Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2004 11:31:21 -0800
Reply-To: David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Subject: Re: which type of headlight upgrade would you recommend and why?
In-Reply-To: <6849335082507548A152A6D372E12BC5025BA934@CNJ_EX1>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I would recommend going with the European H4s on the outer lights over the
SA H4 stuff. The H4s are literally night and day difference on low and high
beam - not matter which you choose you will have superior lighting.
The thing to remember about your current setup is that the inner lights ARE
the same as the European lights, so don't let someone talking you into
purchasing new inner lights unless the silver is coming off of them. You
can get brighter H3 bulbs for these - 100W and 130W are both common.
The outer European H4s are a direct replacement for your existing lights.
We sell a kit for $350 USD that includes the new Hella H4 shells, Hella
55/60W lights (we do have the 80/100s and the 90/130s), park lamp holder and
5W park lamp, weather boot for the back of the light to keep the water out
and a H4 socket as you will have to change this from the current 9004 plug
that you have now. Start to finish I think you can do the job in about 1h.
My experience and other peoples experiences with the SA lights is the
quality isn't so good on the cheaper ones. Finding replacement inner lights
can be a bear as well too. In a pinch with the European H4s you can always
replace it with a 9004 bought at the dealer if need be.
These lights won't do very much for 'hindsight' but foresight they are
incredible. Like you said, the 9004 lights are dangerous. The H4s are just
plain nice and what should have been in there in the first place!
David Marshall
Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
4356 Quesnel-Hixon Road
Quesnel BC Canada V2J 6Z3
http://www.fastforward.ca mailto:sales@fastforward.ca
Phone: (250) 992 7775 FAX: (250) 992 1160
- Vanagon Accessories and Engine Conversions
- Vanagon, Transporter and Iltis Sales and Importation
- European Lighting for most Volkswagen models
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-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Andrew Gies
Sent: January 21, 2004 9:51 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: which type of headlight upgrade would you recommend and why?
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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