RE: bad luck with hella 500's

[Todd Phenneger <phen9461@uidaho.edu>]

Derek,
	I'm not sure about the differences in glas between the two.  But I
do know that it isn't recomended tyo use high wattage bulbs int he 500.
It is their budget light so it is built cheaper than the others.  To get a
serious duty light you need a Rally 2000/3000/4000.  These produce more
light and are more durable.  for a little more than twice the price.
	However, I have to wonder.  Why did you pay $460 for these
lights???  Thats rediculous.  You could get a set of 4000's for less than
that.  The Rally 500's I've seen are only $85 + or - about $10.  So for
two sets that would be less than $200.  And I sure cant see a light bar
being $260.  Whats up???
	At any rate.  Breaking two in 2-weeks seems a little TO weak.  I
have a friend that has had a pair for 2 years with no problems.  And that
car sees plenty of miles.  So you may have gotten some bad ones, or a
streak of REally Bad luck. :-)
	L8R

	Todd Phenneger
	1983 ur-q / black / getting a MC
	1984 4000 quattro / modified/ turbo conv almost done.
	1987 4000 quattro / Saphire Metallic Blue/ Girlfriend's
	1996 A6q / Volcano / Dads Car
   *****1985 5kt / PARTING OUT!
------------------------------
Greetings all.

The DOT lights on my 4000csq really suck!  

So I go and buy 4 hella 500s (driving beam) and fabricate an attractive,
lightweight bar that mounts to the old licence plate hardware.  The lights
look great, and perform even better, what a great deal at $460 less than
euros, until...

I break 2 lights within a week.  Not while they are on, either.
Both appear to be impact rather than heat.  Strange thing is, my PIAA
1500's have several small pits in them indicating impacts, but they're
just fine.  (and mounted even lower!)

Do hella 500s break this easily, did I get a pair that weren't Q/A'd
properly, or what?  I went to my favorite VW/Audi shop and asked about
some stoneguard like product to repel rocks and such.  I was told this
would trap too much heat inside the lamp and they would break even sooner.
Does this sound reasonable to you?  They also discouraged over wattage
bulbs.

What do you think?  Any similar experiences?  Are the higher end (more $$)
any more robust?

Thanks in advance!

- -Derek L.