Headlight confusion??? Can you guys shed some "light&am

[jrhone]

Sorry for the bad pun...but I have searched the archives and I am a bit confused. I even went to Sylvania and other headlight bulb companies and they dont even list a 2002 headlight, 530s and Bavarias, but no 02's. So here are my questions.

1. What type of headlights are on my 76? They look stock at this point so nothing has been done to my knowledge.

2. What are my options for upgrading? (Halogen, HID, etc) Pros and cons?

3. Who has upgraded to HIDs and where did they get the light kits from?

Thanks!

[BLUNT]

you can do a bunch of things from sealed beams to H4 bulbs. but you cant just throw HID's in an H4 without some sort of hood for a cutoff or youll be blinding oncoming traffic. if moneys no object the euro flat buckets work great with HID's. ive ran them all summer and never been flashed by oncoming traffic. lighting is as good as any modern HID set up. someone is working on a projector set up for the 02's but i just cant see a projector bulb in a vintage car. it may have better optics however so it may be a good choice for you if that doesnt bother you

[FunElan]

I bought some off brand named Autopal at some swap meet. They were "H4s," and they are actually really bright and look really nice. Cost me $40.

[02hobiedave]

2. What are my options for upgrading? (Halogen, HID, etc) Pros and cons?

3. Who has upgraded to HIDs and where did they get the light kits from?

Thanks!

I did mine and I used this kit http://www.eautoworks.com/product-eAutoWorkscom-189849.htm It was easy to install and a complete kit. I bought the H-4 with the 55w bulbs they are tons brighter than my original headlights. very good upgrade.

[Paul7002]

Hella H4

[BarryA]

replacement units in virtually every car or truck I've owned for the last 40 years (I don't drive new stuff, so everything I've ever owned originally came with US spec round or rectangular sealed beams).

"Standard" H4 bulbs are rated at 50 watts low beam /55 watt high - you should be able to use the 50/55 watt bulbs without adding relays if your wiring is in good shape, but it's not a bad idea to add relays regardless - your headlight switch and wiring will thank you, and your lights will almost always be brighter if the lights are powered directly from the battery via a relay. If you're going to any higher powered light unit (higher wattage bulbs, etc) relays are a MUST to avoid melting wiring and / or burning out switches.

[Emyers]

Also, you are looking for 7" round, not trying to be a smart ass, some folks do not know.

Earl

[HBChris]

Standard head lights are any 7" sealed beam head light, doesn't have to be Sylvania. Next step up is the Hella H4 for $45 each including bulb at Mesa Performance which you probably visit. If you don't you should. As noted by others, add the relay for peace of mind.

[BLUNT]

i have both dot and non dot approved hella H4's with bulb for 45 a piece

[Bill_Riblett]

i have both dot and non dot approved hella H4's with bulb for 45 a piece

Is there a noticeable difference between them?

[SteveJ]

Susquehanna (Rallylights.com) has a good write up regarding European lights versus US lights.

One of the main differences was with the vertical cut off of the beam. The US models are supposed to allow a certain percentage of light to be projected up to illuminate un-lit highway signs.

[BLUNT]

i have both dot and non dot approved hella H4's with bulb for 45 a piece

Is there a noticeable difference between them?

steve pretty much nails it