Vanagon LED lighting upgrades and HID projector retrofit

[dhaines]

[OddN]

[K58]

[ThankYouJerry]

I bought cheap Chinese knock-offs of the JW Speaker style 7” round LED headlights by a company called “Lantsun” ($115/pair on Amazon). They have integrated LED halo style DRLs that change color and flash amber with the turn signals. These were featured by another member earlier in one of the many LED headlight threads. Bottomline... the low beams SUCK although the high beams are actually pretty good couples with my inner SA halogens. I trust that the JW Speakers must be (hopefully) significantly better for the money ($450/pair). Not sure I’m going to keep the Lantsuns or not. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VV085WI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD

[dougass]

[drj434343]

I put LED's in and actually added a relay kit as well. While the LED's use less power, I still wanted to reduce the amount of current through my ignition switch as much as possible.

That said, I believe most LED's can operate on a wide range of DC voltage without any fluctuation in brightness. The good units are usually digitally controlled and adjust for varying source voltage. So the argument of maximizing voltage to the headlights with relays is probably weaker here. The only thing you will do is slightly cut down on current draw with a slightly higher voltage as the controller will be adjusting to stabilized total power draw (watts).

[K58]

As long as the LED headlights are plug n play I don't see why you would remove the relays. Even though the LED's use less power you still want the maximum going to the lights and by passing the headlight switch.
I still don't know why people insist on buying those crappy gowesty relay kits when you can easily install a fully relayed harness directly to the battery.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/9004-Heavy-Duty-Headlight-...2749.l2649

[
_________________
Westy HID Projector Retrofit

[dkonzy]

I need to some headlight advice!

I currently have the SA grill and high power light kit from GW. Just got some 7" round LEDS and wondering if I should pull out all the high power relays before installing the LEDs.

Thanks guys!
_________________
1987 Syncro

[vanonimous]

New upgrade, replaced CF center cab light with 4 LEDs. Very bright. Like daytime.

HIDs in Orly Blue Carat:

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

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

[K58]

Been there done that with HID. Retrofitting HID is like going backwards.
I have JW Speaker LED's in my Wrangler and plan on installing them into the Westy.

https://youtu.be/e8YLixBAg5I
_________________
Westy HID Projector Retrofit

[Irishcalifornian]

https://www.amazon.com/GENSSI-Projector-Headlight-Sealed-Replacement/dp/B014Q6HSJE

[Merian]

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/ban-blinding-headlights
_________________
....

[dsdunbar]

My van:

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

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

[vanonimous]

[yiucycle]

you got links to those led lights? thanks
_________________
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]

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

[bajaleo]

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

[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

[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]

Home lab acrylic forming:


Link
[/code]

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