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Subject:Re: Headlight conversion for '85 Westy....
From:pensioner
Date:Tue, 12 Nov 2002 08:11:34 -0800

I have an SA grille sans emblem for sale.  I have some  5.75 holders and
lights also for sale.  These were purchased long ago from Kyle at
Volksmotorsports.  Never used.  I installed a stock 7" 1983? grille and
buckets.  (thanks larry, thanks fellow in Mariposa who donated the buckets)

One thing to think about is that rocks do have a strange affinity for
headlights.  Replacing the Vanagon Specific, boutique rectangulars should a
suicidal rock target your van is $$$.  Replacing a 7" H4 is $.

I use Bosch 7" w/ 100/80H4 and relays.  Great cutoff beam plenty of light in
all the right places.  Cheap to maintain.  Easy to install. Do not use in
direct sunlight.  Not for children under age 8.  Your mileage will get
worse.

I would prefer a 80/80 but they don't seem to be handy.  Beam pattern is far
more important than intensity.  Kinda like giving coffee to a drunk. Add
coffee to the drunk and you have a wide-awake annoyance.  Same with the
p*ss-poor design of the standard rectangulars.  Teaching a pig to sing.
Burning nitro in your lawnmower.

Provide the old rectangulars and all the other stuff to some needy soul for
the cost of shipping.  Upgrade to SA or two-hole pre-85.  Add four relays,
real wiring, good H4 sharp cutoff lenses, a 105db+ horn set, an SVX motor,
upgraded brakes and wheels and you begin to approach usability.

In a 1955 1200cc you probably can't outdrive the headlights.  You can in a
stock vanagon.

pensioner