Another H1 headlight replacement question...

[hgarazo]

I found these while looking for headlights to replace my '68 sugarscoops. They seem to have the "euro" smooth upper edge vs. the "ledge" seen on H4's and US H1's.

http://www.tweeks.com/shop?frame=3.102.2827

What are these? decent? junk? won't work? just go with replaceable H4's? only use original H1's ?

Someone had posted about getting new H4's and replacing the lens with Euro 356 "flat" upper edge for the euro look. I'm not sure which appearance I like the best.

Despite the numerous posts, I find the various headlights somewhat confusing. I still have to look hard to distinguish them.

Thanks,

[bob tilton]

I have seen those mounted to early 911s but they require the bottom tab to be modified or broken off. Otherwise they would go into the body. Also, those headlight rings are more rounded at the edges which becomes obvious when compared side to side.
The lenses (clear with no "shelf") are US 65-67. They will have the Hella logo with the numbers 19 20 21 on them. Reproduction lenses are available without the numbers. It is my understanding that the 356 pay good money for the lenses.
I have the correct housings on my car with the Hella 19 20 21 lenses, H4 100W bulbs with upgraded relay. I prefer the non "shelf" lenses for the SWB.
Check out this thread for great info:
http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...light=amplilux

[hgarazo]

Bob,

What a helpful link!

I know this may come as a surprise, but after reading all that, I'm leaning towards your set up .

I'm starting with my '68 "sad-eye" sugarscoops. Is the housing even usable? What's the best way to proceed? Buy new H4's and get the non-numbered clear VW glass? I would also like the "city lights" bulb mod.

I also liked these lights on your thread that were on the 911R at Hershey.
What are these. Marchal Ampilux?

Thanks,

[e72phil]

Those bottom lights are called Cibie Biodes. The Marchal equivalent was the one you mentioned.

Around this era (mid 70's) Cibie made a lot of OEM lights for many cars (mainly french) in this style with the inbuilt separate refelctor notably peugeot 504 ti, Renault 16 TS.

[bob tilton]

Henry - you could buy a set of the commonly available H4s for the housings/rings THEN buy the H4 sealed beam style lamps with interchangeable bulbs THEN buy the clear lenses. You can't have fluted glass on top of fluted glass.
I had a set of the Marchal Amplilux but sold those a few months ago. They were nice but I actually like my current set-up better. The Marchals sell for good money because you are competing against the Ferrari guys.

[68911+1]

Here is another option that I am not sure was discussed in the other recent H1, H4 headlight threads. These photos are of the stock US Hella headlight buckets with the bugeye clear 19, 20 21 lenses. Inserted into the frames and lenses are a Cibe H4 lens and bulb. These are not sealed beam units but a fluted lens and reflector with the independent H4 bulb. These units or ones like them can be found labeled for motorcycle use today or imported in an auto version. This setup provides the early clear lens look with an independent H4 lens and bulb (not the sealed beam variety).

Here is a site with information regarding Bosch motorcycle H4’s mounted in an early VW bus with considerable information comparing the Bosch units available for DOT motorcycle and a euro import auto version.

http://www.ratwell.com/technical/BoschH4.html

[denson]

There are two pairs of Hella H-1 lights on ebay now. Go to the main search and they should come up.

I think it best to go with the correct H-1 lights. That is what I did. Also, and if you do that, you may want to put the 3M protective tape on the lenses. If a lens cracks they are a pain in the a__ to change.

Good luck.