Lighting upgrades

[vairchet]

Have quite a few of these. I'm considering using them. At least they're not Chinese made.

Aftermarket Halogen Headlamp Accessories

[66vairguy]

Autopia is an Indian company. They make lenses for RHD and LHD. The only concern is making sure the H4 "cutoff" is to left of center (U.S.A) roads. In India, Japan, U.K. they drive on the OTHER side of the road and the "cutoff" is to the right of center that would blind U.S.A. drivers with glare. If the lens has DOT on it, then probably O.K.

I didn't care for the Autopia H4 bulbs (or most of the cheap China H4 bulbs) that go in the H4 housing. I've had good luck with the Phillip higher output, BUT LEGAL, H4 bulbs. They push the amperage limit of the Corvair switch and wiring and I would install relays.

Here is picture of lens --- note the triangle area in the lens to the right side (facing the lens). Those are for U.S.A.

[SpyderMan]

Ok I got he Retro Bright LED lights from Holley. These were sold by Holley as seconds for half off through eBay. They do not seem to be seconds as much as returns or open boxes. Both had clearly been poorly reboxed but were in good shape with no issues I could find.

I only bought the outer high low bulbs because I never use the high beams and I was out of money.

They fit with no modifications but the plugs need to be pulled into the space between the lights. I am not sure there would be enough room to do the high beams the same way.

they were supper easy to aim and I think I have them set to low, I was worried about having them to high so I went very conservative. I wish I had checked to see what draw was on the old Halogens but the these are supposed to be 25w (Low) / 30w (High)

I have driven at night with them maybe five times now and they are a game changer as far as light output. They have two color temperatures, I got the 3000K which are the warmer option closer to a stock color. The light does not not feel unnatural just brighter. If you are looking for a brighter light these really are a good upgrade, I am very happy so far.

The last thing is the look, they have a flat lens design that next to a stock seal beam light is noticeable. It is not a deal breaker as I don't think most people would notice but car guys will. It would be better if the big beams were the same design.

[66vairguy]

Spyderman --- Thanks very much for the information on the Holley units. I've heard they have a good light pattern and are brighter. The LM buckets have more room for headlights.

I have been experimenting with the curved lens H4 halogen housings with LED bulbs. Years ago they were TERRIBLE, horrid light pattern. They are getting better, but still not quite as good a pattern as the H4 halogen bulb. In Europe most countries have not approved a LED H4 bulb, but it is getting close. Unfortunately ---- most of the better bulbs are made in China. So hard to say how it will go.

Like you I prefer the "warmer" 3,000K light and other oncoming drivers will also. Studies have shown the cooler (bluer) light at the same intensity as "warmer" light blinds drivers more easily. A LOT of complaints to the DOT and NHTSA during HID usage, although now HID is basically obsolete as LEDs have taken over and most manufacturers have voluntarily moved the LED light color to less blue, but cooler than Halogen. Meanwhile the DOT has not officially addressed the color of light issue and with all the cutbacks I don't expect they will get around to any regulations for some time.