Hi, i have a blown parking light globe that needs replacing.
which screws are for removing the light and which are adjusting the beam?
While im at it, any recommendations which globes / wattage i should install for better night driving.
lauzboy ·
the screw at 6 o'clock is the one to loosen the chrome ring. the one at side is horizontal aim, and the one at the top is vertical aim
ratty 63 ·
Hi Takis,
Info in screw position is already covered above, but I'd like to comment on bulb wattage...
The '69 Bugs use a single, specially designed switch over relay to control the high and low (and flash) beam functions. This relay is only rated at 55 watts max (from memory - please check this before replacing your bulbs). If you install larger globes without increasing the current capability of your headlight circuit, you can guarantee that you will be looking for a replacement relay in a short period of time - they will work for a while, but the get very hot, which damages them.
It is possible to increase the current capability of your headlight circuit using relays, but unless you have some experience in auto electrics, you might be better off trusting that job to an auto elec.
However, before you go down that road there are a couple of things you can try:
1: Check that all your connections are clean and tight - everywhere in the headlight circuit - from the fuse box to the back of the globe.
2: Check your earth connections are clean and tight.
3: Make sure that your headlights are clean - inside and out - after all this time the headlights can get a film of dust on the reflector and on the inside of the glass - cleaning this off makes a huge difference. If you have rust on your reflectors it is time to change them.
4: Ensure that you are using Halogen bulbs - a Halogen bulb will put out more light than the standard conventional bulbs that were fitted to headlights when the cars were made... and despite what others will tell you, a 55W Halogen bulb draws the same amount of current as a conventional 55W bulb, so this upgrade will not damage any other part of your electrical system.
5: Ensure that your generator is putting out the correct voltage - you could have the best of everything listed above, but if the generator is tired and is low on volts, your headlights will always be dim.
Bigger bulbs are nice, but you can still get an excellent result from the standard size bulbs with a little care and attention to the rest of the system.
R 🙂
takis ·
thanks for that, i will go out on Saturday and purchase new bulbs and give the headlights a good clean and check all the wiring and other bits😎
Matt Ryan ·
takis,
Don't try & use polish on the reflectors, it will wreck them. The reflectors are not chromed, they have a coating of silver. Just give them a shine with a clean, soft cloth & don't leave any fingerprints on them.
Regards,
Matt.
takis ·
Thanks for the heads up about the reflectors Matt..
i will just buff it with a soft rag like you suggested,