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Upgrading headlights to H4
Paulc1964au - November 6th, 2011 at 06:41 PM

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


barls - November 6th, 2011 at 06:59 PM

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.


Paulc1964au - November 6th, 2011 at 07:03 PM

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


hulbyw - November 9th, 2011 at 05:17 PM

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


Paulc1964au - November 13th, 2011 at 09:56 AM

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?


1303Steve - November 13th, 2011 at 10:20 AM

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


Paulc1964au - November 13th, 2011 at 10:23 AM

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


1303Steve - November 13th, 2011 at 10:26 AM

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


Joel - November 13th, 2011 at 12:35 PM

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.


Smiley - November 13th, 2011 at 01:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Joel
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 :lol:
Don't ask me how I know.


Smiley :)


Bizarre - November 13th, 2011 at 02:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paulc1964au
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??


Paulc1964au - November 13th, 2011 at 02:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bizarre
Quote:
Originally posted by Paulc1964au
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


Uber Kafer - November 16th, 2011 at 09:05 AM

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-scr...


Paulc1964au - November 16th, 2011 at 07:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Uber Kafer
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-scr...


thanks not sure if they are for a 69 beetle


Special Air Service - November 16th, 2011 at 08:27 PM

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


68AutoBug - November 16th, 2011 at 10:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paulc1964au
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