Replacement headlights

shaihulud Custom Title Time!

1,448 posts · joined Nov 2005 · 11 May 2006, 4:50 pm

#487242

I have a 12 volt 1973 1300 SP Type 1. The headlights are useless. The reflectors need to be re-silvered. That is too expensive for a cheap little car.

Is there a cheap sealed beam replacement headlight available? I have two 7 inch sealed beams but I can't get them to fit into the VW assemblies. Is there a complete assembly from another car that will fit easily or with minor modifications?

I want to be able to fit them, adjust them easily and to fit the VW trim ring over the headlights to keep the original look. I also want to be able to do it so that it can be returned to original in the future if I want to.

barls Administrator Causer of Chaos and Mayhem

9,473 posts · joined Jun 2004 · 11 May 2006, 5:41 pm

#487259

there was a thread on this by someone on h4 upgrades. if you buy the ones from most of the vw places like micks and veedub classic sydney. they come ready to screw in and just need adjusting

“We all pay for life with death, so everything in between should be free.” Bill Hicks
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Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 11 May 2006, 7:03 pm

#487311

there are a few options around
if u wanna go the sealed beam route just get all the mounting hardware out of an old 60s/70s holden/ford and fit that to ur vw buckets
some dont have inbuilt parker bulbs though so this is worth checking
i went an easier option and got VW semi sealed units
they are on 76 beetles and 76 onwards kombis
the tabs to mount them are in ur gaurds already they are just bent down flat
run heavier wiring through a relay and get some decent bulbs
i;ve done all this and run 100/80W bulbs and my headlights crap all over most of the brand new shit on the road excepting Hid hondas BWM mercs etc

this is how they look without the headlight rim on
note mine are LHD units and a reversed pattern but oh well, they work fine
the angry eye lids are just for fun and dont affect light performance

u2u or email me if u need any help

Joel

[ Edited on 11-5-2006 by DUB74L ]

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68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 11 May 2006, 7:22 pm

#487324

I have always fitted H4 sealed beams or semi sealed beams in My Air Cooled VWs over the years....
I just use the long adjusting screws and headlight buckets or frames from early fords... there is a bit of modifying but its not hard... but as someone else said, You can fit the later model Beetles semi sealed headlamps to Your Beetle... If You find a good pair, Complete with mounting hardware, they just bolt to those lugs already behind Your headlamps.... these headlamps then used plastic chromed rims with NO adjusting screws... or cut off Your screws...
My headlamps are Hella semi sealed beams with H4 bulbs.
You can buy Narva or Hella PLUS 50 QH Bulbs that deliver 50% MORE light but only use the same Power- wattage..
so You don't need to upgrade Your wiring etc....

cheers

Lee

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- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

toplessbug Fahrvergnugen

879 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 11 May 2006, 7:31 pm

#487334

mick has RHD versions ,i got a pair for the bus ,100--130 h4's in them with a big arse relay and new wiring ,now i can see:beer:beer:beer

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