Date:         Wed, 2 May 2001 11:17:03 EDT
Reply-To:     Blbachman@aol.com
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Blaine Bachman <Blbachman@aol.com>
Subject:      Lighting
Content-Type:  text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

All-

I've been perusing the archives looking for info on obtaining a replacement Projektzwo fog light assembly (a Hella-made item) - noticed that vwsport.com is evidently a goner (I seem to remember that's where I bought the setup originally).

Q:  Has anyone had any luck ordering replacements direct from Hella or Hella USA? (all the charges to order from Projektzwo in Germany are a bit of a turn-off).

Also, noticed over the weekend a Scirocco with what appeared to be Vanagon rectangular headlights.  Had a chance to examine up close and talk to the owner.  They were E-spec that matched my Es in every visual respect, but had a different number molded into the glass.  He said that they were stock on European Sciroccos (hmmm?) and that he had obtained the entire assembly (both hi-lo and hi beams with the necessary carriers) somewhat directly from Hella, having paid significantly less than the price I paid for my VW/Audi-boxed hi-lo beams.

Since he was working, I didn't have the opportunity to quiz him further on the source.  These may be an option for those of you with rectangular lights who want a better unit.

Q:  I'm still puzzled about the difference in lens numbering - do you suppose that there are actual differences in the lens base upon the installed height difference between a Scirocco and a Vanagon?

BTW, I'll look for the guy again and see what additional info I can get.

Finally, there has been a lot of talk about rear fog light.  One member reported that the use of the various red lens chambers differs in Europe - specifically that the lower center position is used for the tail light.  Is this true?  I have a slight feeling that it might be; I'm reminded of a friend who bought a Caravelle in Italy and was concerned with the visibility of his tail lights.  He put higher power bulbs in and melted the plastic between it and the chamber above (which I recall was the backup light) causing white light to show through.

Anyway, is the euro lens the same?  The middle position on the NA lens has the reflector.

-bb