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Date:         Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:06:49 -0700
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      Re: Headlight upgrade issue
Comments: To: Frank Lee <techedteacher@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CAOiGwgV0PZp7JsqHY6+JHGzPXexkUbtvCCp4hB0427gjA6_neQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Both brands are good.

What you want, if you can find them in the US, are E-code 7" headlights (Bus Depot still sell them?). They have a nice sharp cut-off on the beam they make.

As you say, relays reduce the load on the switches and can reduce voltage drop to the lights. And also if you increase the wattage of the H4 bulbs in the headlights, the relays are really a requirement.

Google "daniel sterns lighting" for a good overview and details on headlights.

alistair

On 2011-09-15, at 8:31 AM, Frank Lee wrote:

> Thanks Jim, > > I am still not clear about the difference between Hella and Bosch? > Different the bulb tech, watts, geometry? > The purpose of the relay is to reduce arc wear on the OEM dash switch? > > I need the "101 Headlights for Dummies". Offline if everyone else know > this already. > > 10 scale evaluation works for me. My 1982 OEM sealed beams earn a 3 at > best. > Is HELLA a 10? > What is Bosch? > > Frank > > > On Thu, Sep 15, 2011 at 9:53 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote: > >> I did this with Hella lights. About the time I acquired the Hella lights, >> my Bosch from Bus Depot, that I had previously ordered, arrived. I installed >> the Hellas and returned the Bosch lights, but I can say that the Bosch >> looked very good to me and I can recommend them from what I saw. My brother >> installed Bosches on his 82 and loves them, as I love my Hellas. The >> difference between the H4 bulb setup and stock is tremendous. The light will >> be somewhat brighter, and your headlight switch will last longer, if you >> offload most of the current to a relay. I haven't done that yet, but am >> collecting parts. So, just putting in the bulb setup is an interim step to >> the ultimate Vanagon lights, but it's "light years" ahead of sealed beams. >> >> Jim >> >> >> On Thu, Sep 15, 2011 at 8:43 AM, Frank Lee <techedteacher@gmail.com>wrote: >> >>> I am about to upgrade the sealed beams on my 82' camper. Has a single >>> lamp on each side. >>> >>> -- Is it almost as good just to change out the single unit? >>> (Bus Depot Special -- Bosch Pair<http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=0301600118>for - $45 + 2 bulbs, 'plug and drive') >>> >>> -- What exactly is gained by going with the relay upgrade? >>> (Bus Depot Vision Kit<http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=VISIONKIT1>$100 + install being discussed here) >>> >>> Frank >>> >>> On Thu, Sep 15, 2011 at 9:19 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>>> I like piggyback connectors and use them, but if I could get a used >>>> ground >>>> star and zap it into the body under the dash I would use that. >>>> >>>> Dedicated fused wires are always a good idea but can be a lot of trouble. >>>> >>>> Jim >>>> >>>> On Thu, Sep 15, 2011 at 5:54 AM, John Jensen <bluesbug@verizon.net> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I've started making the typical headlight upgrade. Aside from the >>>>> cramped quarters all those wires live in, it seems like a fairly >>>>> straight forward procedure. My "ground star" is full so I don't have >>>>> anywhere to plug the ground wire from the relay. What I'm wondering is >>>>> if its OK to: A) Screw those ground wires into the chassis, or B) use >>>>> a sort of piggyback extension to create extra places on the grounding >>>>> star. I'll need to piggy back the Hot Red wire too, probably unless I >>>>> run an extra fused wire from the battery...which is another question: >>>>> Is that a good idea? Unnecessary? Pointless? >>>>> Best to all, >>>>> >>>>> John Jensen "80 Westy Camper >>>>> johnjensen@johnjensenartist.**com <johnjensen@johnjensenartist.com> >>>>> http://www.johnjensenartist.**com <http://www.johnjensenartist.com> >>>>> bluesbug@verizon.net >>>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>


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