Upgrading headlights to H4

Is it very difficult to upgrading the headlights to H4 or it merely changing over the globes?

im assuming you have stock atm.
if so its just a matter of buying the h4 replacement units. they screw in to the tabs in the guards.
you do need to make sure you get the right base ones. as some have the standard vw base which isnt used very offen. i think its p43 is the one your after. its the standard h4 base.

thanks barls so do you unscrew the headlights from the front of the guard and replace them or from under the guards?

Unscrew from the front. After installing the new H4 assemblies, they are adjusted with the headlight rim off. However you don't need to replace the rims with new ones without the adjusting screws. All I did was remove the adjusting screws from the rims, then replaced them with stainless steel countersunk bolts with washers and nuts on the inside. Still looks good and far cheaper than new rims.
Cheers.....Wayne

Ok well i tried to replace the headlights but was unsuccessful. The new H4 bulbs seem a little smaller than the original bulps that fit into the rim there is a few mm gap in the diameter and dont sit in like the originals. Are there different H4 bulbs between the early model beetles and the 69?

Hi

Most VWs have a round base bulb and need a special halogen bulb with correct base.

Most cars these days use a common style H4 bulb

Steve

Yes so its the top type i need not the one with the tabs?

Hi

If you have standard VW reflectors that's the one you need. I think they maybe hard to get, try Vintage or Volksbahn.

I've seen adaptors to to convert round base reflectors to later H4 type bulbs

Steve

Autobahn have H4 Narva p45t VW bulbs on the shelf in 100/90w and 60/55w for about $18 each.

Well atleast when I was in there last week they did

Only get the 100/90w if you're running them through a relay though, they will fry the stock headlight switch if not.

Joel wrote:Only get the 100/90w if you're running them through a relay though, they will fry the stock headlight switch if not.

I can vouch for this 😂
Don't ask me how I know.


Smiley 🙂

Paulc1964au wrote:Yes so its the top type i need not the one with the tabs?

Paul I have a spare set of bulbs if you are interested

Going to Boris' Picnic Day??

Bizarre wrote:

Paulc1964au wrote:Yes so its the top type i need not the one with the tabs?

Paul I have a spare set of bulbs if you are interested

Going to Boris' Picnic Day??

Yes i am thanks for the offer will take you up on it

Just Kampers do a complete conversion / upgrade for the headlights, with Hella housings. Its a dead simple changeover, and gives a great result. The problem with all the original headlights is they are about 40 years old now, and the mirror reflector coating is getting dull and less reflective. The new ones are a huge safety upgrade.

Check it out: http://www.justkampersaustralia.com/shop/hella-h4-headlamp-best-quality-1-screw-rim-j12749.html

Uber Kafer wrote:Just Kampers do a complete conversion / upgrade for the headlights, with Hella housings. Its a dead simple changeover, and gives a great result. The problem with all the original headlights is they are about 40 years old now, and the mirror reflector coating is getting dull and less reflective. The new ones are a huge safety upgrade.

Check it out: http://www.justkampersaustralia.com/shop/hella-h4-headlamp-best-quality-1-screw-rim-j12749.html

thanks not sure if they are for a 69 beetle

If your gaurds have the three small metal tabs inside the headlight bucket, then they will fit.

Paulc1964au wrote:Yes so its the top type i need not the one with the tabs?

Yes

the expensive ones... lol

I have always fitted H4 Hella semi sealed beams to all my 12v VWs over the years... with 12v 55/60 watt H4 bulbs..
the cheaper bulbs... lol


the 100/90w are illegal on road cars...

I actually don't like the 12v Genuine lenses on beetles..
the Hella H4s look much better IMHO..

Lee