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MarkCastle
Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2019
Posts: 3
Location: Mississippi
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 Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2022 12:46 pm Post subject: 58' Ghia Convertible Headlight Upgrade ? |
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I would like to upgrade the headlights of my 58' Ghia Convertible 6V. It was a US delivery but was restored and driven in Belgium for several years. Can someone help me with the best way to get more lighting, yet not limit the ability to go back with the stock lights?
Thank you
but was restored and stayed in Belgium for many years.
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Mark Castleberry
600 Russell St, suite 185
Starkville, MS 39759 |
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crocteau
Samba Member
Joined: March 31, 2005
Posts: 1226
Location: Philaburbia
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| Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2022 4:05 pm Post subject: Re: 58' Ghia Convertible Headlight Upgrade ? |
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| MarkCastle wrote: |
| I would like to upgrade the headlights of my 58' Ghia Convertible 6V. |
Welcome to theSamba!  this may be a good place to start (https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9131170), and if that whets your appetite do a search  |
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dclaxon
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2012
Posts: 37
Location: Illinois
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| Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2022 5:11 pm Post subject: Re: 58' Ghia Convertible Headlight Upgrade ? |
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I put these in my '70 convertible, and they are definitely brighter than the originals so far, but I have only had it out after dark a couple of times so far. The only thing I don't like about them is the bluish tint, like a lot of the newer lights I see on the road these days, but I can live with it as long as I can see to drive. They are 12 volt, but I'm pretty sure they also have a 6 volt version.
https://vintagecarleds.com/shop/7-inch/vc3500-classic-kit/
When I talked to them, they recommended the classic lens upgrade, because it is more rounded and looks better in cars like ours where the headlight is exposed and becomes part of the shape of the car, and the standard lens is just flat and doesn't look right.
Dave |
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MarkCastle
Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2019
Posts: 3
Location: Mississippi
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| Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2022 6:33 pm Post subject: Re: 58' Ghia Convertible Headlight Upgrade ? |
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Thank you for your prompt responses. I will contact the bulb supplier you referenced. I have found that the 58-59 Ghia's have a different headlight assembly then many others.
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Mark Castleberry
600 Russell St, suite 185
Starkville, MS 39759 |
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Braukuche
Samba Member
Joined: September 03, 2004
Posts: 11191
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| Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2022 7:25 pm Post subject: Re: 58' Ghia Convertible Headlight Upgrade ? |
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| MarkCastle wrote: |
| Thank you for your prompt responses. I will contact the bulb supplier you referenced. I have found that the 58-59 Ghia's have a different headlight assembly then many others. |
They used the same assembly from 55-63.
Your car has European lights, which are closer to modern Headlights vs the old sealed beam type.
That particular assembly takes an particular sort of bulb so check what it is before ordering something else.
Your other option is to go with US spec sealed beams.
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Go Reds! Smash state!
Retirement is here!
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now
1989 Westfalia |
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rcooled
Samba Member
Joined: September 20, 2008
Posts: 2745
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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| Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2022 7:27 pm Post subject: Re: 58' Ghia Convertible Headlight Upgrade ? |
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| MarkCastle wrote: |
| ...the best way to get more lighting, yet not limit the ability to go back with the stock lights? |
Not sure if your current lights have removable bulbs or not, but if they do, you could try upgrading them for more light output.
If not, consider installing some H4 housings & bulbs, similar to these below ↓
https://www.jbugs.com/product/9311.html?utm_conten...gKvWfD_BwE
https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Volt-Halogen-Headlight-...0#viTabs_0
The 6V H4 bulbs are only 35/35W, but should still be an improvement over standard headlights.
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'63 Ragtop (current)
'65 Ghia coupe (totaled)
'67 Ghia convertible (current)
'69.5 Ghia convertible and
'62, '63, '65, '69 Bugs (all long gone) |
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kman
Samba Member
Joined: November 04, 2005
Posts: 739
Location: Michigan
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| Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2022 5:03 am Post subject: Re: 58' Ghia Convertible Headlight Upgrade ? |
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| dclaxon wrote: |
I put these in my '70 convertible, and they are definitely brighter than the originals so far, but I have only had it out after dark a couple of times so far. The only thing I don't like about them is the bluish tint, like a lot of the newer lights I see on the road these days, but I can live with it as long as I can see to drive. They are 12 volt, but I'm pretty sure they also have a 6 volt version.
https://vintagecarleds.com/shop/7-inch/vc3500-classic-kit/
When I talked to them, they recommended the classic lens upgrade, because it is more rounded and looks better in cars like ours where the headlight is exposed and becomes part of the shape of the car, and the standard lens is just flat and doesn't look right.
Dave |
I bought the same with the Hella lens upgrade. They are not quite rounded enough for me but still very nice. I will probably buy a set of the classic to put in and use the Hellas in another car where it won't matter.
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71 vert build. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=572951&highlight=dead |
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