Date:         Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:21:41 -0500
Reply-To:     JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Headlights
Comments: To: "Art A." <awa0330@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <16826411-C901-4E8E-AD18-F3065D63062F@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

You might try cleaning the inside of the light fixture. That helps a lot
sometimes.

But - for the best improvement to the lighting on my vans I went the
route of the Jay Brown relay upgrades. I have three vans and used his
kits on all of them. I particularly like the quality of hardware and of
the construction of the kit. Much impressed.

I used the Bosch lamps that come from Ron Salmon at Bus Depot. That is
an excellent buy and I'm real happy with them.

I can't speak to other headlight relay kits - but Jay's kit is designed
to mount the relays on the buss below the left side of the dash and I
found that location and mounting system to be a royal PITA! For me - a
better place to mount the relays is up on the dash just under the left
edge of the instrument pod cover. The relays are mounted using a double
stick tape and that spot provides a clear, smooth location where the
tape can really get a grip plus easy access  without having to stand on
your head while working and trouble shooting if needed. Simply tell Jay
where you plan to mount these and ask him to make up a longer wire set
for  you. He is very accommodating.

While you are at it, you might ask him about the starter relay kit he
makes up. This little jewel is a hardwired install that enables you to
conveniently start and stop your engine when you are working on it alone.

I would like to credit TJ Hannik - a fellow list memember - for the tip
about where to mount the headlight relays under the instrument pod
cover. As the 'lil Boy sez "That works slicker than owl dung!"

Good luck!

John





On 4/20/2013 9:45 AM, Art A. wrote:
> I'm sure this has been discussed, but I didn't see it in the archives.
>
> Maybe I'm just getting older...actually no maybe about it...but it is getting increasingly difficult to drive my 86 Westy at night unless I simply keep the high beams on.  We all know the headlights just don't illuminate enough.
>
> Is there a definitive replacement unit or a higher intensity replacement bulbs that is reliable and will solve this?
>
> Thanks all,
> Art
> .
>