Date:         Mon, 29 Jul 2002 14:18:23 -0400
Reply-To:     Chris Earl <vw_traveler@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris Earl <vw_traveler@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Can the stock headlight wiring handle higher wattage bulbs?

to improve the dim and dismal lighting of the stock headlights in my '87
Westy, this weekend I added Bosch relays and fuses to the high and low beam
circuits similar to Alistair Bell's wiring layout at:
http://homepage.mac.com/alistairbell/home/index.html

This seems to have improved brightness but I would like to take the next
step and increase the wattage of the bulbs, as this is much cheaper than
replacing the stock lights with Hellas ($50 as opposed to $500).

Adding the relays protects the headlight switches from the higher current,
but I still have the same fairly thin wires going from the fusebox to the
headlights themselves. Will they be able to handle the additional current
from 100W bulbs or is this asking for an electrical fire?

Would be interested testimonials from anyone who has done this rewiring or
has direct personal experience!!

Chris
'87 maroon westfalia