Help with headlights from UK guys - converting US spec to UK spec lights

[stait9]

Hi

I was wondering if anyone had any advise as my '60 beetle has just failed its MOT because the US spec lights with sealed unit didn't give enough of a pattern.  The lights are in great shape and I have previously bought some NOS RHD lens so that's covered providing I can put something together.

A friend has suggested buying new reflectors (and spending a bit more to get good quality) and converting the lights to UK spec, including Halogen bulbs.

I've looked at the VW Heritage website and seen these:

http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares_Headlamp-reflector-Hella-T1-Beetle-T2-Splitscreen-111941151C_act_shop.product_pID_59621.htm?crumbStartPage=1&crumbStartRow=1

And as far as I am aware it will fit.

All I need is a bulb holder and bulb.  This is where I get confused/lost.  The only bulb holder available doesn't accept H4 halogen bulbs apparently  Non-H4 bulbs are available but they seem to be 2 prong by the looks of things, where as the connection in the car is 3 prong - I'd rather not muck around with wiring as its really well done:

Bulb holder example- http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares_Bulb-holder-8-61-12-73-not-H4-131941159A_act_shop.product_pID_70237.htm?crumbStartPage=1&crumbStartRow=1 ....... but it's 62-73, I can find one appropriate for a 1960

Bulb example- http://www.machine7.com/product.php?xProd=3191&xSec=266

Does anyone know if you can customise a H4 bulb to fit the early holder or is there another way around this?

Any help would be gratefully accepted as I have 8 days left until the re-test deadline.

Cheers

Stuart

[von-dart]

Hi Stuart,

The bulb example you found should fit the holder, and as far as I know it's a 3 prong, so will connect to your wiring. I've used these in the past. Check with Machine 7 if in doubt.
The RHD lenses you have may solve your problem though, if it was a beam pattern issue.

Good luck!

Gary.

[stait9]

Thanks Gary, will speak to then tomorrow.

[Sepi]

If you have those US lights, to get H4 you have to buy semi sealed 7" round H4 beams with a side light bulb - like these:

http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares_Beam-unit-for-headlamp-semi-sealed-H4-type-RHD-each-142941039US_act_shop.product_pID_83446.htm

I did similar US + H4 lights with an indicator bulb as well - It seems to be more difficult to get Hella 7" RHD beams

[stait9]

Thank for the pos Sepi

Bought them on Friday and have just had those delivered today; although I thought the ones that were coming didn't have the side light as I'm running with indicators on tpp of the wings and now have 2 sets of side lights

Will build them tomorrow and see how the patterns comes out.  Hopefully these will give enough of a pattern for the MOT.

Cheers

Stuart

[Martin S.]

Speaking of headlights, has anyone experience with GE Nighthawk LED 7" round headlights? Seems I'm over driving my headlights currently and wondering if these would help... http://www.amazon.com/GE-69821-Nighthawk-Round-Headlamp/dp/B00BQX2BT8#productDetails

[RichardinNZ]

Similar question from me...my '58 has similar 'UK' spec style lights.  I have added the additional running light bulb from US Spec lights as an indicator/blinker to supplement the semaphores.  The reflectors are in bad condition.  I was wondering whether I could use US Spec lights and add my fluted lenses to these?  However, are there any clear lens (no pattern) light units that I can use behind these?  Also are RHD and LHD lights different for early cars with fluted lenses?

Many thanks
Richard

[Martin S.]

I have my answer about the LED units. It would be fun to drop those in for the test and watch the guy's eyes pop out! http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=527546

[stait9]

MOT passed with the semi sealed units and H4 halogen bulbs.  It was simply a case on replace the fully sealed units.  It does mean I could have 2 side lights if I wanted as the semi sealed unit comes with a bulb fitted in the reflector part.

The MOT man showed mean the pattern in the testing unit and there was a definite shape and kick up towards the left as required.  He was pleasantly surprised.

To RichardNZ - I had considered the double up of the seal unit and the fluted lens but was advised this will blur things even more.  Apologies if I'm wrong but you drive on the left hand side too, in which case the set-up of the semi sealed unit with the bulb holder (see link above) is a good solution.  If you have US spec lights, you can buy clear lenses and set the US spec side light to act as the indicator as you have a second bulb in the semi sealed unit.  I didn't need it as I'm running with the wing mounted indicators.  The one mentioned above allows you to use the common H4 Halogen bulb so that's cheaper and easier to find as well.

Cheers for everyone's help.  Now to fix the leaking Jaycee Push Rod tubes

Cheers

Stuart

[RichardinNZ]

Hi Stuart
Yes, we are also drive on the right (one of the reasons my wife was happy to move here in 2007 from England!).  I'm attached to my fluted lenses but see big benefits in what you say.
Thanks
Richard