Date:         Mon, 29 Jan 2001 21:53:29 -0800
Reply-To:     Craig Spaeth <spaeth@GORGE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Craig Spaeth <spaeth@GORGE.NET>
Subject:      More lighting tips
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The recipe for lighting with the old style grill is easy. Buy two 7inch round
Hella, Bosch or Cibie halogen lights (not the cheapies and not the Sylvania or
similar lights that say halogen on the front). These should be about $40 each or
look at swaps junkyards etc... and can be had for $5-$10. The bulbs are
replaceable so you do not care about the condition of the bulb just that the
seals are good and no cracked lenses. If you buy new ask if you can trade in the
stock 55/60watt bulbs and get 90/130's if you want serious light. Again get the
good bulbs. It will be cheaper if you trade in the stockers. I know a lot of you
are thinking what a jerk driving around blinding other drivers with these big
bright lights. That is the benefit to the high quality lights, they have an
excellent cut off. Meaning that the line where the light stops is very distinct
with virtually no glare. When I use the big bulbs I aim my lights approx. 1/4"
lower than normal to avoid getting in anyones line of sight. They will give you
much better visibility even with them aimed lower. I have this set up on my 60
Crew Cab and my 73 Thing. I have never been flashed by oncoming drivers and had
no problem with the law. Before I discovered the 1/4" lower aiming theory I would
get "brighted" and hassled (deservedly so). For aiming just use the standard
hands on procedures outlined in most guides. I would have to look it up again but
you park something like 20' back from a wall and do your aiming that way. Not as
slick as the machines but pretty much as accurate. I stay away from the blue,
white, xenon stuff. The glare from those drives me nuts. They also tend to run
around $75 a pair just for the bulbs where a good set of hella 90/130's should be
between $25 to $30 a pair. I have NOT ran this on a Vanagon and from what people
say you NEED relays to handle the high wattage without blowing wires and
switches. Relays are not that hard to understand and anywhere that sells you the
lights should be able to supply a relay kit and instructions for wiring.
Hopefully this helps,
Craig
the Gorge VW club
gorgevwclub.com