Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2000 19:39:25 EDT
Reply-To: Oxroad@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jeffrey R <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Driving lights on a 1991 GL (suggestions)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Dave--
I suggest upgrading to the the current (1999) South African front grill set
up with the Hella 5 inch H3 driving lights.
On the plus side:
1.It looks cool
2. Driving lights mounted as high as the headlights as opposed to down on the
bumper which should be an advantage on hilly roads IMHO
3. Allows you to replace regular 7" round headlights with 7" Hella H4 which
offer better night vision if legal in your area (gets rid of arguably
inferior vanagon square headlights)
On the negative side:
1. Pricier than merely adding driving lights to bumper. Somewhere around $300
If you're not familiar with the South African grill you can see it at
www.Vanagon.com then click on "photos" and scroll down to the picture of
the orange bus titled "misc. photos" and click on that. There are several
aftermarket dealers in the USA that carry the grill.
It is similar to the Golf GTI grill with the stock 7" round headlights and
then the 5" Hella H3 driving lights mounted beside the stock headlights on
the side toward the middle of the grill.
Dealers of the South African grill I know of are:
Listee James Cohen jscohen@sprynet.com
Ken at Van Again www.vanagain.com
Ron at Bus Depot www.Busdepot.com
(normal disclaimers)
I bought my grill and lights from James Cohen and am very pleased with it.
The added light from the driving lights is well deserved and appreciated. I
have replaced my stock 7" headlights with halogen 7" bulbs--but would like to
upgrade to the hell H4s eventually. As far as I know James is the only one
who offers the SA grill kit with the complete factory mounting for the
driving lights including the "buckets" and brackets for the 5" hella H3
driving lights. this allows you to aim the beam of the driving lights and is
a factory set up--although never available on US models from the dealer here.
The installation of the SA grill entails measurinf and drilling for the
driving light brakcets only. The SA grill snaps into the mounting clips
existing on the bus. And then of course the driving lights must be wired up.
On whatever kit you purchase you would have to purchase used headlight
buckets for stock round headlights to replace the square headlight set up
your bus has (unless you have a Vanagon build prior to 1986). The 7" Hella H4
halogen lights would be an additional cost as well. Or you could choose stock
replacement 7" bulbs which are cheaper.
> 3. Where is the on/off switch located in your Vanagon? I have a free
> button/switch cut out below my hazards. I'd love to know if I can buy a
> spare vanagon dash switch and use that as my on off switch. I like the idea
> of keeping my dash clean and stock looking.
I would use the factory optional fog light switch. Matches your existing
switches and mounts in the plugged square hole blow the hazard switch in your
dash. Ron has them at www.Busdepot.com
>
> 4. Is the wiring easy?
Yes--relatively. Mine are hooked up to always go on with the high beams--easy
wiring. However, ideally they should be wired with relays to save too much
current from travelling through the light switch. Or you can wire them to go
on and off with the fog light switch. Someone with more wiring experience
than me with should advise you on the exact hook up.
Also for fog light options there is the Projektzwo fog light kit that mounts
square fog lights on the outside ends of the lower grill. If you only want
fog lights and don't need driving lights I would say this is the way to go.
Problem is it's a little more than $325 or $350 as well.
This kit essentially extends the bottom grill to the edges of the bus so it
is equal in width to the upper grill. In the extended area the fog lights are
mounted for a neat appearance. I believe Ken sells this kit and has photos of
this set up on his website. www.vanagain.com
Having said that I do not own and have not installed the projektzwo kit. I
merely like the look and seemingly functionality of the design. Perhaps one
with the kit can comment on it's benefits.
If I can help with any more information please let me know.
See the light.
Jeff
83.5 Westy
formerly of NYC/ currently in Lake Tahoe
