Gathering a New Restoration Batch
I know we're all consumed with the holidays right now. On top of all that I'm getting ready to move (staying in the same area of Bend). But I have some demand for H1 restorations and I'm gathering cores to send a batch of reflectors to the platers. It used to be a couple of batches a year but things are getting busier and it looks like I will have 3-4 batches moving forward. The lead time with the platers is always the main variable in the time it takes to complete these and I'm confident that starting now they will be done in time for Spring driving.
Pricing, ah pricing... I try to maintain the same pricing but my costs are rising. I've kept the price of restoring a set of cores at $1,200 for over two years but I'm going to have to bump it to $1,300 pretty soon. The price without cores has been $1,600 and that's going to go to $1,700. I'm staying with the old prices for this batch so you can save 100 bucks by moving forward now.
I will have one or two no core required fully restored sets available for the $1,600.
PM if interested. And Happy Holidays to all.
John
Gathering New H1 Restoration Batch
The last batch of reflectors has been completed by the platers and I'm in the final stages of assembly of five sets. Time to start gathering another batch of H1 cores for shipping to the platers. As I mentioned previously, my costs have increased and new pricing is:
- Fully restored set with cores exchange: $1,300
- Fully restored set with no cores: $1,700
Restoration details here: http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...l=1#post734792
Terms are 50% deposit with balance paid when lamps are complete, running right now 2-3 months. PM me if interested.
Cheers,
John
2 Attachment(s)
Why Use a Relay Kit for H1's and Other High Power Lights?
When someone buys or has me restore a pair of H1's I always recommend the installation of a relay kit and I'm frequently asked why. There are two reasons to use a relay kit for H1 or H4 headlamps (and other lights with high draws, such as hood mounted Cibies):
(1) Assure brightest possible lights
(2) Avoid the possibility of overheating the headlight switch
The factory wiring for headlights is of course through the headlight switch (surprise!). The switch is adequate for handling the current delivered to standard headlights. However, high wattage bulbs used by H1’s and H4’s create a higher draw which creates high resistance and heat in the switch. Additionally, the combination of the long distance between the switch and the headlights and the relatively small wire used by the factory also creates high resistance. This results in a negative impact on voltage delivered and creates heat, which in the extreme can cause the headlight switch to burn out.
Voltage drop can have a big impact on the brightness of the headlights also as the effect on decrease in bulb brightness is exponential – a 15% drop in voltage results in a 46% drop in lumens:
- Early Porsche voltage: 12.8v
- Assume bulb of brightness: 100 lumens
- Assume voltage drop of: 15%
- Delivered voltage: 10.9
- Drop in lumens (factor is 3.1x): 46%
15% voltage drop decreases bulb brightness from 100 lumens to 54 lumens
Attachment 319978
Relays help to reduce resistance in two ways: (1) They can be mounted closer to the headlamp so a shorter run of wiring can be used (and while you’re at it you can use a heavier wire), and (2) They become the new – heavier duty - switch eliminating running current through the headlight switch which is then used to switch the relays on and off..
Typical Wiring Diagram
With relays you can run the power lead directly from the battery to the headlights, avoiding the headlight switch. The switch is also wired to the relay and switches it on and off. With the battery in the front you can drastically reduce the length of wiring needed by locating the relays close to the headlights.
Attachment 319977
Source: HarryD, Portland - Pelican Parts Forum, 2009
You can make up a relay kit yourself with inexpensive components, or buy one from one of many providers. The kit I use and recommend is offered by J West. It's well made, has easy to follow instructions and at $32.00 is inexpensively priced.
H1's are real flame throwers when set up properly - set 'em up right and keep 'em bright.
Cheers,
John