Retrofitted HID projectors into the Westy (pics)

[Syncroincity]

I was considering the Dapper lights as well, but they're only $10 cheaper, and they are made from those godawful Chinese Ebay light fixtures. That said, they probably ARE an easier fit.
Also, Morimoto makes excellent projectors, and the Dapper units are of unknown origin.

The bulb & ballast combo is the big price difference between the two, and as noted I ordered mine from elsewhere;

http://www.vvme.com/hid-headlights/single-beam-hid...ersion-kit

I've had VVME 4300K headlights and 3000K foglights in my Passat for about 3 years now, completely issue-free. Great bulb/ballast combo for about $27.
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'86 Syncro CHC Top AAZ Turbodiesel
'04 Passat Variant 4Mo 5MT

Vanagon Build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=466866&highlight=

[thatvwbusguy]

It looks like mounting depth could be a concern. I would definitely look into the exact dimensions before placing an order, especially considering the fact that the cost for the parts with bulbs and ballasts comes in around $500.00.

The 7" classic series from Dapper Lighting might be an easier transplant for significantly less out of pocket expense. No idea how they would compare quality wise or if they are a drop in fit though.
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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.

[K58]

Nice choice and thanks for the update
Please post pics when installed

All my retrofits have components from TRS.
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Westy HID Projector Retrofit

[Syncroincity]

Just an update on this topic; 7" round HIDs are now available off the shelf. Not quite a bolt-in; assembly required and some mechanical skill for fitment to the headlight buckets.

Nice big projectors, a selection of various styles of shrouds to personalize the look. D2S Bulbs & ballasts sold separately. (I opted to get mine from another supplier, theirs are a bit pricey.)

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/complete-headligh...9Mvy6KrHEh

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'86 Syncro CHC Top AAZ Turbodiesel
'04 Passat Variant 4Mo 5MT

Vanagon Build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=466866&highlight=

[thatvwbusguy]

I am pretty sure that what you are seeing in the opening part of the video where it appears that the headlights auto-adjust is actually just the rear suspension compressing when the van takes off, which causes the lights to rise.

The self-leveling feature of adaptive headlight systems uses a sensor (or usually two or more sensors) to compensate for changes in the vehicle's suspension based on load, bumps etc. To the best of my knowledge, there is no simple way to add auto leveling to a retrofit HID system. Of course as the saying goes, "with enough time, money and effort anything is possible".

Even without the auto leveling system, the retrofit that K58 did on his van is infinitely more functional and safer than any "plug and play" HID kit using reflector headlights. The fact that it appears that he purposefully aimed his lights a little bit on the low side shows that he cares about other drivers on the road as well.
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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.

[Titanvw]

I see in the vid that your lights go up and down (auto level). Did the HID fixtures come with this or was it manual leveling (via inside switch).

Looks good but I have an SA variety and need the round lights. Still looking for a decent one that has all the right electronics and lighting angles.
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Gone from sitting in traffic to above

Past cars include a long list of vw's (lots of MK1 2dr golfs, a couple of MK4's and even an original 1500 diesel caddy)

Had 2 A4 B6 avants (nice rides)

Now I have a transporter and Fleetline that's in resto stage!

[K58]

Thank you all for the positive comments.
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Westy HID Projector Retrofit

[jtenright]

Nice work!!! Thanks for the write up too, looks amazing.
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87 Westfalia, GoWesty 2300, WBXexhaustSS, 16x7.5 GW Wheels, South African "Big Brakes", 2WD Lift Springs/Bilstein, Truckfridge, Solar.
2001 Audi TT Quattro 1.8T 225
2001.5 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro, SOLD as original owner to fund my Westy Dreams
87 Toyota 22R Longbed Pickup SOLD

[IdahoDoug]

Actually the newer factory HIDs come not only with auto leveling, but also aiming correction as you drive so when these drivers come over a rise in the road they don't blind you. That's been the case in Europe for a decade as their research found the "hobby horse-ing" over undulations was a blinding issue so the headlamps can constantly adjust. Wish our gummint would get off their fat butts and update our lighting laws... Ours are among the worst in the world - including 3rd world countries. It is well known outside the US that our lighting laws are in place to protect our US lighting suppliers by having unique (and lower quality) standards. Thanks, Washington DC!!

DougM
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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, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[dr. no]

[tristessa]

[Phishman068]

Aren't there 7'' HID lenses and lights that should be a drop in for an SA grill or round headlight grill?

[Crankey]

[insyncro]

This is one sweet addition to a Vanagon...whatever the price.
Thanks for posting this and the links.

[randywebb]

[K58]

[Crankey]

[90Doka_Guy]

Nicely done! Thanks for the writeup. It looks like TRS put a small writeup about this retrofit on their website.

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/retrofit_examples.php?retrofits_id=2

I just finished up a retrofit on my subaru (all sourced from the retrofit source, great company) and prior to that I had never driven a car with an HID setup before. The light output of the bi-xenons is phenomenal, and now I think I'm spoiled. I can definitely see doing this in the future. Come to think of it, I'm surprised GoWesty or the like hasn't developed a kit yet.

Thanks for doing this the right way. A blob of purple HID light glaring from halogen housings blinding everyone is one of the most obnoxious things on the road.
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-'87 Westy
-'90 Tintop
-'90 DOKA

[Syncroincity]

[randywebb]

maybe "the looks you get from other motorists is priceless" because you are blinding them
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.