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Date:         Wed, 21 Jan 2004 11:50:49 -0600
Reply-To:     Andrew Gies <andrew_gies@CANGENE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andrew Gies <andrew_gies@CANGENE.COM>
Subject:      which type of headlight upgrade would you recommend and why?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I realize this topic has come up recently - but I don't think any questions were answered and I will be undertaking some headlight upgrades on my Westy this coming spring.

I purchased a '86 Westy in August of last year. It runs great, a pleasure to drive - I have no real complaints other than the fact that the stock, 17 year old low-beam lighting on this van is abhorrent. In fact, I would classify it as downright dangerous.

** I will be installing the wiring upgrade for the head lights, but from what I've read on the list, it won't be enough.

Therefore I have two different options:

Option 1: Purchase the (very) expensive European rectangular outer headlights that replace the original "like for like". Advantages: easy installation, compatible with my Vanagon "bra" Disadvantages: cost of replacement, hasn't improved on the inner "hi-beam" headlights (European replacements for these are also very expensive)

Option 2: Purchase the expensive South African "dual round" headlight grille and two (in-expensive) European round outer headlights Advantages: cheap headlight replacement, looks cooler, includes new inner "hi-beam" headlights, selling old headlights and grille on EBay Disadvantages: tricky installation, requires outer round headlight brackets from a wrecker, quality issues on the S.A. grille, Vanagon "bra" will need some custom modifications.

I would appreciate any words of advice and "20/20 hindsight" from fellow listees who have completed any of the above modifications.

Thanks for your help!

Andrew Crazy weather Winnipeg - we have a windchill of -53C - right now.

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