low profile NA popup headlight kit

91mx5 · Postby **91mx5** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:19 pm

I find the pop up lights on my NA block my vision when up, as they are so high. Does anyone know of a reasonably priced kit with smaller diameter lights that don't require the full pop up height?
I've seen photos of twin headlight conversions that open to about half normal height. Always wanted a car with pop up lights, but didn't think about the consequences!

Allan

d-mag · Postby **d-mag** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 8:04 am

http://www.mx5mania.com.au/product707.htm

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 7:44 pm

remember the old rule about lamp performance ( size matters) - the larger 7" headlamp will have more light output than smaller units ( prob 5.75"). A good 7in round insert in good condition has a pretty good performance.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 7:45 pm

as a PS the full up position is going to be the same ???

Jeo · Postby **Jeo** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 12:11 am

Mr Morlock wrote:as a PS the full up position is going to be the same ???

Nope, only comes up a little way.

Locutus · Postby **Locutus** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 1:12 am

Mr Morlock wrote:remember the old rule about lamp performance ( size matters) - the larger 7" headlamp will have more light output than smaller units ( prob 5.75").

not when you're comparing reflector to projector headlights. low beam on mania/moss kits use quality hella projector optics.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 2:01 pm

I agree with Locutus on his observation about projector lamps as compared to reflector lamps. I could not tell that from the photo and it appears as if there is no description. Projector lamps have a special lens which sits in front of the light source and magnifies the light. Mania obviously source a product suited to rh drive

91mx5 · Postby **91mx5** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 5:28 pm

I've seen Mania lights on the web, not in the flesh. They look good but are a bit expensive. Has anyone actually fitted them and can comment on performance? Also, how much is the height of the cover reduced. I presume there is a limit switch or something to turn of the door motor off at the required height. Does anyone know?

Thanks,

Allan

Range Runner · Postby **Range Runner** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 7:39 pm

I've just ordered the twin headlamp kit from Mania. But due to the holidays, they won't get here till Feb next year. I went to MX5 Parts UK to see what they wanted for them. But they were over 500 quid there, + P&H, which would have made it well over $1200 AUD. So I'll wait till Feb. I was tempted to get the HID upgrade, but at more than twice the price (1200 pounds!) it was a little too rich for this black duck.
Would look fantastic though. & at that price, you're guaranteed exclusivity.
But not for me.

Hammer · Postby **Hammer** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 8:16 pm

Check Jeo's NA. He's got a low style headlight.

Check the thread by clicking here

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 10:32 pm

I can't for the life of me find a kit, I found years ago, that has twin rectangular headlights. I like the squarish ones best because it serves to contrast and offset the round-ness of everything else.

Jeo · Postby **Jeo** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 11:21 pm

Cheers Hammer

I too disliked the stock headlights and really wanted a low profile set. Saw the price of the mania one and thought bugger that, saw a few DIY rectangle kits using headlights from other cars (mostly 180sx's) and thought that could be a fun project. Bought a set of oem lights (motors, brackets, the lot) with the intention of DIY'ing them but then the MX5 Mart kit that I've got now popped up here for an awesome price. Luckily, I had a mate in Sydney that was coming to visit the day after the kit was posted so I had them the very next day and postage only cost me a beer.

I was warned before purchase that they don't quite fit. If you read through my build thread you'll see just how much cocking about I had to get them to sit somewhere close to right. Think of it as a DIY starter kit and you'll be fine, expect OEM fitment and you'll be well disappointed.

broady · Postby **broady** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 11:22 pm

I spent ages looking for a well priced kit, but the fact is that there are just not many around these days, or they are prohibitively expensive. Honestly I love the look but for the price I personally can't justify it. There is a method to DIY it but you need to be pretty handy.

Is the MX5 mart kit still available? And for how much?