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Date:         Mon, 11 Nov 2002 13:41:27 -0800
Reply-To:     Rich Blake <blake@OAKHARBOR.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rich Blake <blake@OAKHARBOR.NET>
Subject:      Headlight conversion for '85 Westy....
Comments: To: Phil Baird <mypactor@PACBELL.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

>I would like to upgrade my weak, stock headlights.

You are not alone.

>I did note with interest the Bus Depot's conversion but the price at just under 200 bucks seem to be a bit stiff?

The SA grille is a great upgrade as you will get the 5.75" H1 driving lights along with a new grille for round 7" H4s. The cost is not bad considering a set of 5.75s would be about $90 by themselves. Add about $90 or so for a NEW grille and you are on target. The only problem with this system on your van is that you will need round light buckets and 7" H4 main lights. The 7" H4 lights can be had for less than $75 for a pair. The buckets you will have to find at a junk yard or something and should run about $25 typically. When you do this upgrade you will also have to rewire your lights and install relays to power the system and protect the crummy light switch. Add another $20 or so for relays and hardware.

All told you are looking at about $300-350 investment.

Another option is to get the square main H4 light upgrade from fastforward.ca for $330. Your inner lights will still be the same though, (they aren't too bad). I would still put relays in if you don't have them already.

The cheapest option is to get a pre-85 grille and bucket set from the junkyard. Remove the square lights and install 7" round H4s. This is what I am in the process of doing now. I hardly get to use my highbeams anyway so single round 80/100W H4 main lights will be more than adequate. I use Hella 530 fogs down low when it is raining/snowing etc.

Check the archives, there is a ton of info on this.

Rich Blake


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