headlight suggestion

[Charles.DePenning@frco.com]

     This may have come up previously, but I may have an item of interest
     to those on the list that own an early 80's 5000, 4000, Coupe or Ur-Q
     with four front headlights.  Yesterday I received and installed a set
     of Hella European replacement 4" x 6" headlights (non-sealed beam).  I
     bougt these from New Dimensions (www.newdimensions.com), cost was
     $41.99 each.  The headlights physically are an incredible improvement
     over DOT approved sealed beam units, with metal reflectors (instead of
     coated glass) and lead crystal lenses.  The bulbs are removable as in
     the aero lights- standard H1 and H4 units at 55 watts and 55/65 watts,
     respectively.  These are NOT DOT approved for street use, of course-
     they are too well designed.  Installation is a breeze- remove old
     units, replace new ones.  Hella supplies an wiring adapter to use on
     the low beams due to different pinouts.

     The beam pattern on low is amazing- a sharply defined upper and left
     cutoff and a 'splash' to the right. |---/  Makes an enormous
     difference- now my lowbeams look like the old highbeams.  Driving
     around town I can now tell that my lights are on!  The new highs are
     amazing as well- now I am seeing as far ahead as I need to be at
     highway speed.  This is definately a safety improvement, and one of
     the best mods I have done to my '83 5kT in six years of ownership.

     I do plan on doing the relay thing this weekend to maximize the
     voltage to the lights.

     I should be able to get some pictures soon of the lights and the
     installation if anyone is interested.


     Charley DePenning
     '83 5kT
     '84 GTI For Sale
     '73 C10