There is an obvious difference in quality, from the beam pattern to the
clarity of the glass to the reflectivity of the mirror coating. I really
like the Hella. The European version has a more useful beam spread, and
those cool city lights too. Except for the city lights its an easy plug and
play operation. Jake
----- Original Message -----
From: "Wesley Pegden" <wes@CS.UCHICAGO.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2005 11:19 AM
Subject: Re: best headlight replacements?

> Thanks for all the replies, guys.
> Does the relay upgrade apply to my '84 vanagon?  I thought that only was
> done on later models.
>
> Here's a more specific question:
> How much of a difference is there between the generic h4 setups and the
> brand name (bosch/hella) setups are there?  There's a HUGE difference in
> price... what's the actual performance difference?
>
> Finally... if I did go with an H4 setup, what else do I have to do on my
> 84?  Do I just swap out my current fixtures for the new ones?
>
> Thanks,
> Wes
>
> Brent Weide wrote:
>
> >I purchased a pair of standard relays, proper gauge wire, and the 80/100
> >watt replacements all for four headlights on my 91 Vanagon for a total
> >cost of $44.  These are essentially the same parts used by most retailers
> >with the exception of the relays not being manufactured by Bosch.
> >
> >I really appreciate the additional visibility while driving at night and
> >like the fact that I'm getting it without blinding other drivers.
> >
> >Here's a parts list and the places where I got the parts.  I'd rate this
> >job as very simple and I'm electrically challenged!
> >
> >Desc Units  Unit Price   Total Price  Vendor
> >
> >HL78179 9004/HB1 100/80w Replacement Bulb - 2 - $10.75 - $21.50
> >http://www.rallylights.com/
> >
> >78140Y H3 110W Yellow Star Replacement Bulb - 2 - $8.06 - $16.12
> >http://www.rallylights.com/
> >
> >12V 30/40A RELAYS W/ DUAL SOCKET & 5 WIRE HARNESS - 1 - $3.98 - $3.98
> >http://stores.ebay.com/12-Volt-Parts
> >
> >24" 12# Brown Wire 1
> >24" 12# Red Wire 1
> >12# Female Spade Connectors - 16 - $0.15 - $2.40
> >_______________________________________________________
> >TOTAL COST    $44.00
> >
> >Brent
> >http://www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/
> >
> >
> >
>