From Candlelight to Clarity: How a halogen headlight upgrade transformed night driving for an award-winning XP Falcon Coupe in regional WA.
Customer Background
Neville is a local car tragic (in the best possible way) from the South West of WA. His Ford Falcon XP Coupe has picked up multiple show trophies - including People’s Choice at the All Australian Car Day. Despite its show-stopping looks, the XP struggled at night with dim, yellow sealed-beam headlights - not ideal when kangaroos are a daily reality at dawn and dusk.
The Problem
- Dim factory lights: ~1,000-1,200 lm, scattered beam, dark spots.
- Fatigue & safety: Eye strain on longer drives; limited reaction time.
- Keep it classic: Neville wanted a safer solution without losing the period-correct look.
The Battery Force Solution
A direct-fit H4 halogen upgrade, supplied and fitted by Battery Force:
- ~50–70% more usable light than the originals (≈1,800-2,000 lm).
- Whiter beam (≈3500-4000K) for clearer signs and lane markings.
- Focused reflector spread that puts light where it’s needed.
- Classic round aesthetic preserved - no modern halos or projector lenses.
“It’s a night and day difference. Driving through the country is so much safer now, and I still get to keep the Falcon looking original.” - Neville, XP Falcon owner
Before vs After (At-a-Glance)
| Factor | Stock Sealed Beams (1960s) | H4 Halogen Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | ~1,000–1,200 lm | ~1,800–2,000 lm |
| Colour Temp | Warm yellow (~3000K) | Whiter (~3500–4000K) |
| Beam Pattern | Scattered, dark spots | Focused, more even |
| Country Safety | Limited hazard detection | Earlier spotting of roos & potholes |
| Fatigue | Higher eye strain | Reduced eye strain |
Why Halogen First?
For classic builds, H4 halogen is a smart step: it keeps the look, improves safety, and is cost-effective. It’s also an easy way to ensure the wiring and relays are healthy before considering higher-output options later.
Future-Proof Options (When You’re Ready)
If you want to go further (especially for rural/highway use), Battery Force also stocks ADR-approved 7" LED headlight units (e.g. STEDI) with:
- Longer beam throw (up to ~390 m high beam on select models)
- Crisp daylight colour (≈5700K)
- Long lifespans (up to ~50,000 hrs)
-
ADR compliance for legal on-road use in Australia
(Perfect next step for customers who drive at night more frequently.)
What We Recommend for Classic Fords
-
Stage 1 - Halogen H4 (Neville’s setup):
Keep it classic, get a big safety boost, verify wiring health. -
Stage 2 - ADR-Approved LED 7" units (optional):
Maximum throw and clarity for frequent night driving, still road-legal.
Installation & Wiring Notes (Quick Tech)
- Check voltage at the lamps: Old looms can drop voltage; a relay upgrade can unlock the full brightness.
- Aim and alignment: Correct beam height and cutoff = performance + courtesy to oncoming traffic.
- ADR compliance: If/when moving to LED, choose ADR-approved units for legal peace of mind.
Results That Matter
- Safer night driving on country roads
- Reduced eye strain for longer trips
- A period-correct look front-on, with modern night-time confidence
Ready to improve night driving without sacrificing classic style? Talk to us about a tailored lighting upgrade for your classic car - and ask about ADR-approved LED options when you’re ready to go further.