Aussieveedubbers · Tech Talk

Dull Headlights

https://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/threads/63998/dull-headlights

64vwmark ·

The headlights on my wife's '70 semiauto bug are really dull.

What's the best lights to fit to brighten things up?

pod ·

you can get a halogen globe that replaces the big globe ,do a search and you will find threads about this topic, and yes my daughters a/s beetle is the same candle power

Bizarre ·

Although not blinding bright 12 V beetles "should" be acceptable

Also do a voltage drop test.

Go across the bulb terminals. See if you get 12V. Try and get the test lead on the bulb tag, not the connector.
Then go from the bulb +ve to the body

Bloody good chance you have a bad earth connection where it comes back into the boot area and earths

Joel ·

theres a few things that make vw headlights crap
like Barry said 12volt bugs in good working nick should have good lights if theyre aimed right
usual things that make them crappy are:
low wattage bulbs ie 40/45w go for H4s
old round style bulbs fitted but tin relfectors gone(alot of cheap replacement bowls dont have these as H4 bulbs dont need them
pitted/rusty bowls
bad earth/wiring
or worn headlight switch.
alot of ppl like the PO of my bugs just go out get 100/80w bulbs, chuck em in and feel better about them selves
bad move, they draw to much thro the standard light switch and eventually burn it out. i had 2 do this b4 i worked out the problem
if u go this big fit low and high beam relays
i've just put in artic blue 130/80w bulbs and i have semi sealed lights and my bug on high beam throws out more light than my bosses $140k E class which has HID xenons
:o

HTH
Joel

shaihulud ·

Mark. Firstly check your earth. Are the reflectors US? If so an H4 bulb will be wasted.

Consider fitting Morris Mini Minor headlight buckets, which come complete with sealed beams. I have done that to my Herbie, the SR with H4s, and Chris's convertible Baja. I bought them from Minicraft at 47, Irvine Street, Bayswater, 'phone 9370 2882, for about $40 each.

They fir nicely inside the VW headlight hole. You will need to make a small bracket to fit inside the headlight hole to get them to fit.

You will also need an external parking light as with sealed beams they do not have an internal parking light.

Richard.

[ Edited on 28-7-2007 by shaihulud ]

[ Edited on 28-7-2007 by shaihulud ]

Learner ·

i recon u should got hid convertion with oem parts if you are not a purist. it looks really good and add some angel eyes and you won't pass unnoticed. i'm currently building my own kit includng homemade angel eyes cheap nd easy