Low Profile Lights

[JMather]

Hey all I've done a few searches on the subject but I haven't found anything yet. thought I might ask now.

Has anyone done a low profile headlight conversion themselves? Something like this picture. I have the tools, I have the time and I have no problem doing the fabrication but I have no clue what to do.
If anyone has anything they can help me with it would be muchly appreciated!

[Hammer]

Here's a pictorial step-by-step how-to article from Miata.net on exactly on this.

[Jeo]

Found this one through CR.net

Hadn't seen the miata.net one before, cheers Hammer. Should be useful when I eventually get around to installing my kit.

[lightyear]

You could do what i did and modified the aftermarket 180sx twin headlights to fit the mx5.

[Mr Morlock]

You would have to ask firstly why do you want to do this. If it is just for aesthetics then that is your call. If it is for function then I suggest do not bother. The standard lamp was a 7' insert probably halogen not an sbu . If you fit 2 inserts per side then you have a low beam which is then a smaller reflector with a lower light output. The smaller lamps are likely to be 5.75" or maybe even smaller - with this type of round reflector performance is effected by size. If you went to rectangular inserts their performance is even worse. On high beam you will get good performance if both lights are energised but high beam is not usually a big issue as the 7" performs well anyway.
Headlamp mounting systems are basically standardised in their format for older vehicles - they usually have a housing for the insert which is held by a retaining ring and adjusting screws for aiming. You would be best to try and pick up assemblies from a wrecker or a rare spares etc. You can probably buy new inserts and these must be for right traffic. The inner insert can be a driving lamp beam so it has no light cut off. The Hella catologue on line might help once you know the size of the inserts.
Also bear in mind that if you do not want componentry to rust it needs to be plated or painted.

[Big G]

I fitted the Brainstorm lights referred to in Hammers post, they were totally useless as lights, but looked really good when popped up. Downside of course, no one sees them in the dark
here's a pic

[JMather]

I mainly want to do this for aesthetic reasons, I think what I might do is fabricate my own cage for them to sit in and buy the lights by themselves. is there any more info about these project out there? thank you so much for your help I've gotten so many ideas and has really put me in the right direction.

[Mr Morlock]

I would be looking for some lights already complete. The housing normally is a deep drawn pressing which is notched and threaded etc to take the headlamp insert retaining ring and adjustment screws. As someone suggested something like a 180B might be suitable. Headlamp inserts are normally made to standards so you would be able to buy a new insert if the old one is suffering from faded reflectors. Try the wrecker and take some measurements

[Okibi]

...As someone suggested something like a 180B..

I think they suggested the 180sx, it's like a modern equivalent of the 180B.

[NMX516]

You would have to ask firstly why do you want to do this. If it is just for aesthetics then that is your call. If it is for function then I suggest do not bother. The standard lamp was a 7' insert probably halogen not an sbu . If you fit 2 inserts per side then you have a low beam which is then a smaller reflector with a lower light output. The smaller lamps are likely to be 5.75" or maybe even smaller - with this type of round reflector performance is effected by size. If you went to rectangular inserts their performance is even worse. On high beam you will get good performance if both lights are energised but high beam is not usually a big issue as the 7" performs well anyway.
Headlamp mounting systems are basically standardised in their format for older vehicles - they usually have a housing for the insert which is held by a retaining ring and adjusting screws for aiming. You would be best to try and pick up assemblies from a wrecker or a rare spares etc. You can probably buy new inserts and these must be for right traffic. The inner insert can be a driving lamp beam so it has no light cut off. The Hella catologue on line might help once you know the size of the inserts.
Also bear in mind that if you do not want componentry to rust it needs to be plated or painted.

The way to do it is to use late model motorbike twin headlights. Much better than two 7 inch lamps.

[AJ]

...As someone suggested something like a 180B..

I think they suggested the 180sx, it's like a modern equivalent of the 180B.

nowhere near the character though

actually, just a coupla weeks ago I saw a totally original 200B SX.........still had all the factory decals & factory wheels

[Jeo]

People have got 180sx lights in there before, but they require a fair amount of work apparently. Bike lights seem easier provided you find the right size obviously.