In a message dated 99-01-24 16:09:09 EST, you write:

<< Reading Stern Lighting's write up it appears that E-Code is the answer. >>

I totally agree with the above statement - the fact of the matter is that even
though the DOT lamps have 'Hella' emblazened on them they're just not worth a
crap on low beam.
I'm sure that the kit mentioned earlier to retrofit the more standard 5 X 7"
H-4 lights will work great but I wonder if anyone has tried fitting a standard
5 X 7" headlight bucket out of a junkyard special to the existing Vanagon
bracket?
It sure looks like something could be contrived with a bit of ingenuity that
would serve the same function.
I am planning to give it a go in the near future since I have recently
acquired a set 5 X 7" Carello H-4's (out of a Peugot 505 wagon, of all
things!).
Just wondering.....does anyone have any experience with Carello headlamps?
These units seem to be equal in quality of manufacture to the Hella and Bosch
lights that I have seen.
They are stamped "E 3" within a circle - I assume this has some meaning and is
different from the "E 1" markings that I've seen on other lights.
Does anyone know what the "E x" stamp means and how a E3 is different from a
E1, for instance?
I figured that for a price of $30.00 for the pair including Osram H-4 bulbs
they were worth a gamble.
What remains to be seen is how much trouble I'll have retrofitting them to my
Vanagon and how the light distribution looks once they're fitted.
Oh well, I've got an extra light bracket and grill - guess they're worth
sacrificing in the name of better vision.

Sam Bateman
Fork Union, VA
'87 Vanagon GL