From the internet meme department of repairs comes this quick and E-Z tech tip for those looking to find the amber lamps. In this case the two stock amber inboard headlamps for a 1969 Citroen iD sedan proved not only near-impossible to locate, but à prix élevé for the purposes of drivable restification. The inexpensive solution comes in a can for under ten bucks. One can of Krylon Stained Glass Color spray paint in yellow can convert standard sets of clear lens fog lights or headlamps into the amber lamps in a few minutes. The task of prying the lamps or fog lights out of whatever mounts they are fused or screwed into will of course vary by vehicle. Consult your service manual or favorite forum for guidance in removal without breakage. Once the lamps are out and ready for paint, make sure the lamp surface is clean and free of grease or crud. The spray-on finish is translucent and designed for use on glass. Apply the paint in thin, even coats. Better two thin coats than one heavy one to avoid light blocking drips and puddling. Additional thin coats will bring a deeper yellow-amber to the lens. Our Citroën driving man in the field provided these photos of his own amber lamp spray paint conversion. He reports unimpaired luminosity and no breakdown in finish after nearly a year of extensive all-weather testing and actual use. With a couple hours and about ten bucks you too can bring the amber lamps.
Thanks to the SoCal Citroen Club and Andy Takakjian for the photos and tech tip.
Here are the results of my research on why French cars had yellow headlights:
http://karakullake.blogspot.com/2008/09/yellow-headlights-of-france.html
That’s a pretty neat trick. I might give that a try with a couple KC pencil beams I’m mounting in the factory fog locations. As day turns to night, the breezes in the Arizona desert calm and the dust has more hang time than a young Michael Jordan. It’s hard to carry much speed in these conditions, as the hanging dust is just as damning as fog, yet typical fog light beam patterns are rather easily over-driven. I’m hoping this set of pencil beams mounted down low, and sprayed amber, will provide a better view of the trail ahead.
If it sucks, well, that’s what acetone is for, right?
Interesting tip. I’ve seen it done before, but never well. This is reassuring.
It’s a nice look, but check local requirements for headlights first. I had to switch the French headlights in my KV
https://clunkbucket.com/victoire-de-citrons/
from yellow to white to keep the State of Washington happy. In that case it was the bulb, not the exterior lens, that was yellow. Fortunately the same obscure size and wattage (except in white) was used on certain Belgian scooters. This guy bought out the stock of a retired Belgian bulb dealer and has all sorts of spares:
http://www.donsbulbs.com/
I had no luck sourcing them elsewhere worldwide.