Hi Ken,

By new H4, do you mean rectangular like the e-code 86-91 replacements? How
much is not too much, and what is the time frame? I need to have this ready
for a road trip in March, although I would also consider installing them
along the way, since I will heading to the US, assuming it is a
straightforward install.

My preference is to stick with the stock look, along with keeping the cost
low. I assume that any option requiring a new grille is going to add at
least $200 to the cost.

My choices, in order of increasing cost, are the following: (although I
don't have relays yet, I will install some regardless of which option I
choose, along with better grounds).
I also need several new adjusters if I am to keep the stock setup. Not sure
if the e-codes use new adjusters; I think they do. At least two of my 4
housings have cracks, and all are well worn, so the bulb only upgrades are
going to be limited in effectiveness even more than a good original housing
would be.

1. 80/100 9004 bulbs and relays, such as GW kit. $80-100
2. LED 9004 bulbs, $50-150 depending on brand.
3a. 7" round Cibie with used early grille, $200-300 total?
3b. GW 7" round kit with grille $360
4. E-code 86-91 upgrade, $380-480 depending on bulb option
5. SA grille, $420-800 depending on bulb option

Somewhere in the middle, cost wise, are some rectangular options like
Trucklite or similar... I don't know how difficult it is to fit these, and
I haven't measured the stock units yet.

https://www.amazon.ca/VOSICKY-Daymaker-headlight-trucklight-Headlamp/dp/B01MS92UWI/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_263_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZB1PW1CVNGDFP9M5M1B2

On Wed, Jan 17, 2018 at 10:32 AM, kenneth wilford (Van-Again) <
kenwilfy@comcast.net> wrote:

> Shawn, there are new H4 housings on the radar for not too much money.
> They should be available in the next few weeks.  I would wait on that
> before going down the round light road, unless you really want that look.
>
> I sell round LED 7" headlights that replace the H4 round housings, and
> draw a bunch less power (unloading the electrical system without relays,
> etc).  You can see there here:
> https://www.vanagain.com/shop/7-inch-round-led-vanagon-headlight-set/
>
> If you follow the link there are also some youtube videos so you can see
> them in action.  They are very bright and we have many happy customers.
> Let me know if you need any more information.
>
> Ken
>
> On Wed, Jan 17, 2018 at 12:58 PM, Shawn Wright <shawngwright@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Brent,
>>
>> I am in quest for lighting upgrades on my '88, and am considering all
>> options, including the earlier style 7" round. Curious if you ended up
>> going with the Cibie and how they work. I noticed the listing you posted
>> shows them as fog lights.
>>
>> I've heard of some people adapting a rectangular LED unit used for semis
>> (about $200-250 ea), but wonder if something like this could be made to
>> work with the stock '86+ grille...
>>
>> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M09C7Q8/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 7, 2016 at 1:29 PM, Brent Weide <brent.weide@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> > In my quest for illumination i intend to retrofit back to an 84 single
>> > round headlight grill, headlight buckets, cibie (
>> > http://www.amazon.com/Cibie-082440-Light-Unit/dp/B008DQV88Q/
>> ref=sr_1_1?s=
>> > automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1460052438&sr=1-1&keywords=Cibie+
>> 082440+Light+Unit)
>> > enclosures, and Osram H4 12v Hyper Bulbs (85/80W).  This is all on the
>> > trusted guidance of Jay Brown.
>> > I had intended to go with LED bulbs in the shape of the offering
>> available
>> > on the samba (http://www.thesamba.com/vw/cl
>> assifieds/detail.php?id=1801829
>> > )
>> > but decided to stick with the bulbs Jay advised.
>> > I'll be throwing a south african lower grill (the wrap around) on as
>> i've
>> > always liked that look.
>> > Will post once i'm assembled with thoughts on the results of whether i
>> can
>> > see more better at night with the H4's.
>> >
>> > Thanks,
>> > Brent
>> >
>> > On Thu, Apr 7, 2016 at 8:49 AM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
>> > wrote:
>> >
>> > > The Insurance Institute just did this on new vehicles and the results
>> > were
>> > > poor:
>> > > http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-car-
>> > headlights-20160330-story.html
>> > > Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sp7nvuOxtY
>> > >
>> > > I think the best way to test is on the road--a long straight one on a
>> > dark
>> > > night with reflective and non-reflective images down the road and
>> measure
>> > > the distance when they come into view. A stuffed deer would be good.
>> ;-)
>> > > You'd have to close the road unfortunately to do it safely
>> unfortunately,
>> > > or find something on private property.
>> > >
>> > > The 80/100w H4s I have on my '85 look just like the bright lights in
>> the
>> > > video.
>> > >
>> > > Stuart
>> > >
>> > > -----Original Message-----
>> > > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
>> Behalf
>> > > Of Brent Weide
>> > > Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2016 7:15 PM
>> > > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> > > Subject: 91 Headlight Upgrade
>> > >
>> > > Folks:
>> > > I'm about to embark on the upgrade of the 1991 square 9004 headlights
>> to
>> > > the early vanagon H4 round headlights and would appreciate  your
>> > assistance.
>> > > Does anyone know of a way to accurately measure the improved lighting
>> > > using every day tools?  I'd like to measure that headlight strength
>> > before
>> > > and after the change.
>> > > I'll be documenting the change (good or bad) on my website and
>> appreciate
>> > > your feedback.
>> > >
>> > > All the best,
>> > > Brent
>> > > --
>> > > Brent Weide
>> > > Portland, Oregon
>> > > www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>> > --
>> > Brent Weide
>> > Portland, Oregon
>> > www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Shawn Wright
>> shawngwright@gmail.com
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Thanks,
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com
>

--
Shawn Wright
shawngwright@gmail.com