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Thu Oct 21, 2010 4:25 pm

I am starting the hunt... Yes, I know that it is going to be a difficult one, for some square H4s. But I need to know the size first.

Anyone out there with the 411?

SF

Thu Oct 21, 2010 8:01 pm

Could you be a little more specific?
The standard H4 is 200mm or roughly 7" X 6"
The Vanagon has an odd size and is not directly interchangeable.

Thu Oct 21, 2010 10:21 pm

That is a great start on info... Thank you.

SF

Thu Oct 21, 2010 10:28 pm

If you're looking to improve your square headlight lighting, don't focus too much on getting H4s. Yes, most of the bright round headlights (not sealed beams) use H4s but the bulb itself isn't really much better. It's the optics of the after market lens and reflectors that work better, not the bulb.

If you can find some better square headlights that fit the van please let everyone know, but I wouldn't limit your search to only lenses that accept H4s.

Thu Oct 21, 2010 10:36 pm

The only way to get better rectangular H4 headlights is to retro-fit some 200mm H4's into the Vanagon.
It can be done but takes a litlle modding.
done here:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=274814&highlight=vanagon

The best H4's on the market are Cibie's and can be found here http://danielsternlighting.com/
along with a wiring harness and some 100/90 watt bulbs you'll be set.

ps. don't waste money on a GoWesty headlight downgrade

Thu Oct 21, 2010 11:27 pm

You mean http://gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3093&category_id=&category_parent_id=

I actually have it already and have been pretty happy with the change in the lighting... I have just been reading about the Euro Spec H4 lenses and was curious about what that might do for the lighting.

Thoughts?

Fri Oct 22, 2010 4:24 am

I've been looking into this for a while and have started taking note of modern truck headlights which run HID's.

I have an HID conversion kit fitted to Limey and love the bright lights but don't like the light leak off points which can potentionally dazzle other drivers. I'd love to get a more modern headlight to replace both the main and spot light units.

MG

Fri Oct 22, 2010 9:25 am

Does anybody hae a 90-94 Passat? If so, can you measure the WHOLE lens area? I just had an idea and want to see if this works.

Michael

Fri Oct 22, 2010 7:55 pm

SyncroGhia wrote: I've been looking into this for a while and have started taking note of modern truck headlights which run HID's.

I have an HID conversion kit fitted to Limey and love the bright lights but don't like the light leak off points which can potentionally dazzle other drivers. I'd love to get a more modern headlight to replace both the main and spot light units.

MG
here's what I did to get "real" HID's...next project is the Westy
http://www.jeep-xj.info/HowtoBiXenonProjectors.htm

Sat Oct 23, 2010 11:37 am

That's what I'd love to do but how do you get around the lense? We need a clear lense which is the same size as the current one...

MG

Sat Oct 23, 2010 11:57 am

K58 wrote: ps. don't waste money on a GoWesty headlight downgrade

Would you care to elaborate on what you mean by your comment? Just curious..

Sat Oct 23, 2010 12:05 pm

There is a higher bulb output but the DOT lenses dissipate the light and it makes the improvement negligible.
There are E-code headlight assemblies that are sometimes available but the cost is high. They direct the light output much better than the US spec units.

Sat Oct 23, 2010 12:20 pm

I totally get that... Though it seems that the e-codes are not only expensive, but nearly impossible to locate.

Throw into this the fact that the current vanagon square lights are no longer in production, we are going to be between a rock and a tough spot in the not too distant future. That is why I am looking for some other options. It is sounding like the Ciebe E-Codes with Saab adjusters may be the way to go, or projectors, though it looks like those could be too deep to fit...

Sat Oct 23, 2010 2:11 pm

I was at the same spot your in know. I just picked up a set of Cebies form a wrecking yard. One thing i noticed was stamped right on the light is 70/60W. Im going to trade out one of the hellas i have in there now and see if there is any differance in light output using the same bulbs.
I did look at the 411 and the lights are way wrong.

jcl

Sat Oct 23, 2010 2:57 pm

ShootingFish wrote: K58 wrote: ps. don't waste money on a GoWesty headlight downgrade

Would you care to elaborate on what you mean by your comment? Just curious..
sure, do a search of the GW headlight upgrade and read about the overheating issue.
also, I have a set of Euro spec H4's if anyone's interested.

Sat Oct 23, 2010 2:58 pm

some people have mounted in Europe the old eurovan lights,not the same look though :lol:

I think we have to look at lenses that are pretty flat because of the body metal behind...like the Projektzwo ones.

Good luck finding something that fits nicely :D

Sat Oct 23, 2010 5:33 pm

ALIKA T3 wrote: some people have mounted in Europe the old eurovan lights,not the same look though :lol:

I think we have to look at lenses that are pretty flat because of the body metal behind...like the Projektzwo ones.

Good luck finding something that fits nicely :D

I dont know if i didnt tell ya, you may not see the headlights are not stock.

Sat Oct 23, 2010 7:29 pm

I think I saw your picture on another thread:you're right,hard to notice on a pic,but I would have noticed in reality.

It's a good match,I just donc like the round corner on the rectangular light....That'd be better looking with same shape square lights,but it's better than nothing,right?? :wink:

Sat Oct 23, 2010 10:23 pm

ALIKA T3 wrote: I think I saw your picture on another thread:you're right,hard to notice on a pic,but I would have noticed in reality.

It's a good match,I just donc like the round corner on the rectangular light....That'd be better looking with same shape square lights,but it's better than nothing,right?? :wink:

Try to let go the idea of a Volkswagen Vanagon (or Eurovan :lol: ) headlamp putting out better light than a 200mm E-code H4 housing. The square Vanagon lights suck plain and simple and all the aftermarket wiring isn't going to improve them enough to make a very noticeable difference.
a914622 has successfully given the Vanagon the only real headlight option.
With a real H4 wiring harness and 100w bulbs you will be able to see better than all of the other motorists with woefully insufficient lighting.