Koito Headlights

[daddz]

I am curious if anyone would be able to tell me if there is a source for obtaining Koito headlights. I have not had much luck in searching the web and scouring auto parts suppliers for the Koito headlights.

In my fleet of Z cars I have some that still have the Koito headlights installed and they still work! My 1982 S130 has both Koito headlights which are fully operational. In case anyone is wondering my 350Z is equipped with Koito headlights so at least "le cost killer" has not gotten rid of that O.E. supplier to Nissan.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...Kats...Alan T...

[HS30-H]

Hi daddz,

They are still available in Japan, even in the otherwise-useless "Autobacs" and "Helloes" stores. Just the lamp unit itself that is, not the headlamp bowl / surround.

However, I'm fairly sure that the lenses are all configured for RHD.

Surely that's no good for you in the USA? The beams will be pointing in the wrong direction................

I'm pretty sure that Kats would have had to install RHD-configured lamp units in his car so that it would pass its 'Shakken', and be used legally in Japan.

Alan T.

( Here's one that I bought a while back. Disregard the bowl and surround - which is from Nissan ):

[HS30-H]

ps

Did you know that some S30-series cars left the Factory with Toshiba and Stanley brand headlamp units, as well as Koito?

Did you only get Koito in the USA?

Alan T.

[Victor Laury]

We got the Toshiba's. Referred as the "Cursive Toshiba's" for the the font use in the logo.

They are a very durable light. My 70 roadster still has it's original pair. 33 years of service isn't too bad

[26th-Z]

Koito's here! Chloe sold me spare lamps a while back. Check with her. I think you will find used Koito's around.

[HS30-H]

"Cursive Toshibas" is a nice expression. I've never heard of that. Its a nice font isn't it? The Stanley font was nice too.

So you had Koitos as well as Toshibas in USA? Was there any cut-off or delineation between the two brands as to what came on what year / month?

As far as I know, the Japanese market cars seemed to be pretty much mixed ( but always in pairs! ). Probably another case of Nissan using different sources for a fairly standard product?

The headlamps in the UK-market cars had a bad reputation from the very beginning. Some of the original magazine road tests pointed them out as a little inadequate.

[Zrush]

MSA in California might have them as well as Courtesy Nissan in Texas. Courtesy Nissan even had a OEM drivers side window for my 77 Z.

[kats]

Hello dadds,

I want to show you my head lamps.Thease are KOITO, NISSAN part number 26010-E4601 for RH and 26060-E4601 for LH.I got them form Mr.NISHI.I was surprised Mr.NISHI stocked these LHD NOS lamps,he said he tried to buy whatever he was intereted in.He wanted to see how different LHD head lamps from japanese RHD lamps.

Alan,do not tell japanese policeman my 240z got illegal lamps.

Actually I went to the motor transport department to pass the exams in feburualy,they did not found it.They were just enjoying to seeing my old original looking Z car.They seemed to be strict when they saw modified car.In my case,they just cheked VIN number and viewed underneath real quick.

This one is the LH lamp,you can see some japanese words.

It sais from left to right ,

"Migi(right) - Hai(distribute) - kou(beam,light) "

means "aiming to the right"

Why?for LHD car,to prevent flashing beams to the opposite traffic driver,so the light should aim to the right.

kats

[kats]

This one is the RH lamp.Also sais "Migi-Hai-Kou"

[kats]

Front view of the lamp.I used to install Koito H4 lamps,they are flat face.I wanted this "rouded-face" sealed lamp,looks original.

kats

[daddz]

Thanks to everyone for your responses.

Alan,

I have learned something new again today with regard to healdights and the multiple suppliers to Nissan. A fairly common practice which is evidenced in things like different brands of tires etc..

I will check through Motorsport and Courtesy Nissan as a call placed to my local dealer failed to yield any results. They searched both locally and nationally and couldn't find any units.

Kats,

Thanks as always for the information and part numbers.

[kyteler]

Not that it would be terribly relevant to the discussion but I became curious after reading so I went out and checked the C110, I've got 4 different lenses. Left side, Koito & "Cursive Toshiba". Right side, General Electric & Stanley. Not that the Z has enough lights to but.... BEAT THAT!