Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 13:06:29 -0800
Reply-To: Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Hella E-Codes vs. Vision Plus?
In-Reply-To: <PNELLDJMDAENDKODABPCGEGFDBAA.badkarma@ttlc.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
For the unique problems with the vanagon light positioning (my headlight
centers are 35" above the roadway) the usual 7" E-code sharp cutoff lamps
are a viable but vexing solution. To properly align the low beam cutoff to
dip below the oncoming vehicle plane of vision you must give up some of the
high beam effectiveness as the high beams will be directed at a similar
angle below the horizon. To keep the high beam properly aimed, you must
raise the low beam above the 'dazzle' level. What to do? What to do?
The ancient and honorable answer was to have the high and low beam filaments
independently aimable. Marchal in days of yore had the Ampilux h1/h3
headlights that offered independently aimable beams in a single 7" unit.
Fortunately you can still find these on auction sites. EbaY 150314617637 is
a example. Just the thing for the ultimate eurowagen aficionado. Carello
also had h1/h1 units)
I have found the H4 Cibie Z-Beams to be the most efficient in the 7" round
category and if you're using the SA grill setup the Cibie H4 5 3/4 can be
adapted to the inner lights and wired appropriately. Occasionally
available here and there. The days of inexpensive replaceable high quality
headlights in 7" round are long past. Only the boutique shops carry old
stock. Today's disposable automobiles have very expen$ive custom dealer
only headlight parts. Vanagon was the leader here, unique glass, expensive,
poor design.
Fog lights in Kalifornia must be wired to extinguish when the high beams are
on. Driving lights must dim with the high beams. Violators if cited get a
fixit ticket with a warrant if not fixed in the fixit period.
Ever notice how the headlights and the AC discussions seem to be at opposite
ends of the calendar? Must be the season.
On Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 8:49 PM, Jay Brown <badkarma@ttlc.net> wrote:
> I am getting ready to upgrade the headlights in my '85 Westy to 80/100W
> H4's. Over the weekend I installed a set of relays and they are working
> well. There is already a noticeable difference in the amount of light
> output, but still not quite what I am looking for.
>
> I was wondering if anyone has experience with the difference between the
> Hella E-Code lenses http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=739 as
> compared to the Hella Vision Plus lenses
> http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=136. I am sure that either one
> of
> these will be a drastic upgrade as compared to the stock sealed beams I am
> running now, but I am not sure if there is a big difference between the
> two...
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Jay Brown
> '85 Zetec Westy
>
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