Date:         Thu, 15 Dec 2005 10:05:25 -0600
Reply-To:     Al and Sue Brase <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Al and Sue Brase <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
Subject:      Re: Driving Lights - If not Project Twzo, what's the answer?
Comments: To: John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <6da579340512142205x5f7f808eybf50aabc1ae0d6e9@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I suspect that the reflectors have degraded over time as well. This was
always the reason that DOT didn't approve non-sealed units and US market
cars got DOT type sealed beams.
When I first got my first  87 Vanagon back in 1990, I was pretty
impressed with the headlights. Now, when I get into the 82 DIESEL (with
63mph top speed), I'm amazed at how much better its lights are.. I think
the 87's lights got worse.
The easy answer for me is to just retrofit round Cibie or Hella H4 units
and a pre-1986 grille.(upgrade the wires, of course.
Are the South African  grilles still available? I suppose Overland Parts
was the original importer. They look nice, but $300+ just for an extra
set of high beams is not what I need.
I need lights that find deer at the side of the road intent upon
suicide. I've hit 3 so far. Perhaps the ultimate solution to the deer
problem is more wolves.. Seriously.. The ultimate solution to the moose
problem is driving at 45mph.
Al Brase

John Bange wrote:

>Third, get rid of those USDOT type headlights and get E-code/ECE/euro-spec
>headlights. The DOT reflector pattern is ridiculously bad. And get a quality
>name brand. My VWSA grill came with two round headlights by "Omega"
>generously included by the vendor, and they were the worst pieces of garbage
>I've ever seen. The rubber boots on the back didn't fit the H4 bulbs and the
>reflectors rattled loosely in the frames. I paid $20 extra for the grill
>because it came with outer lights. I should've saved that $20. Get good
>headlights by Cibie or Hella.
>
>I don't know if it's better to go with old style 7" round headlights or if
>the rectangular ones are just as good. I switched to round because I wanted
>the fancy grill.
>
>--
>John Bange
>'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"
>
>
>