Changing the Series III XJ6 Headlamps – 7″ Conversion

  • Gary
  • XJ6

How to Convert XJ6 Headlamps to Seven-Inch Headlamps

If you own a Series III Jaguar XJ6 and want to restore its original European headlamp look, a seven-inch headlamp conversion is a great project. Here’s a guide to help you complete the conversion and give your Jaguar a more refined appearance.

Background: Why the Conversion is Popular

When Jaguar imported the Series III XJ6 to the United States, they had to comply with US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. These regulations required all headlamps to be the same size. As a result, Jaguar replaced the outer seven-inch headlamps with five-inch ones to match the inner driving lamps. To make this work, they added a large chrome trim piece to fill the gap, but this design wasn’t as aesthetically pleasing as the original seven-inch setup.

Many Jaguar enthusiasts prefer the cleaner, more elegant look of the original seven-inch headlamps, making this a popular DIY retrofit.

What You’ll Need

To make the conversion, you’ll need a complete seven-inch headlamp conversion kit. You can purchase a kit like part number HLC301 from Jaguar parts suppliers. This kit includes everything required for the job:

Step-by-Step Conversion Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Work Area

    • Park your Jaguar on a level surface and ensure the headlights are off.
    • Disconnect the battery to avoid any electrical accidents while working on the lights.

  2. Remove the Existing Five-Inch Headlamps

    • Unscrew the chrome trim piece around the headlamp.
    • Disconnect the wiring harness from the back of the headlamp.
    • Remove the mounting hardware and carefully take out the five-inch headlamp assemblies.

  3. Install the Seven-Inch Headlamps

    • Attach the mounting hardware for the seven-inch headlamps as specified in the kit instructions.
    • Connect the wiring harness to the back of the new seven-inch headlamps. Most kits are designed to work with the existing wiring, but double-check for compatibility.
    • Secure the new headlamp assemblies in place.

  4. Add Finishing Touches

    • Install the new trim rings or reuse the original ones if compatible.
    • Double-check that all screws and connections are secure.

  5. Test the New Headlamps

    • Reconnect the battery and turn on the headlights. Ensure that both high and low beams function correctly.
    • Adjust the headlamp aim if necessary using the adjustment screws provided in the kit. Proper alignment ensures optimal visibility and compliance with road regulations.

Final Thoughts

This conversion not only restores the original elegance of your Jaguar XJ6 but also improves the overall lighting performance with larger, more effective headlamps. It’s a straightforward project that enhances both the appearance and functionality of your car.

Happy wrenching!