fact that the glass on the sealed unit is quite rounded, therefore making "light hotspots" on the road.

I hope this helps, i know that james from the mx5 centre has a set of these housings

[Hammer]

If you want to improve the strenght of your headlights, maybe replacing your Sealed Beam with semi-sealed beam units which just needs to place the globes when they go, like this ones...

[davekmoore]

If you want to improve the strenght of your headlights, maybe replacing your Sealed Beam with semi-sealed beam units which just needs to place the globes when they go, like this ones...

Better lights always a good thing, especially in the recent Melbourne weather. Stuck with the standard sealed unit replacement for now as it's already in as I needed to be immediately mobile for work. How much were these and where from? If sensibly priced, might just get a pair ready for when the inevitible next filament goes.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

[Hammer]

These pair were seen from eBay (from the US). Click here

According to eBay, these delivered in Aust cost AU$93. A while back someone was selling them in Australia around $60 [+shipping], but can't find them now.

[Mr Morlock]

Hella make a unit that will replace the sealed beam unit ( Miata site also refers to this) and you will be able to buy this quite readily. Hella has a web site or if you ask the guys at Head Office Mentone they should be able to tell you the right unit. Your unit does not have a park lamp aperture. My advice just use the standard wattage bulbs though you can buy +30 +50% etc which are optimised but still standard wattage ( 60/44 H4) PS heavens knows what a crystal cut glass is- the lenses on Hella units are made of glass and the process is they are made in a moud and stamped ( molten glass). Hella have been making this unit for probably 40 years and they got it right- one of the world leaders in automotive lighting

[Mr Morlock]

just looked up the cat and the kit I think you need is 5604- this gives you a 2 inserts with bulbs 60/55 and the insert is 1056 which does not have a park bulbholder. The NA has separate park bulbs already. Shop around for best price- if you happen to know anyone and you can get a trade discount it makes quite a difference. PS these inserts are for our roads - so you get the right cut off.