Hella 118 DRIVING light install - help!

[mluther]

Anyone know whether Hella 118 DRIVING lights were installed to operate via the high beam switch (i.e. not connected to a separate fog light switch on the dash)?

Did it differ whether the TTG driving lights were factory versus dealer installed? Anything particular to 1973?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Mike

[boxster03]

From what I understand if they were factory "driving" lights they were switched from the high beams and if factory "fog" lights they were switched from a dash switch.

[mluther]

That was my understanding as well. However I've recently come across two data points which suggest otherwise: (1) there was a '73 RS with driving lights (hella 118's with H1's) at the La Jolla, CA show this past weekend and there was a supposed factory installed switch on the dash. Smooth black plastic knob. No rubber surround or colored center insert. (2) a well respected Porsche mechanic here in SoCal told me both driving lights and fog lights had the dash pull switch (although the switch was not always included with the dealer install kits).

Can any of the Driving Light Police shed some light?

[MoparBoy72]

That was my understanding as well. However I've recently come across two data points which suggest otherwise: (1) there was a '73 RS with driving lights (hella 118's with H1's) at the La Jolla, CA show this past weekend and there was a supposed factory installed switch on the dash. Smooth black plastic knob. No rubber surround or colored center insert. (2) a well respected Porsche mechanic here in SoCal told me both driving lights and fog lights had the dash pull switch (although the switch was not always included with the dealer install kits).

Can any of the Driving Light Police shed some light?

What country was the RS orig. delivered to?

[orange911]

If it was a smaller black knob, just right of the steering column, then it would be factory most likely. I don't think it mattered whether it was a "driving" light or "fog" light on the TTG lights, I think they all had switches. They were made by Bosch with a much smaller knob. If you push on the vinyl dash trim, just right of the steering column, you can feel the hole that they go into. The same type of switch is used on the rear wiper also. That is on the left side of the column, but more underneath the gauges. The below the bumper lights were always adjacent to the rear defrost and cig lighter.

The headlight switch comes into play for the power supply to the switch. This is where the country of delivery comes into play as well as if they were fog or driving lights. Some countries allowed driving lights on when parking lights were on, and some countries required low beams only for the fogs (ie US). I do not know all the combinations, but you can figure it out with a wiring diagram.

[Allen Henderson]

Anyone know whether Hella 118 DRIVING lights were installed to operate via the high beam switch (i.e. not connected to a separate fog light switch on the dash)?

Did it differ whether the TTG driving lights were factory versus dealer installed? Anything particular to 1973?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Mike

Auxilary lights were wired in a variety of ways, depending on the year and the country. And even for the same country could and would vary depending on OEM or aftermarket. Further, the factory wiring diagrams are very incomplete for SWB cars and don't even show a relay when, in fact there was one. Further, the relay did not actually switch current (to save the light switch) in the US 1968, for example. For that year the relay shut off the fogs when the high beams came one. Driving lights could be handled differently.
Generally, in the US, I think, fog lights were switched off when high beams were one (one should use high beams in fog as they just reflect light back)

For fog lights and year by year variation your owners manual usually specified how the lights worked.

Starting I think in 1969 in the US, the fog or driving lighty relay actually handled the high current going to the aux light, thereby bypassing high current from the light switch.

Fog lights and driving lights I believe ALWAYS had a switch or switches on the dash to select the fog and/or driving lights.

-Allen-

[mluther]

Not sure of the country of origin. The car is being sold by Gooding & Co. at the upcoming Scottsdale auction http://www.goodingco.com/main.html I've tried to get details on the site but am having technical difficulties.

I took a couple pics of what I thought was the driving light switch on the dash. Note that it is not next to the steering column, but adjacent to what should be the cig lighter and rear defrost (however they appear to be something different all together). The car does not have below the bumper lights.

Interesting that black plastic horn grills were used when I had thought all factory installed driving lights came with chrome grills - even in '73.

Could these be dealer installed lights on this car?

[mluther]

Just got through on the Gooding site and got the description below. My bad. Turns out they are fog lights, not driving lights. Delivered in Germany.


=================
Completed in October 1972, this car is one of the earliest known 2.7 Carrera RS models built. Leaving the factory, finished in the same striking light yellow livery that it wears today, the car was delivered to its first owner within Germany.



Nine years ago, Jim Torres of Burbank Coachworks in California, a renowned Porsche specialist, performed a meticulous, nut-and-bolt restoration on the car. Beginning with a very healthy RS, all of the restoration work was done to concours and factory-original standards, ensuring that the resulting car would be of the highest quality. Since that time, it has been in the care of four well-known RS collectors and most recently has found a place in a premier Porsche collection where it has benefitted from regular exercise and thorough maintenance with full service records in detail. Since its restoration, this RS has covered a mere 4,500 miles and remains in show condition throughout –even the painted undercarriage hardly shows signs of use.



This exciting RS is beautifully presented with the correct 7- and 8-inch Fuchs wheels shod in fresh Pirelli tires, optional Hella fog lights, Bosch headlamps and a rare stainless steel muffler skirt. Being an M 472 Touring model, it is equipped with a more civilized interior that includes a Becker Europa radio, sport seats and the rare, optional sunroof. All of these items are still in concours condition. That it still retains its date-coded spare and fuel tank, as well as the Sekurit glass fitted by the factory, is a strong testament to the authenticity of the car.



Over the past 35 years many of these cars were subject to modifications, neglect and abuse, however this remarkable example has never suffered such misfortunes. Most importantly, it retains its original 2.7-liter engine and 915 gearbox, further proof of the care this car has received since new. Both items were completely and thoroughly rebuilt to the highest standards by Andial & Scotts Performance in Southern California. This beautiful Porsche is factory correct in nearly every respect and is offered with its original books and tools. On a recent test drive it proved to be extremely well sorted, driving as an RS should – lively, involving and utterly thrilling. It pulls with vigor through every gear, shifts seamlessly and handles with precision and finesse. The RS is one of a handful of cars that feels eager and ready to be used on any occasion, seeming increasingly capable the harder it is driven. The car lives up to the legendary qualities of Porsche’s RS and deserves special consideration in keeping with these gems that have rightfully earned their place among the ranks of the all-time great sports cars.

[mluther]

Does anyone have a pic of the smaller black knobbed driving light switch located next to the steering column? Suggestions on where I might be able to locate the correct switch and knob for 1973 Hella 118 driving lights?

I appreciate everyone's input. The more experienced and knowledgable members on this board really make it easier for newbies such as myself to get started... and most importantly avoid doing any damage to these great cars. Thanks again.

[Zithlord]

The yellow RS has correct Hella 118 driving lights in the pictures, not fog lights.

If you search this forum you will find pictures of the small black switch next to the steering that you are looking for. You might find the pictures in the cibie hood lights treads. I have a female friend that has a 911 1970 Sporto with factory Cibie hoodlights that had the same switch factory installed in the same spot. I think this car was delivered in France.

John