Replace Headlights with Brighter Halogen or LEDs

I installed H4 headlights all my cars - years ago.  Latest headlights are LED/HID/Xenon.  If you install H4 7" replacements with removeable bulbs, you can go to higher wattage bulbs and even LED bulbs.  You also get whiter light and better lens optics.  I used Hella Vision Plus.  If you stay with standard wattage bulbs, stock wiring is adequate. When I installed mine they were sold "for off road use only" but they are ECU approved.

Europeans have always had advanced lighting over US.  There is the US DOT certification and a separate European specification (ECU).  I think that officially all US registered cars should have the DOT approval stamp on them BUT most of the aftermarket 356 lenses are unmarked or worse just marked TIAWAN!

This looks like good unit - $38 each

Hella 002395991 7" Round E-Code (ECE) H4 Conversion Headlight | Quadratec

The low beam will yield about four times as much light down trail as a standard sealed beam and twice as much on high beam. A wedge of light on the right side lights up trailside features. These offer tight beam control and don't spread light overhead like DOT conversions. That facilitates the use of upgraded bulbs without offending oncoming traffic. Hella E-code headlights conform to European Standards. Not DOT approved.

You can use higher wattage H4 bulbs and you can install LED bubs in the fixtures - but they may be deeper and you'll have to enlarge the cars headlight buckets.

If your state inspects the lenses for DOT markings or does a headlight aiming test - the ECU lights may fail. VA used to do headlight alignment inspections on annual safety inspections.

Wolfgang,

HELLA HB2/9003 Vision Plus headlamps

Would these work?  They are DOT approved, something I should probably follow as I'll want to pass my annual inspections.

And do these meet your "If you stay with standard wattage bulbs, stock wiring is adequate." criteria?

Marshall

YES. Most come with the standard 60/55W bulbs - which is what old stock incandescent bulbs are.  Other than DOT approved vs ECU - I don't know difference between the H4 and HB2 versions. 

@WOLFGANG posted:

YES. Most come with the standard 60/55W bulbs - which is what old stock incandescent bulbs are.  Other than DOT approved vs ECU - I don't know difference between the H4 and HB2 versions.

I thought the H4 vs HB2 simply referred to the plug configuration. H4 is used in our reps. (Mostly)

I had previously removed a headlight after ordering a VW type one replacement light.  When it came it was smaller than the one that was in the car and we couldn't get the clips/springs to hold it firmly in place.  Had to return the new ones.

Are there different sized headlights that fit our cars?  Do CMC/FF bodies have a different headlight config?  How do I know what to order?

Are halogen replacement headlignts common enough that I can ignore ordering online and just take an old light down to Autozone and compare lights until I find one that is the same size with the correct style of connector?

All replicas use the std VW bug (1946-1966 back) 7" headlight buckets and trim.  These same headlights were used on 356 and early 911 Porsche.

Back in  November, I offered free LED headlight bulbs. No one took me up on the offer. They would replace H4 bulbs. I don't know if they would be brighter than the H4.

https://www.speedsterowners.co...-led-headlight-bulbs

Mike - sent you PM on LED bulbs - I'll do comparison and check report back.

Personally, I prefer LED headlights for brightness and longevity ( so far so good).

I replaced the sealed beam halogens on my VS with these in 2015... https://vintagecarleds.com/sho...h-led-headlight-kit/

Great company, great customer service... the owner sometimes visits this forum.  @Vintageleds  . He has sold many for installs on our type of cars,

I did not have to modify the light bucket. It was a simple remove-and-replace.

if you already have a H4 DOT housing, you can buy bulbs only.

Attached also is an exchange with comparison pictures from 2018:

https://www.speedsterowners.co...8#586501884304104168

Bright headlights for daylight and nighttime driving is a GREAT upgrade.

happy New Years..

They look good. It is nice that they are so compact. My old ones have a big heat sink on the back and my new ones have a little fan on the back.

found my original thread from 2015.... with pictures, and the older style bulb he originally sold ( and replaced Free of charge when the fan failed in 2018).    Hope this helps.  Thomas runs a nice shop.
https://www.speedsterowners.co...6#457434583501550576

includes multiple user testimonials.

Take a look at the phosphor based SMD headlights at classicowheels.

I have them on my 1965 SC coupe. Great!