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Headlights - fluted or clear glass?
btc-er - April 14th, 2011 at 03:08 PM

I currently have a set of Rossi headlights on my 61 Beetle (converted to 12v). I don't like them that much and I want to change them for the more standard looking headlights. I'm trying to decide if I should go with the US style clear glass ones or the original fluted glass ones.

Opinions any one? The US style ones are cheaper, but the fluted glass looks better. With the Rossis I already have the 7" bulbs. Would it be a hassle changing back to the older style blub?

vw54 - April 14th, 2011 at 05:29 PM

you will have to get a complete set of headlights as the rims are different

grumble - April 14th, 2011 at 08:35 PM

also remembering that you need the lights to dip to the left which is the reason for the fluting in the asymetric lenses

helbus - April 14th, 2011 at 10:32 PM

My opinion. If it was my car I would have good quality German fluted glass lights. 12V with 60W high, 55W low H4 globes. Adjusted correctly in height, and being left dip for Australia.

All you need to do is look at how many poorly adjusted, and annoying lights come towards you at night on the road, and do everything you can to not be one of them.

btc-er - April 15th, 2011 at 10:10 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone. I much prefer the fluted style assemblies, but they're hard to get hold of second hand and are really expensive to buy new. I'm really just trying to convince myself that they're worth the price/hassle.

vw54 - April 15th, 2011 at 10:18 AM

bite the bullet

vwo60 - April 15th, 2011 at 03:02 PM

You can use the fluted early 911 headlight lens in your early headlights, if you use the american headlight assemblies you simply use a 7" sealed beam purchased in Australia and that will take care of the dipping to the left.

phatratpat - April 15th, 2011 at 03:53 PM

go the fluted ! I wondered when you would ditch the rossies:yes:

btc-er - April 15th, 2011 at 05:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by phatratpat
go the fluted ! I wondered when you would ditch the rossies:yes:


The Rossis were a low priority Pat. But I've made some good progress on the higher priority stuff so I'm starting to work down my list of things to do. I'm going to try to tackle the door cards this weekend - last time I tried that I gave up in frustration.

So, does anyone have a set of fluted style headlights they'd like to sell me (for a reasonable price)? :lol:

68AutoBug - April 16th, 2011 at 01:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by grumble
also remembering that you need the lights to dip to the left which is the reason for the fluting in the asymetrical lenses



The early headlamps [usually BOSCH] had straight fluted lenses
whether they dipped to the Left which they need to do...??
or The later Hella [common] & BOSCH lights which both had lenses which actually have the cutoff in the lens and is very easy to see...

LEE

Pumba - April 16th, 2011 at 10:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by btc-er
Quote:
Originally posted by phatratpat
go the fluted ! I wondered when you would ditch the rossies:yes:


The Rossis were a low priority Pat. But I've made some good progress on the higher priority stuff so I'm starting to work down my list of things to do. I'm going to try to tackle the door cards this weekend - last time I tried that I gave up in frustration.

So, does anyone have a set of fluted style headlights they'd like to sell me (for a reasonable price)? :lol:



I have a set in top condition,i would be willing to swap for a complete US clear set with blinkers inside,sorry i wont sell them just swap???
cheers shane.

Joel - April 16th, 2011 at 10:58 AM

vwo60, have you got RHD E-code sealed beams inside those buckets?

Just curious how the pattern is effected by running LHD pattern outer lenses over the top of RHD pattern sealed beams?