Date:         Sat, 22 Oct 2005 14:19:40 -0400
Reply-To:     Wesley Pegden <wes@CS.UCHICAGO.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Wesley Pegden <wes@CS.UCHICAGO.EDU>
Subject:      Re: best headlight replacements?
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2005102201151017@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Thanks for all the replies, guys.
Does the relay upgrade apply to my '84 vanagon?  I thought that only was
done on later models.

Here's a more specific question:
How much of a difference is there between the generic h4 setups and the
brand name (bosch/hella) setups are there?  There's a HUGE difference in
price... what's the actual performance difference?

Finally... if I did go with an H4 setup, what else do I have to do on my
84?  Do I just swap out my current fixtures for the new ones?

Thanks,
Wes

Brent Weide wrote:

>I purchased a pair of standard relays, proper gauge wire, and the 80/100
>watt replacements all for four headlights on my 91 Vanagon for a total
>cost of $44.  These are essentially the same parts used by most retailers
>with the exception of the relays not being manufactured by Bosch.
>
>I really appreciate the additional visibility while driving at night and
>like the fact that I'm getting it without blinding other drivers.
>
>Here's a parts list and the places where I got the parts.  I'd rate this
>job as very simple and I'm electrically challenged!
>
>Desc Units  Unit Price   Total Price  Vendor
>
>HL78179 9004/HB1 100/80w Replacement Bulb - 2 - $10.75 - $21.50
>http://www.rallylights.com/
>
>78140Y H3 110W Yellow Star Replacement Bulb - 2 - $8.06 - $16.12
>http://www.rallylights.com/
>
>12V 30/40A RELAYS W/ DUAL SOCKET & 5 WIRE HARNESS - 1 - $3.98 - $3.98
>http://stores.ebay.com/12-Volt-Parts
>
>24" 12# Brown Wire 1
>24" 12# Red Wire 1
>12# Female Spade Connectors - 16 - $0.15 - $2.40
>_______________________________________________________
>TOTAL COST    $44.00
>
>Brent
>http://www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/
>
>
>