My export car has two dipping reflectors, but presumably no cars are still running about with a single dipping reflector. How have they all been wired?

The original RP dipping reflector switch can be connected for a changeover function as reqd for two filaments but as pointed out the contacts are meagre for the current continuously, and heavy wire to would look wrong. Operation can be achieved with a non original solenoid (which suitably placed may reduce the voltage loss) but an automotive switch, concealed if thought necessary, is more simple, and no current is wasted..

Location: Auckland, NZ

Good evening (morning) Bob. I have never seen an offside headlamp engineered to take a solenoid dipping mechanism. Some original UK cars are still set up with N/S dipping O/S off but the way round the now defunct MoT test was to have them both permanently on 'main' but adjusted for the dip position only.
Other cars use the 7" 'Wipac' sealed beam or BPF units but given the number that have been sold many cars must use the replacement reflectors from the 'Seven Workshop'.
Regards
Stuart

Location: Staffordshire, the creative county.

My 1933 Austin 10 had N/S and O/S solenoid dipping mechanism,they quite impressed the MOT inspector who had never seen them before, so much so that he ran of into the workshop and dragged the other mechanic out to have a look at them, the poor chap was even more amazed at the wiper motor pull out and twist to start mechanism as well as me adjusting a slight front brake imbalance by lifting out a floorboard and doing the adjustment before he could walk across the MOT bay.

Location: Pembrokeshire

I guess the rarity of explains why no questions about dipping reflectors. The merit is that lamps remain sharp focussed on both settings, very desirable with weak bulbs. Pencil beams were OK on basic narrow roads whereas now need light everywhere to find the far distant edges, lane markings, built out curb edges just in front of car etc.

The reflector dippers can tax skills. There is a heavy current operating solenoid with a low current holding winding. If maladjusted the reflectors vibrate between positions drawing so much current the lamps go dim. With wiring and rubber stops perished a liability.

But to return to the topic. If a dip switch is reckoned capable of the current no need for a relay, avoiding another non standard device, electrical complication, and wasted current. Generous gauge wiring needs to be extended from each filament to the switch, wherever it might be placed. A generous earth wire from the lamps also desirable.

However a relay suits use of the existing switch or switch position with thin wires to.

Location: Auckland, NZ