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911 headlamps

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2004 5:15 pm
by MdR
My '66 US import has the smooth clear outer glass covers & behind them a vertical 7" style H4 headlamp. I have decided I prefer the (euro/later?) look of the '911' headlamps with the lens as the outer most piece of glass.
Is there any reason why I can't/shouldn't change these over?
I understand there are H1 & H4 lamps - any differences that'll affect me?
I've just looked at the pelican parts techy wotnot, but it doesn't differentiate between the lamp in the pics & the ones I have, so I still none the wiser. Also got any for sale?

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2004 5:44 pm
by Nick Moss
The later H4 headlamps should be a straight swap, and cost about £75 each

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2004 8:29 pm
by Lightweight_911
H1's have 2 separate bulbs & reflectors (one each for dip & main beam) which can be independently adjusted whereas H4's have single reflectors & bulbs.

H1's are no longer available new (although I have had a few NOS in recent months) & are more difficult to find in RHD form (although Transend sometimes have RHD H1 lenses at around £45 each !!).

Biggest difference between H1's & H4's is in the price - used H1's go for around $500/£300 pair in good condition whereas, as Nick said above, brand new H4's are typically around £70-£75 ea.

Compare the prices at Berlyn Services, Roger Bray, Eurocar Parts & German & Swedish (& French) - it varies as to which is cheapest.

Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2004 1:35 am
by 912uk
When I put my 912 on the road this year I got a pair of H4's like Nick said they go straight in PLUG AND PLAY!! :-)

Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2004 2:17 pm
by MdR
Thanks everyone. Gonna buy me some lamps...

Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2004 5:45 pm
by Alan @ CanfordClassics
H4s have the capability of having the sidelights in the headlamp. For US imported cars this is the easiest option unless you want to find some Euro front indicator housings which have the side lights next to the horn grill. Most people fit UK silver framed lenses but use the sidelight in the headlamp. Easy bit of wiring is required.

Alan.UK

Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2004 5:54 pm
by Alan @ CanfordClassics
Heres a pic of the back of a H1...

Image

Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2004 5:55 pm
by Alan @ CanfordClassics
Whoops thats the front.... lets try that again !!

Image

Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2004 8:30 pm
by 912uk
I don't remeber that sqaure hole for the side light in mine i think I had a small bulb and it's socket . mine where H4's like Alan said they are dead easy to fit I remeber now about the side lights in the head lamps I did look into doing it in the Indicator lens but it was going to be a work up so in the main head light it went. The H4 seam nice and bright.

Whats the difference with the H1's? are they just an older design.

As the for the extra wires in the main lamp I used two new bits of wire in some heat shrink tubings drilled an extra hole in the lamp bowl and used a rubber gromit and wired it all in easy. might even have a pic of it on a disc somewhere.

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 8:22 am
by Hoffman912
i like the look of the 66-67 headlamps you first refered to, and not being able to afford a set of H4 lamps, i bought a set of lamps off of a 66, that need a little refubishing work done. then i am going to put h4 bulbs in them for better lighting.

and since i have these earlier lamps.. i can fit on a set of wire mesh speedster headlight grills!! :D

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 9:48 am
by Alan @ CanfordClassics
Saw a pair of those on ebay somewhere this morning !!

Alan.UK

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 9:56 am
by Nick Moss
talking about headlights, does anyone know where to get hold of LHD yellow 911 H4 lenses?

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 1:06 pm
by 912uk
sounds rough I know but years ago when we all went on the family holiday to France it was my job to paint the head lamps of the Austin Princess :oops: I'm going to puke now... paint them Yellow. I was thinking of using a set i got here LHD ones and painting the yellow lamp paint on the inside of the glass cos it's easy to get to the back of the glass.

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 2:13 pm
by Lightweight_911
I've posted this on Pelican before but I've painted the outside of the glass on the headlamps with yellow glass paint (available from hobby shops for >£2).

Cheap alternative to buying yellow lenses (I've got contact details somewhere that I'll dig out for you Nick) & less hassle when you want to revert to clear lenses (simply clean off with white spirit).

Image

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 2:17 pm
by Nick Moss
I have been asked by someone in the US for some yellow glasses for his 73S. I looked in the PET and the 73MY cars had yellow bulbs, not glasses. The yellow glass was only available up to 72MY