Date:         Tue, 9 May 2006 18:07:14 -0700
Reply-To:     John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Head Lights - 85-86
In-Reply-To:  <078101c673a5$f5af1cd0$206580c0@JTLINCOLN>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

>  If I decide to make the 86
> the "host" vehicle can I convert the rectangle head lights of the 86 to
> the
> round head lights of the 85?


Absolutely! This is a much-covered topic, but it certainly bears repeating.
The worst possible stock Vanagon headlight setup would have to be the 86+
rectangulars as sold here with USDOT reflector/lenses, stock bulbs, and the
substandard factory wiring. About the best possible would be round E-code
reflector/lenses with higher wattage bulbs powered by separate,
relay-switched, larger gauge wires. I am of the opinion that the best
improvement comes from improving the wiring. Now, if you're not a "wire nut"
like me (who happened to have several spools of 10ga copper wire laying
around already) you'd probably just want to install a relay kit from one of
the list vendors. If that's more than you care to rassle with right now,
then I'd say just get ahold of a couple E-code round reflectors with higher
wattage bulbs, install them with the buckets n' grill from the 85, and see
how it looks. And even if you don't want to buy anything new, switching from
the 86's stock USDOT rectangular to stock USDOT round from the 85 will be an
improvement.

I also think the rounds look better.

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"