H1 installation help

[robmog]

I have the reviled sugars scoops on my 72.
I have a nice set of H1's.
I'm assuming it is not a simple plug and play exchange.
Can anyone instruct me as to how best make the switch?
Or provide a link to a thread that does?
I've searched to no avail.
Thanks!

[csbush]

I have a euro 70 that I switched from H1s to US sealed beam, then back to H1s. The wiring was just plug and play. Attachment is a little different- just one screw on the bottom for the H1s. Really a simple conversion

[jaudette3]

Mounting the H1's is just plug and play. There are two "howevers" though...

You should consider installing a relay kit to accommodate the higher power bulbs. It's inexpensive and easy - there's information on my website: http://www.audettecollection.com/relay-kits/

Proper adjustment of H1's isn't hard but there is a proper sequence to follow: http://www.audettecollection.com/adjusting-h1s/

Have fun!

Cheers,
John

[Fritz A. Ficke]

When I installed H1's on my car I found out that a PO's shop had cut through the wiring loom to remove the front fenders for paint and body work and just used solderless connectors when going back on and then wrapped it all in electrical tape to hide it.
The extra draw of the H1's blew the fuse every time through that mess but the sealed beams worked ok but were dim. I ended up having to rewire the front of my car to install the H1's.
I wonder how bright my sealed beams would have been through good wires?
Oh I second buying new attachment screws, and I am very happy with the ones I got from Soterik, to much riding on one screw for each light to use OK threads on the older ones or bad steel replacements that could rust etc.

[Hesselr]

Mounting the H1's is just plug and play. There are two "howevers" though...

You should consider installing a relay kit to accommodate the higher power bulbs. It's inexpensive and easy - there's information on my website: http://www.audettecollection.com/relay-kits/

Proper adjustment of H1's isn't hard but there is a proper sequence to follow: http://www.audettecollection.com/adjusting-h1s/

Have fun!

Cheers,
John

Hi John,

What do you consider high power bulbs? I currently have the stock 55w in my H1's which leaves quite a bit to desire with regards to brightness.

Thx,

Hessel

[jaudette3]

Hessel...

The most popular choice is 100w bulbs for high beams and 55w bulbs for low beams. Your 55w bulbs should be bright. If they're not you might check on the condition of the reflectors. They degrade substantially over time, even new ones in the box. They can also get dirty and can be cleaned although disassembly is a little tricky. And you might check on all your connections - make sure they're clean.

Cheers,
John

[robmog]

Thanks all for input.
John, the relay option makes sense but I'd hate to cut my wiring harness.
Would that be necessary?

[jaudette3]

Bob...

No radical changes. You basically just insert powered relays in between your headlight switch and headlights. You can save the original wiring by leaving it in place. Easily reversible.

Cheers,
John

Edit for more detailed information:
The wires that originally enter the fuse box (screw terminal) must be removed and crimped into a butt connector. These two wires often need the exposed end cut off and the insulation stripped back for the new connection. So loss of 10mm is the final result.

[CarmelSkip]

I thought that there were a couple tabs in the headlight bucket that the original US spec sealed beam lights are attached to that have to be removed. I might be wrong.

[37yrold911]

use nylon cord or a big zip tie to hold the expensive H1 in so it won't fall out if it comes loose - as with every other part of the electrical system Porsche did not do a great job of designing the headlight holding system

and please destroy the sugar scoops utterly - if they get put on another car and someone sees them and goes, blind, goes crazy or drives off the road, etc. it will be on you