Re: Dumb Lighting Answers...

[human <human@nh.ultranet.com>]

-- [ From: human * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --

>Huw,
>Can you please expand about the setup you have with quad round, I am
>interested and I know some others too.
>Avid Merino

Apologies to all ye who are bored with this lighting crap... and those who
already know what I've done.

I obtained (with the persistent help of Brian Jowett) a set of late 70's VW
headlight brackets which I then modified (by cutting and bending) to fit the
space where my dual rectangle brackets were.  I was able to use my parts car
for this process which was nice, didn't have to take my driving car apart
til I was ready.  The nice part of the VW brackets is the adjusters are big
knobs on the back not little screws on the front.

Then I welded those brackets in place.  Oooh I'm so skilled!  I made up a
ridiculously complex relay harness running directly from the alternator
output (through 3 30A fuses) and triggered by the stock harness' output. 
Each high beam has its own relay and fuse, and the lows and fogs (yet to be
installed) share one fuse and have their own relays.  The complexity comes
in what I call my "city" switch which allows the bulbs to be run in series
versus parallel, reducing the blinding effects in city/traffic/rain
situations where the extra wattage is just a burden.

I'm still running off the shelf sealed beams in the highs but I've installed
JC Whitneys inexpensive "off-road only" lenses with H4 100/80's in the outer
location.  I am searching for the best lenses I can get, I really like the
euro style cutoff on the 7" Hellas I put in my truck.  

The relays are mounted to a relay bridge from a parts car I had using stock
relay sockets and spare Bosch relays.  So the main cost I incurred was a
bunch of heavy primary wire (mostly 10 GA though I used 14 and 18 in places)
I had to buy.  The relay bridge is mounted to the radiator bracket and the
headlight/hood release portion of the body with two L brackets and stainless
steel bolts.

Covered the  whole mess with the bottom of an antifreeze jug, someday I'll
modify a radio shack kit box I picked up and use that.  I'm also still
searching for a set of 1979 5000 light brackets because then I can cut my
weld and mount them with screws in the original mounting holes.

Whew!  Hope this helps, and any input on 1. best reflector/lenses (actual
part #'s, availability helps) and 2. a set of '79 5k brackets is always
welcome.

BTW how many photons does it take to clog a Fresnel lens?

Obligatory apology and statement of love for all list members (the new
protocol):  I'm sorry, I didn't mean it, and I still love you all.  And so
does Diana, even though she doesn't have an Audi.  She's on the Ford Escort
list.  She made me type this.

Do you think we ought to warn the whole 'net about the lighting virus that
seems to creep into every thread these days?  Aaaaaaaagh.  Who put the
giggle powder on my Cheerios?
--
Huw Powell

HUMAN Speakers

http://www.thebook.com/human-speakers

I'd like to open my head and let out all of my time, But the ocean doesn't
want me today...

Tom Waits