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LemonCove Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2010 Posts: 324 Location: Henderson, NV
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Posted: Sat May 14, 2016 11:43 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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Not having to trim the grille is a great improvement . . . photos (with grille installed) please!
Well done! _________________ '88 Bostig Westy |
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Paulbeard Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015 Posts: 2604 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Sat May 14, 2016 11:51 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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Here's the first one, driver's side, with the untouched grille:
I'll get the whole grille tomorrow. _________________ Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
— dhaavers |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32437 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Paulbeard Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015 Posts: 2604 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 2:47 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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Here is what they look like up close.
They look like they are standing a little proud of the highbeam but in reality it's not so noticeable. More a function of their size and how bright and clean they are. _________________ Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
— dhaavers |
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7408 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 10:05 am Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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Alrighty, then. I've been a bit stubborn about recognizing the shortcomings of the stock rectangular low beams (even with relays and 80 lamps) but after a long, dark drive on curvy two-lanes on the Olympic Peninsula, I'm ready for a change that maintains the stock look (I'm not a fan of the SA kit and I already had rounds in my '85 for 16 years so I like this solution a lot).
I've ordered:
Jay Browns wiring adapter (edited per Jay's advice below)...
https://sites.google.com/site/vanagonheadlightrela...ht-harness
Hella H4 headlight kit
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001G72VIK/ref=ox_s...PDKIKX0DER
Ford buckets...
http://www.amazon.com/TYC-22-1040-Econoline-Headli...h&sr=1
Mustang adjusters...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014HM52HM/ref=ox_s...69ULF79CYW
I'll keep y'all posted on progress.
Thanks to lemoncove, paulbeard and others for leading the way on this! _________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro).
Last edited by jimf909 on Fri May 27, 2016 1:49 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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thatvwbusguy Samba Member
Joined: April 18, 2007 Posts: 1712 Location: Newmarket, New Hampshire
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Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 11:00 am Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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That is the wrong harness. This is the one you want: https://sites.google.com/site/vanagonheadlightrela...ht-harness The H4 to 9004 harness only works to convert the outer lights when changing from rectangular (86-91) lights to 7" round.
I have friends coming for the weekend so I won't be able to ship until Tuesday after the holiday weekend. _________________ Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
Newmarket, NH
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion. |
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7408 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 11:47 am Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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thatvwbusguy wrote: |
That is the wrong harness. This is the one you want: https://sites.google.com/site/vanagonheadlightrela...ht-harness The H4 to 9004 harness only works to convert the outer lights when changing from rectangular (86-91) lights to 7" round.
I have friends coming for the weekend so I won't be able to ship until Tuesday after the holiday weekend. |
Oh. I was following lemoncove's recommendation on the first page of this thread. I'll be going from the stock plug to the Hella H4 high/low lamp. Is that still the incorrect harness? _________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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thatvwbusguy Samba Member
Joined: April 18, 2007 Posts: 1712 Location: Newmarket, New Hampshire
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Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 12:05 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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Yes. The South African Grill Harness uses ceramic H4 sockets for the outer lights and standard 1/4" terminals with nylon housings that will work perfectly with the stock inner high beam lights. _________________ Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
Newmarket, NH
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion. |
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7408 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 1:38 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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thatvwbusguy wrote: |
Yes. The South African Grill Harness uses ceramic H4 sockets for the outer lights and standard 1/4" terminals with nylon housings that will work perfectly with the stock inner high beam lights. |
Got it. Thanks for setting me straight! I'll change my order. _________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7408 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 7:47 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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thatvwbusguy wrote: |
I have friends coming for the weekend so I won't be able to ship until Tuesday after the holiday weekend. |
Jay, thanks for the speedy shipment! I received the wiring harnesses today and get to work on my headlights tonight! Much appreciated. Hope you had a good weekend. _________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7408 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 4:23 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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While doing this mod, I disected my US OEM rectangular high/low beams to see what it looked like. Needless to say, the reflector is no longer in prime reflecting condition. These headlights were not safe to drive at 55 mph on dark, curvy roads.
_________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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Paulbeard Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015 Posts: 2604 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 4:54 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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No, the one I tossed in the recycling was terrible and I didn't have to break the glass to see it. Rust and crud all over the reflector. You had to stand right in front of it to see if it was on. _________________ Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
— dhaavers |
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thatvwbusguy Samba Member
Joined: April 18, 2007 Posts: 1712 Location: Newmarket, New Hampshire
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Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 5:36 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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Headlights (or any other part of any vehicle that has ever been built) are not designed to last 25-30 years.
If it makes you feel any better, most current generation plastic lensed headlights are designed to last about 4-5 years in sunny areas (Florida, Arizona etc) before the hardcoat on the exterior of the lens starts to get hazy and yellow. Once the factory hardcoat is damaged, plan on "restoring" the headlights every 6 months or so if you want them to work at all... _________________ Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
Newmarket, NH
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion. |
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7408 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 10:13 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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thatvwbusguy wrote: |
Headlights (or any other part of any vehicle that has ever been built) are not designed to last 25-30 years.
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My steering wheel has held up just fine for over a quarter million miles (waiting for the horn ring to fail)
Point well taken though. It's just a matter of keeping up with the bits as they wear out. _________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7408 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 10:18 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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I've finished the H4 mod described by Lemoncove, Paulbeard and others and am pleased with the result.
1 - I wanted to maintain the rectangular headlights. They fit the model year and design language of the Vanagon (boxy!). While not perfect, I'll gladly take the improved visibility over the oem units.
2 - The best-fit option may be Euro spec oem Vanagon rectangles, but given my dissection of the 25 year old fixtures, I'm not sure they'd be a lot better. Also, they're not easy to find.
Pics...
Headlight adjuster units installed (from the back)...
From the front...
From the back with the bucket...
Belt and suspenders (two springs)...
H4 on the right, oem on the left. On the road is a world of difference!
H4s installed on both sides (using trim rings)...
A big "Thank you!" to Lemoncove and Paulbeard for leading the way in this safety enhancement!!! _________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
|
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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Paulbeard Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015 Posts: 2604 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 10:23 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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_________________ Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
— dhaavers |
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LemonCove Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2010 Posts: 324 Location: Henderson, NV
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Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 10:34 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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^^^^
What he said. _________________ '88 Bostig Westy |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32437 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2016 4:36 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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I am doing my Hella conversion now using 94 Toyota PickUp Buckets.
I blinded the poor truck!
There are nuances that vary from the jeep/Ford buckets but it is so totally workable.
Right now I'm weighing the trim ring or no trim ring option. My bucket contacts 3 of the Hella bolt points nicely...... One, not so nicely.
But the trim ring screws interfere with bucket placement and grill mounting.
I painted one trim ring flat black, I like it.
Anyway.......
Toyota lights......
They were quite rusted and required heat and candle wax to get the ring screws out....... I retapped the buckets to the 4mm x .75 screws.....
I painted one trim ring flat black...... I like!
Now, I'm being anal about alignment of the new low beam assembly, but honestly? Look at what I'm running now!
Dave _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert
Last edited by djkeev on Tue Jul 19, 2016 9:51 am; edited 1 time in total |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32437 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Paulbeard Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015 Posts: 2604 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2016 4:52 pm Post subject: Re: Rectangular E Code Headlight Upgrade-Hella Kit/Ford Buckets |
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So you do have mounting affordances on the lights themselves? I haven't seen what the backs of yours look like and I never took a picture of mine.
I found that a short (3/8 or less) screw was enough to hold the headlight to the bucket, given there were four points of contact and I had more faith in that than the trim rings. So far, so good. Nothing has come loose or fallen out.
Looking good and I think you'll be very pleased when you get them on the road. _________________ Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
— dhaavers |
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