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Date:         Tue, 6 Nov 2007 09:41:03 -0800
Reply-To:     Todd <dermultivan@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Todd <dermultivan@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: GoWesty's headlight upgrade kit
Comments: To: RAlanen@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=original

Hey Frank,

Do you (or anyone?) know anything about wiring up the little driving lamps that fit into those little holes punched in the H4 lenses? I just received the H4's to upgrade from DOT lenses and am waiting for the lamp/socket to arrive to complete installation.

Thanks!

Todd B 91 Orly Weekender

Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2007 06:32:33 EST From: Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM> Subject: Re: GoWesty's headlight upgrade kit

Well, you can say whatever but best is to go check the real situation. I have been making, selling and installing these relay kits, see my _Vanagon Headlamp Relay Upgrade_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/hdltrela.htm) website, for years. Mine are very similar to what Go Westy offers, they are nothing new or ingenious. I have personally checked the voltage at the headlight socket before and after on many vans. The scenario is always the same. 9.5 volts before 11.5 volts afterwards. Go do it yourself and see. More voltage produces more light. I think the bulb are 12 volt bulbs so they should be operating at 12 volts or near there. Yes, I agree the wiring is old and if you really want to do it right then ALL the wiring to and from the headlights should be replaced with new 12 gauge wire. BUT, this is a job most Vanagon owners can't do and are unwilling to pay for since the results of just installing the relay kit and higher watt bulbs makes them happy !

Now, just because you have more light does not mean the headlight lens is putting it where it would be most useful. The other problem with the Vanagon headlights, especially the rectangular ones, as has been wrung out here numerous times is the DOT lens structure. H4 lens structure works much, much better. You have to try them side by side to actually see then you will be a believer ! My Westy now has the H4 lenses with 90/100 watt H4 bulbs, the H3 lenses with 100 watt bulbs, my relay kit and I WILL blind you if I wish if your coming at me in the dead of night !

Cheers,

Frank Condelli Almonte, Ontario, Canada '87 Westy & Lionel Trains (_Collection for sale_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) ) _Frank Condelli & Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html) - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley _Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm) _BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm) a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10, 2007


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