Date:         Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:07:01 -0400
Reply-To:     Edward Maglott <emaglott3@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Edward Maglott <emaglott3@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Round Headlight Upgrade from Sealed Beams
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I had terrible sealed beam headlights (round) on my van.  They had
become not-so-sealed and moisture had dulled the reflectors quite a
bit.  One looked a dull gray color and threw very little light.  I
opted for the Bus Depot $35 replacement kit.  (I was going to put  a
link but couldn't find them, maybe BD stopped selling
them?"  Incredible difference.  I followed the aiming procedure
here:  http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.html after
lubing up my adjusters a few times with wd40 in the prior
weeks.  People have complained about these headlights, not being able
to get both the high and low beams adjusted correctly.  I really
don't see a problem with that, but then I'm coming from a place of
pretty dismal performance.  The low beams have the sharp E-code
cut-off so it appears that I have good light out pretty far without
hitting oncoming drivers in the eyes.  The light throw out to the
sides is great.  On high beams I do notice some bright and dim spots,
but they haven't bothered me yet.  The aim of the high beams seems
fine to me.  Plenty of light on the road in front of me and also way
down the road, not up in the trees as I have read in some
critiques.  My night driving in the van is limited and I may need to
tweak the aim a little after more "real world" testing.  So far am
very pleased with this upgrade.

Edward