I suspect that the reflectors have degraded over time as well. This was
always the reason that DOT didn't approve non-sealed units and US market
cars got DOT type sealed beams.
When I first got my first  87 Vanagon back in 1990, I was pretty
impressed with the headlights. Now, when I get into the 82 DIESEL (with
63mph top speed), I'm amazed at how much better its lights are.. I think
the 87's lights got worse.
The easy answer for me is to just retrofit round Cibie or Hella H4 units
and a pre-1986 grille.(upgrade the wires, of course.
Are the South African  grilles still available? I suppose Overland Parts
was the original importer. They look nice, but $300+ just for an extra
set of high beams is not what I need.
I need lights that find deer at the side of the road intent upon
suicide. I've hit 3 so far. Perhaps the ultimate solution to the deer
problem is more wolves.. Seriously.. The ultimate solution to the moose
problem is driving at 45mph.
Al Brase

John Bange wrote:

>Third, get rid of those USDOT type headlights and get E-code/ECE/euro-spec
>headlights. The DOT reflector pattern is ridiculously bad. And get a quality
>name brand. My VWSA grill came with two round headlights by "Omega"
>generously included by the vendor, and they were the worst pieces of garbage
>I've ever seen. The rubber boots on the back didn't fit the H4 bulbs and the
>reflectors rattled loosely in the frames. I paid $20 extra for the grill
>because it came with outer lights. I should've saved that $20. Get good
>headlights by Cibie or Hella.
>
>I don't know if it's better to go with old style 7" round headlights or if
>the rectangular ones are just as good. I switched to round because I wanted
>the fancy grill.
>
>--
>John Bange
>'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"
>
>
>