Vanagon LED lighting upgrades and HID projector retrofit

[vanonimous]

Here are some fresh NW fog pictures showing HIDs, projectors and LEDs in action. These images are taken with Galaxy S3 phone camera, standard exposure.

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If happiness is being a mechanic, owning a Vanagon is nirvana.

Lighting upgrades: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=578291

[vanonimous]

I was going to take apart an H6024 sealed beam round Vanagon headlight and try fitting a bi-xenon projector when I came across this:

http://www.futurevisionled.com/products/hid-xenon-...light.html

I know nothing about this product but it looks interesting at least in the webpage.
_________________
If happiness is being a mechanic, owning a Vanagon is nirvana.

Lighting upgrades: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=578291

[IdahoDoug]

That's a nice PES design which I think originated with either Bosch or Hella. I'd choose the xenon over the LED. PES gives nice beam control if the mask is of good quality. Our new Subaru has these for low beams and they impress. I will be installing some brighter bulbs and hopefully the filaments will correctly line up and preserve that great pattern. Good luck!
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1993 Toyota LandCruiser, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[Yukon Syncro]

Funny I had just come across something similar and was wondering about it, I know nothing about it just what's on the website.

The Morimoto Sealed7 7" Round bi-xenon HID https://www.theretrofitsource.com/complete-headlig...ights.html
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1987 1.6 TD (JX) 1.9 TD (AAZ) Syncro Transporter Tintop with front and back lockers - Escorial Green. Got a North American High Top buried in snow waiting for a spring, summer when-oh-when-lord install.

[thatvwbusguy]

Morimoto is generally regarded as overpriced junk by people in the automotive lighting industry. They cater primarily to the tuner crowd that focuses much more on fashion than function (hence the multiple housing and halo types).

$610.00 for the cheapest possible set of these fully assembled lights is a lot of money for something that is not street legal in Canada or the US.
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Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
Newmarket, NH


If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

[vanonimous]

Not my video just came across it Morimoto Sealed 7":


Link
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_________________
If happiness is being a mechanic, owning a Vanagon is nirvana.

Lighting upgrades: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=578291

[Twan]

[nemobuscaptain]

[jocoman]

This mod is very, very interesting. However I am not a fan of the acrylic covers.
Also the instructions to do the acrylic work where never posted (I think).
Has anyone tried maybe putting in smaller projectors and putting the original glass back on.
If its possible it sound like a great winter project.
I am assuming a smaller projector is required and that is why the OP went with an acrylic solution as the glass would not fit.
Txs

[kourt]

Projector LED content: I'm running JW Speaker 8700 Evolution 2 7" rounds, in GW "new" style buckets (with metal adjusters) in a 1985 grille, with relays.

I've put about 6,000 miles on these lights so far. They are awesome. Consistent color temperature from the moment they are turned on. Low current draw. No heat generation. No offending blue color. Properly aimed, no dazzle or flashing from oncoming drivers. Polycarbonate lens. Totally plug and play.

kourt

[jocoman]

My comments where for a rectangular headlight solution (re this original post). but your round setup sounds great!

[newfisher]

The Vision X lights also offer a DOT approved lamp that has diffuser options and clear or yellow snap on covers.

[vanonimous]

Home lab acrylic forming:


Link
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Edit: always take intelligent precautions such as don't heat large acrylic pieces in gas ovens, make sure you are venting any volatile fumes appropriately, don't exceed speed limits, don't clean loaded guns and don't put lighted matches in gas tanks. Etc.
_________________
If happiness is being a mechanic, owning a Vanagon is nirvana.

Lighting upgrades: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=578291

[dhaines]

Hi guys
I just upgraded my 86 westy to the square trucklite 27450C headlights.

I must say that they are awesome and I really enjoy the light output. The light artifact is a bit odd when you look directly at it but it is a minor drawback considering how much more road/terrain is visible.

I picked up a set of buckets and adjusters from the junkyard.

Instead of drilling new holes into the headlight frame for the adjusters, I stuck them into the stock holes with a couple of bolts.

Then I cut the adjuster mounts off of the junkyard headlight buckets and welded them in position to match the adjuster location

If I ever want to go back to the stock headlights, all I need are new adjusters.

I was considering an LED light bar for the front bumper, but now I think that these headlights are plenty bright, especially with the high beams on!

Nighttime shot

[vanonimous]

dhaines - that looks like a very good lighting output. Nice install too!

Anyone else tired of not having enough map light? These were 6 for $10 delivered. I used only two since they are so bright and hooked them up to the tiny original map light switch. They also double up as glove box light:

_________________
If happiness is being a mechanic, owning a Vanagon is nirvana.

Lighting upgrades: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=578291

[bajaleo]

Nice! I'd like to see some more pictures of your install.

[vanonimous]

bajaleo - I attached them to lower edge of the dash (lights come with soft adhesive tape on them), drilled a small hole, inserted wires trough a rubber grommet and hooked the wires up to the switch part of the original light.

I originally intended a small separate lighted switch but wanted to try this first.

When removing the original map light it's wise to take out the fuse #3 (15amp 3rd from left) since it almost always blows.
_________________
If happiness is being a mechanic, owning a Vanagon is nirvana.

Lighting upgrades: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=578291

[yiucycle]

you got links to those led lights? thanks
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1980 2.8LV6 Fiero ASI/Riviera Vanagon
"there is no point in being embarrassed of all the stupid shit i done and will continue to do"

Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[vanonimous]

[dsdunbar]

My van:

So far I'm impressed with this upgrade (vanonimous assisted)

Thanks vanonimous!
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'89 2WD Westy "Grey Goose" - Manual 4spd
Crozet VA
Vanaru EJ25, Peloquin