-----Original Message-----
From: Kenneth Wilford [mailto:kenwilfy@comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 12:57 PM
To: Birkenfeld Jeff
Subject: RE: Rectangle headlight conversion to common 200mm headlights

It is funny that you should mention this.  About 2 years ago this was
something that was much talked about and discussed.  I bought a pair of
rectangular Cibie H4 just for this purpose.  However, when I got them I
found that I really couldn't see a way to make a frame for them.  I wound up
using a standard rectangular Vanagon outter headlamp instead of making a
frame.  The lamp was already cracked, so I just smashed the rest of the
glass out.  Then I had to cut away some of the reflector, but I left most of
the reflector which still had the mounting tabs on it.  Then I took the
Cibie lamp and siliconed it in place with this industrial silicon that we
had. That was 2 years ago.  I promptly put the light in a box and forgot all
about actually installing it on the van.

Just last week I rediscovered this uninstalled project and decided to finish
it.  I hate fooling with the adjusters on these lights because they are so
brittle and are junk.  However one of my lights was burnt out, and I had a
good excuse to install the H4 Cibie.  It went on well and looks stock (if I
didn't tell you, you would never know it wasn't the same as before).  It
puts out a lot more light than the stock DOT lens.  I am pretty happy with
it.  I think it would work even better with a relay upgrade which is the
next thing on the list.

I still have to repeat this proceedure on the driver's side lens.  If anyone
is interested I could take some digital pictures and do a write up on it.  I
think the Cibie lights were under $100 a pair (it has been a long time so I
could be wrong) and they are beautifully made lenses, and have the parking
light bulb in them as well.  If I remember correctly I bought them from
Daniel Stern Lighting.  200mm Cibie H4.
Just FYI.

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
Phone: (856)-327-4936
Fax: (856)-327-2242
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Birkenfeld Jeff
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2002 12:04 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Rectangle headlight conversion to common 200mm headlights

I remember awhile back a post where someone had converted conventional 200mm
rectangle headlights to fit the '86 and later vanagon by fabricating a frame
for the common headlight to fit the vanagon mounting.

Anybody remember this post or a webpage showing this mod?

Thanks,
JB