Neal,

Replacing your current round headlights on your '81 with the square lights
from a later Vanagon would be a huge mistake if you are looking for improved
lighting (I assume that is your aim). The round headlights of the earlier
Vanagons are superior to the later rectangular/square light arrangement.

If you want to improve your lighting you should add relays for your current
lights and/or install higher wattage bulbs. Both of these operations are
fairly straight-forward. As an alternative, you could opt for one of the
dual round South Africa grills. The dual round set up along with properly
installed relays and higher wattage bulbs (be sure to aim your lights
properly) and heavier wiring will give you by far the best lighting
situation.

I have installed the South Africa set-up on my '87 Vanagon, along with 10
gauge wiring, individual 30 amp relays, and in-line fuses. In addition, I
have a pair of Projekt Zwo fog lights mounted just inboard of the turn
signals. This combination will probably yield the very best results. It will
cost a bit of money but it will be well worth it in terms of safety,
visibility, and forward lighting.

Cheers,
Bruce
motorbruce@hotmail.com

>From: Neal Powers <Neal354@WMCONNECT.COM>
>Reply-To: Neal354@WMCONNECT.COM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: grill
>Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2005 16:24:48 EDT
>
>Thanks for the info on the doors heading for the junk yard early tomorrow,
>one more question i have a 81 vanagon the 89 vanagon has 4 headlights I
>think
>they will fit the 81 if i replace the grill and all am i correct ?, Thanks
>Neal