On Monday, November 11, 2002, at 01:13 PM, Phil Baird wrote:

>
> I would like to upgrade my weak, stock headlights. I did check the
> archives and saw some old, interesting messages but I would like to
> hear
> from the list on what's current.  I did note with interest the Bus
> Depot's conversion but the price at just under 200 bucks seem to be a
> bit stiff?  I dunno...

A frequent topic that comes up now and again. The best bang for the
buck is to put relays in for your headlights (this will increase their
candle power and make a dramatic improvement in road visibility.) The
second alternative is to do a headlight conversion (either to the round
South African set up or to the European headlights.)

In both cases, my opinion is that the improvement to your illumination
will not be as substantial as adding the relays. If you do BOTH (relays
and conversion) however you will gain the most benefit.

I just finished driving across the country on a Vanagon with the
European headlights. The light pattern on the road with these
headlights is MUCH better than the stock rectangular US DOT headlights,
but it is NOT as bright as it could be. You'll still want to do the
relays.

The stock  round headlights are better than the stock rectangular
headlights but I like the looks of the rectangular ones (so I'll be
doing the Euro headlight AND relay conversions to all my Vanagons.)