Date:         Sat, 15 Jun 2002 11:20:48 EDT
Reply-To:     BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben T <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: advice needed for '90 Weekender Carat
Comments: To: carat90@LYCOS.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 6/15/02 7:49:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
carat90@LYCOS.COM writes:

<< 1. Is there an easy way to improve the low beams? >

Greg, the neatest way to make these lights better is by yanking them out and
replacing them with the European spec H4 (aka e-code lights). These can be
obtained from some listvendors. Most notably Fast Forward in Canada. They are
pricey at more than $300 for the pair. You can find links to various vendors
in my links page at:

http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/vanagoncafelinkspage.html

A second alternative is to install the headlight system from a round
headlight Vanagon or the South African grill system.

You can also improve your lights slightly by wiring in a relay so that the
current to power the lights can get to them more directly rather than the
circuitous route of through the light switch. Search the Vanagon List
Archives under "headlights."

Forget about those Xenon this and that headlights. The main trouble with the
square US spec headlights in your 90 Vanagon is the reflector. No matter how
bright you make the lit source, it will still be scattered by the poorly
designed rear reflector.

<< 2. Is there an easy way to mount fog lamps above the bumper? >>

Projektzwo makes a lower grill extension which can accommodate driving
lights. They are usually a good way to fill in the dark spot left by your
headlights. They make the lower grill more complete. A less expensive clone
made my Winkler of this light system is available from various listvendors as
well. Try Vanagon Projekt in Livermore, CA or VanAgain in NJ. Both have links
in the abovementioned webpage.

If fog lights re really what you crave, they should be mounted below the
bumper to be most effective in fog. Mounting them to high will just get you
plenty of glare instead or illumination.

BenT
 <A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/myhomepage/index.html">Vanagon
Cafe</A>

 3.  Any tips about keeping this van in tip top shape would be greatly
appreciated
  >>