Date:         Mon, 26 Aug 2002 08:44:44 -0500
Reply-To:     Roy Olynick <rrh@AUTOBAHN.MB.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Roy Olynick <rrh@AUTOBAHN.MB.CA>
Subject:      H4 Euro Headlamps
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

Whenever improving Vanagon headlamp performance is discussed on the list, the
"high" cost of H4 Euro headlamps inevitably arises. Focusing on the cost of
these lamps diverts attention away from the fact that stock headlamps are not
any cheaper. The issue is really the high cost of ANY rectangular headlamps for
the Vanagon.

When I upgraded the headlamps in my '87 Westy in April 1999, the price
difference between a pair of rectangular H4 lamps and a pair of stock Vanagon
lamps was less than ten dollars. As of this morning, a pair of stock Vanagon
lamps from a Canadian VW dealer is $376.50 plus weasel taxes. Considering the
performance of the stock headlamps and their cost, this borders on highway
robbery and fraud.

Trying to improve the performance of the stock headlamps with different bulbs is
a waste of money, IMHO. The problem lies with the stock reflectors, not the
bulbs. If you're after value for your money, buy the H4 headlamps.

Roy Olynick
'87 VW Westfalia GL
(till death do us part)
'91 Honda Civic SE
'01 Honda Civic LX
www.autobahn.mb.ca/~rrh/Westy_Home.htm