There are two problems with the original headlights. One is the voltage drop
of an aged and undersized electrical system. It is common for there to be 11
volts or even less at the bulbs, not the 13.8 that the alternator provides.
The other is the age of the lights themselves. They are consumables and even
if they look good the lenses are distorted from road debris etc. New lights
make a big difference. The Euro versions are also an upgrade with a much
improved light pattern, especially off to the right side of the road. High
wattage bulbs can be very annoying to cars you follow. The earlier round
headlights do offer a lot of flexibility and reasonable cost. New lights and
improved wiring-relay kit is the way to go. This should include grounding
the lights directly instead of the stock ground wire going all the way back
to that cluster near the fuse box.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David M
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2010 4:00 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Vanagon rear lights and the pathetic headlights

I have my rear light problems all fixed. I went with 23W bulbs for the stop
and reversing lights and 10W bulbs for the tail lights. Cleaning the rear
lenses also helped a little and I fashioned some reflective surfaces in
there with reflective tape.

I'd love to do something about the pathetic headlights. Now that I drive
home in the dark I can barely tell my headlights are on, they shine no
pattern on the road in front of me. I see more modern vehicles and it looks
like a floodlight is illuminating the road in front of them. I then have to
check my switch to see if I actually have mine turned on. It's very
disconcerting. The only way I can tell for sure is when I come up behind
another vehicle and check the reflection.

-David (1987 Wolfsburg)