Date:         Sat, 13 Dec 2003 07:42:25 +1100
Reply-To:     Ian Anderson <irsa76@OPTUSNET.COM.AU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ian Anderson <irsa76@OPTUSNET.COM.AU>
Subject:      Re: Xenon Lights?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

True HID lights would be very difficult to get to work in a Vanagon.  The
first, and biggest, problem is the lack of space behind the light for the
actual globe.  The Xenon globes a quite long and when positioned correctly
in the reflector unit, will extend back about 25mm.  Then there is the
connector size to consider.  You also have to figure where to mount all the
assioated electronics for the lights and keep them protected.  Another
problem is that HID kits a generally "single filament"  ie: low beam only.
Which would mean you would need a seperate light for high beam, no real
problem as you pretty much would use the SA grill anyway as most reflectors
designed for HID retrofits are 7" round anyway.  Note that I said reflectors
designed for HID retrofit.  By that I mean the whole light unit, reflector,
lens and bulb holder are designed for HID useage with it's different
requirments in regard to glare paths.  Simply throwing a HID kit into normal
lights would result in a less then brillant, no pun intended, result with
far to much glare for other road users.  Not to mention the growing question
mark from vehicle inspectors in regard to the HID retrofit kits that are on
the market.  If you really want better lights, and who doesn't?, get E
codes, wire them up with heavy gauge wire and relays, seperate relay for
each filament works great!  And run quality globes like Phillips Vision
PLUS.  If back road driveing at night is still a problem , fit a pair of
good quality, Hella will do, driving lights.  If poor weather night driving
is a problem, fit a pair of good fog lights, the Hella micro DE ones a
really good.  Doing it properly will cost a little bit, actually a fair bit,
but reliable and safe night lighting is worth every cent.

Ian Anderson
Queanbeyan Australia
formerly with 710 watts of front lighting!