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Switching to no-sealed headlights
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spacebiscuit
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 22, 2018 3:22 pm    Post subject: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

Currently my bus has sealed head light units which need replacing. I would like to fit non-sealed units.

I've seen the following:

https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/van-wezel-1295955.html

It has the OEM part number for a bus ;74-79: 171941753A. Is there any reason that I can't fit this in my 72 bus? Does it require special fittings or can I swap it out like for like?

Thnaks!
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Last edited by spacebiscuit on Mon Jul 23, 2018 12:33 pm; edited 1 time in total
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70Crew
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 22, 2018 5:37 pm    Post subject: Re: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

Doesn’t this say that it fits 68-79 (see “suitable cars”)?

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HarryFD
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 22, 2018 7:48 pm    Post subject: Re: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

If it is a 7" headlight, it should fit. I have the Hella H-4's on my Bus and 911 and they were a massive improvement over the USA Sealed beams without increasing the bulb wattage.

https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/spares-search.html?keyword=7+inch++h4+assembly&brandNo%5B0%5D=2

If you go above the stock wattage, you should install headlight relays to protect your Bus switches for excessive current draw.
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HarryFD
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 22, 2018 7:49 pm    Post subject: Re: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

If it is a 7" headlight, it should fit. I have the Hella H-4's on my Bus and 911 and they were a massive improvement over the USA Sealed beams without increasing the bulb wattage.

https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/spares-search.html?keyword=7+inch++h4+assembly&brandNo%5B0%5D=2

If you go above the stock wattage, you should install headlight relays to protect your Bus switches for excessive current draw.
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spacebiscuit
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 5:13 am    Post subject: Re: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

Am I right in saying that sealed beams are for the trash once the bulb has gone?
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mikedjames
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 5:18 am    Post subject: Re: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

spacebiscuit wrote:
Am I right in saying that sealed beams are for the trash once the bulb has gone?

Yes the sealed beam is .. sealed.
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 7:21 am    Post subject: Re: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

vwheritage in the UK has lots of H4 lights for buses.
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spacebiscuit
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 7:40 am    Post subject: Re: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

I took a punt on the lights in my original link..... will report my findings...
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aerosurfer
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 8:11 am    Post subject: Re: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

I went to the Hella E code H4 lights years ago, great upgrade with no work involved
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Wildthings
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 9:59 am    Post subject: Re: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

When I went to H4 lights I found the cutoff was too sharp and the lights wouldn't illuminate the road well when going over rolling hills or with changes in load. I ended up pointing the passenger side headlight higher than the driver side headlight to give a taller light pattern.
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telford dorr
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 10:34 am    Post subject: Re: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

One item of note: if the headlight units you purchase have the "citylight" feature (a small auxiliary bulb mounted in the lower portion of the main reflector), there may be fitment issues requiring either a different mounting frame or modifications to the original stock frame.

FWIW
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 10:40 am    Post subject: Re: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

I put the Vision Kit from Bus Depot on my '73.

Quite an improvement.

It seems that the only difference between at least my '73 and the Vision Kit (sold for early Vanagons) was maybe the fuse you attached the relays to or something. It was slightly different than the instructions that came with the kit but no big deal to set up.

http://www.busdepot.com/VISIONKIT1
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 1:53 pm    Post subject: Re: Switching to no-sealed headlights Reply with quote

Hella H4's ! My choice for 7" round headlights. And they're German ! I have them on my '70.

Idea
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