Agreed, the FIRST thing is to fix the weaknesses in the aged stock
headlight wiring. The improvement can be so dramatic that no further
mods are deemed needed. Even if one wishes to change the lighting itself
it is a prerequisite to fix the wiring or you can't get the full benefit
of the more expensive upgrades. Any year Vanagon can benefit greatly
from the relay kit and ground wire fixes.

Mark

Dennis Haynes wrote:
> 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.
>
>