I am considering upgrading the headlights in my VS. Any input ie what's good/not good, etc would be appreciated. Do the VS cars have a relay somewhere already?
Thanks
Original Post
I am considering upgrading the headlights in my VS. Any input ie what's good/not good, etc would be appreciated. Do the VS cars have a relay somewhere already?
Thanks
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I am considering upgrading the headlights in my VS. Any input ie what's good/not good, etc would be appreciated. Do the VS cars have a relay somewhere already?
Thanks
If your looking to replace the out side lens with the cast metal grills, TWEEKS has them for $99.00. I used the Halogen lights from Summit Racing on a Cobra and they worked good.
If you're just looking to get more light out there (tired of having what looks like two candle power, Hmmmm?), Tweeks also has Hella H4 Halogen headlamp conversions for about $60 each - You can also find these for less money (make sure they're Hella's) in the ad pages of VW Trends or Hot VW's or from Rocky Mountain Motor Works. Hella's have a neat lens design that puts more light where you want it.
If you're going this route with an older car's wiring, I would spring for new plugs/pigtails for the back of the light (they tend to corrode over time) and solder them in, then sheathe them in silicon caulk and shrink tube to really seal them tight. You might also spring for a new and better headlamp relay (I don't know if VS cars came with a relay or not - if not, put one in to handle the additional current load). Get all this stuff in there and you'll be AMAZED at the improvement - as good as most of the newer factory halogen lights. I've got these on my CMC here by the shore and they do a great job of cutting through our frequent fogs, as well as putting light way out there on high beam so I can avoid the deer and wild turkeys ('course, some of those wild turkeys are my neighbors!)
gn
If you're going this route with an older car's wiring, I would spring for new plugs/pigtails for the back of the light (they tend to corrode over time) and solder them in, then sheathe them in silicon caulk and shrink tube to really seal them tight. You might also spring for a new and better headlamp relay (I don't know if VS cars came with a relay or not - if not, put one in to handle the additional current load). Get all this stuff in there and you'll be AMAZED at the improvement - as good as most of the newer factory halogen lights. I've got these on my CMC here by the shore and they do a great job of cutting through our frequent fogs, as well as putting light way out there on high beam so I can avoid the deer and wild turkeys ('course, some of those wild turkeys are my neighbors!)
gn
Calif Imports often has the upgrades to H4's for about $25 each...they look presentable.
I replaced the lights on my IM with the sealed H4 units, the grilles from Tweeks and I used the housings that I had powder coated grey for my 912. Very pleased with the look and the brighter light.
Brian
I replaced the lights on my IM with the sealed H4 units, the grilles from Tweeks and I used the housings that I had powder coated grey for my 912. Very pleased with the look and the brighter light.
Brian
Dale, I went with the Hella H4 euro performance lights from Performance Products. They say 200% brighter than standard sealed beams. Came with 60watt bulbs, and they work great. Also bought 100watt bulbs, but will beef up the wiring first. 800 423 3173. Eddie
I'd opt for the H-4 sealed beam ($9.99) then upgrade the bulb with Super Whites 90/100watt ($12) That way, everyone still sees your smile from driving your car after sundown-not to mention saving all that extra money.
I would have to jump on the Pablo train and agree. You will get plenty of bang for the buck with those affordable light. Over by you is the Buggy House I think. They should be able to help.
check eBay, Sometimes there are good deals, but sometimes you get guys resellling this for double or triple what they are worth.
the new seald H4 sould be a simple swap. Take your time when replacing the light. If you have never done it, it may take you 30-45 minutes (per side if you take your time). If you have done it then about 5-10 minutes should do it. Don't loose the springs.
check eBay, Sometimes there are good deals, but sometimes you get guys resellling this for double or triple what they are worth.
the new seald H4 sould be a simple swap. Take your time when replacing the light. If you have never done it, it may take you 30-45 minutes (per side if you take your time). If you have done it then about 5-10 minutes should do it. Don't loose the springs.
Whoooah there Patrick, only women allowed on this train buddy.
Thx to all for the input - got the H-4's from BugFormance in SJ for under 20 ea. I can see clearly now.......
Note that in most states 100W halogen headlights are illegal and can gean expensive ticket.
Dale,
Did you get the conversion kit with the bulbs for $20? Which wattage bulb did you get? Have you installed them yet and, if so, what mods did you have to make to wiring, etc.?
Did you get the conversion kit with the bulbs for $20? Which wattage bulb did you get? Have you installed them yet and, if so, what mods did you have to make to wiring, etc.?
I hooked my headlamp runninglight bulbs(you know the ones down inside the buckit) into the foglight circut they cut off by the igniton and a dash switch. Would that be to hokie as day time running lamps . My state does require that now to.
Now I have to go back and check the Legal state headlight bulb limit. Thanks George
Now I have to go back and check the Legal state headlight bulb limit. Thanks George
Bruce - I got the units w/H-4 55/l 60 h included at 19.90 each, I wont be driving at night that much, and didnt want to do the $130+ Hella systems. I just wanted to get it better than the standard sealed units now in the car. Plan to install in couple weeks - the 55/60's should not need any special wiring upgrade - I did confirm theres already a relay in the car already, and I anticipate its just a plug/aling and go....and making sure the plug connection to the headlights is clean and tight... Sounds easy - unless I missed some major/minor detail...