Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
- dcatts
- Posts: 188
- Joined: Wed Aug 16, 2000 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
It's silver and it looks great. (See attached)
Now here is my question. I have shaved turnsignals...so now I need to put the turnsignals somewhere. I really would like to have the turnsignal in the with the headlight like on the older style bugs (and newer mercedes) but I have newer upright sealed beam headlights. Is it possible to modify sealed beams by drilling a hole and wiring up a socket for the turn signal or is that a stupid idea? I really like the look of have a turnsignal intergrated into the headlight. Anyone tried this before...or does someone know where I can get premade ones for cheap?
[This message has been edited by dcatts (edited 05-31-2001).]
Now here is my question. I have shaved turnsignals...so now I need to put the turnsignals somewhere. I really would like to have the turnsignal in the with the headlight like on the older style bugs (and newer mercedes) but I have newer upright sealed beam headlights. Is it possible to modify sealed beams by drilling a hole and wiring up a socket for the turn signal or is that a stupid idea? I really like the look of have a turnsignal intergrated into the headlight. Anyone tried this before...or does someone know where I can get premade ones for cheap?
[This message has been edited by dcatts (edited 05-31-2001).]
-
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- Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2001 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
I've never seen that done before, on a later bug, but if you can pull it off, it'll be sweet. So are you talking about drilling into the headlight ring somewhere or into the actual lamp? I dunno about drilling into the lamp. But I have seen some super bright LEDs at the local parts house, for running lights and such. If you somehow mounted those up, they'd be really tiny (1/2 inch diameter)and kinda stealth, but they would be bright enough to use as turnsignals.
Other than that there is the standard option of running the turnsignal bumpers like I do, or getting some other type of turnsignal to mount on your fender below the headlights, like where early bugs have the horn grilles...
Other than that there is the standard option of running the turnsignal bumpers like I do, or getting some other type of turnsignal to mount on your fender below the headlights, like where early bugs have the horn grilles...
- dcatts
- Posts: 188
- Joined: Wed Aug 16, 2000 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
Is there a place you can point me to for those bright LEDs? I think I have come up with a battle plan...if I use semi sealed beams from a golf I could get away with drilling into the housing and mounting the signal there...might be perfect for those small bright LEDs.
-dan
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Philippe:
I've never seen that done before, on a later bug, but if you can pull it off, it'll be sweet. So are you talking about drilling into the headlight ring somewhere or into the actual lamp? I dunno about drilling into the lamp. But I have seen some super bright LEDs at the local parts house, for running lights and such. If you somehow mounted those up, they'd be really tiny (1/2 inch diameter)and kinda stealth, but they would be bright enough to use as turnsignals. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
-dan
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Philippe:
I've never seen that done before, on a later bug, but if you can pull it off, it'll be sweet. So are you talking about drilling into the headlight ring somewhere or into the actual lamp? I dunno about drilling into the lamp. But I have seen some super bright LEDs at the local parts house, for running lights and such. If you somehow mounted those up, they'd be really tiny (1/2 inch diameter)and kinda stealth, but they would be bright enough to use as turnsignals. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
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- Joined: Sat Jan 27, 2001 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
This must be your lucky day ..(i think) I remember this question coming up a long time ago. [email protected] sent me some info on these lights which may suit. They were about US$130 from memory. The lights have indicators, the headlight and a foglight.
- 72SuicideRag
- Posts: 2087
- Joined: Sat Dec 09, 2000 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
Hey Dan,
I saw some cool headlights that Rocky Mountain Motorworks started selling. They are a replacement for the stock headlight but the are an H-4 conversion (meaning that they use a replaceable halogen bulb like the new cars)...AND they have a little driving light inside the regular headlight. Now, I haven't seen these in person, but I would bet that you could just wire that "driving light" to your turn signal wire.
But wait, there's more! LOL They also have a "citylight" in them also for that dim headlight euro look. They sound pretty sweet, check em out. They run $30 each. Maybe they'll work for ya. www.motorworks.com (just type "H4" in the search keyword space).
Ok next question. The LED's. I've seen quite a few suppliers in mags like StreetRodder. I'm going to be putting them on my '72 after painting also. LE Lambert Enterprises sells LED stuff (865)494-9850. Not sure exactly what all they have. I suggest picking up a StreetRodder mag next time you're at the store and thumb through the ads, there's a million of em! I find lot's of good ideas there. Hope that helps.
~~~Steve
[This message has been edited by 72SuicideRag (edited 05-26-2001).]
I saw some cool headlights that Rocky Mountain Motorworks started selling. They are a replacement for the stock headlight but the are an H-4 conversion (meaning that they use a replaceable halogen bulb like the new cars)...AND they have a little driving light inside the regular headlight. Now, I haven't seen these in person, but I would bet that you could just wire that "driving light" to your turn signal wire.
But wait, there's more! LOL They also have a "citylight" in them also for that dim headlight euro look. They sound pretty sweet, check em out. They run $30 each. Maybe they'll work for ya. www.motorworks.com (just type "H4" in the search keyword space).
Ok next question. The LED's. I've seen quite a few suppliers in mags like StreetRodder. I'm going to be putting them on my '72 after painting also. LE Lambert Enterprises sells LED stuff (865)494-9850. Not sure exactly what all they have. I suggest picking up a StreetRodder mag next time you're at the store and thumb through the ads, there's a million of em! I find lot's of good ideas there. Hope that helps.
~~~Steve
[This message has been edited by 72SuicideRag (edited 05-26-2001).]
- dcatts
- Posts: 188
- Joined: Wed Aug 16, 2000 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
thanks for the tips guys. My only caution about the lights memoimports has is that thay are pretty expensive....but they might work. I think I'll check out the motorworks tip first. BTW: Memoimports does have some cool stuff...he has the smoked tailight lenses for $35 a pair which is the cheapest I've seen them. I'm definitely going to pick those up.
-
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- Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2001 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
I can't remember what brand those LED's were, but I saw them at our local parts house in Modesto, called "The Parts House". Your best bet would be to do like Steve said and check out streetrod magazines.
Those motorworks headlights sound pretty cool, do you think you'd be able to see the turn signals blinking when the headlight is actually on?
Those motorworks headlights sound pretty cool, do you think you'd be able to see the turn signals blinking when the headlight is actually on?
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
I don't know if this will help, but you could use standard H4 lights. I have them insalled in my '86 GTI. They have a provision for the before mentioned city lights. You could certainly use an amber bulb in the city light hole and wire it to the turn signal circuit. The only thing that might be an issue is the fact that the hole is oriented, if looking at the lights from the front of the car, at about the 4 or 5 o'clock position. It's the same on both sides.
I've also seen a city light conversion for H4 lights that don't already have the hole. These are a little bracket that fits in the hole that the main bulb goes into. In fact, the main bulb secures them in place once installed. These WOULD put the city light/turn signal in the same position in both lights. I've seen these little bracket kits for sale in the Neuspeed catalog (www.Neuspeed.com), but I don't remember what they cost.
johnL (aka H2OSB)
I've also seen a city light conversion for H4 lights that don't already have the hole. These are a little bracket that fits in the hole that the main bulb goes into. In fact, the main bulb secures them in place once installed. These WOULD put the city light/turn signal in the same position in both lights. I've seen these little bracket kits for sale in the Neuspeed catalog (www.Neuspeed.com), but I don't remember what they cost.
johnL (aka H2OSB)
- 72SuicideRag
- Posts: 2087
- Joined: Sat Dec 09, 2000 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
Rocky Mountain Motorworks has those citylight conversion kits too (that fit around the H4 bulbs) like John was talking about. They run $30 bucks a pair.
~~~Steve
~~~Steve
- Superman
- Posts: 1181
- Joined: Tue May 09, 2000 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
http://www.motorworks.com/images/p40495B.JPG
Okay, I've done much research on the headlights for A/C VWs...
The pic above is the RMMW light and is $30/each, Part# VA30002. That is a very good price but please note this is without the bulbs. The "city light" is a very small low watt (like the speedo/dash lights) bulb and it cheap. Those H4 headlights and the H1 driving lights are expensive, you'll have over $200 in these unit complete with bulbs. I have seen these (and many other) type headlamps while in Europe and they do look good.
Here are the headlamps I decided to go with and they are available from GCC and other UK suppliers. Mine are a used set from a 1972 1302 that I gave $200 for, only because they were original VW of Germany. The aftermarket copies aren't near that price!
(Geocities will no longer let me link to pics, another reason why we're moving!)...
Click this link below and the second heading is the headlamps. These headlamps are very unique in their build and are NOS VW/Bosch and not Hella. They were used on the European 1302/3 '71 to '79. This link has all the factory European spec items for a late model 1303. It's worth a look just for interest. Also, note my European spec taillamps that resemble those mentioned above. The ones that are smoked and cheap are actually copies of the Hella/VW of Mexico parts and are as cheap in quality as their price. Mine are original VW/Hella of Germany NOS 1975 European ones. Mine cost over $350 for the set...only because they are NOS '75 VW. If you can live with the Mexi copies; they looked like they'd be okay for a few years but I've never used them. http://www.geocities.com/superbeetlesonly/eurospec.html
Back to the headlamps...
First off, the late VW aircooled cars use a standard 7" round headlamp. This is the auto industry standard for most cars...meaning that any car, any model, even motorcycles, that use a 7" round headlamp will fit the ACVW headlamp assembly. This means that you can just about pick any light that you like from any car/truck/bike/whatever, as long as it's a 7" round unit.
Now, to answer you original post's question:
Yes, you can drill a hole in a H4 type headlamp. A sealed beam USA DOT spec light will "explode" because the reflector/back is glass. There are two types of H4 reflectors, plastic and metal, either is fine. If none of the above ideas suit you then here is what I suggest. Get a set of Hella H4 headlamps and find a used early model (1980's) Audi 4000 (named 80/90 in Europe). The front fender side marker lights, which are simular to the euro spec side fender turnsignal lights, have a "plug in" type bulb that fits into the back of the lens housing. You can take this plug, drill a hole in the headlamp and install the (plug in) bulb holder. Then get a yellow bulb and there is your headlamp with a turn signal in it. I did this to my Callook (actually VW calls it the "Europa") bumpers like the ones pictured above. These bumpers come with a turn signal assembly but it has no running/marker light because the Euro spec cars have the "city lights". European cars have the city light in front for dust/dawn and they have rear marker/tail lights. They have no front marker lights nor side markers. They also have no side refectors at all. If anyone is interested in why there are so many differences between the American DOT specs and European/TUV specs I'll be happy to digress, just start a new post/topic.
The other concern was if the yellow turnsignal will "blend" in with the white headlamp and be inaffective. The answer is yes and no. My younger brother had a 1974 Standard Model 111 Bug that we put the early 1965 front fenders/headlamps on and he also had no bumpers so we had to do this. I wanted to do the simple thing and put them behind the horn grilles but he wanted them in the headlamp. We put in Euro spec 1965 headlight units and replaced the city light with a yellow 1157 type bulb. Yes, at times it did blend in with the white bulb but the car did pass the state inspection like this. BTW, those that don't know the early model headlights (look at Steve Carter's car) can be installed on the Supers with aftermarket/fiberglass fenders and on any year standard model 111 Bug (all fender, front and rear from 1949-1977 on the Model 111 Bug will interchange! These early units are the Porsche 356/911 style and all that stuff interchanges, a 1989 Porsche 911 flutted euro spec headlight lens will fit in a VW 1949-1966 unit!
[This message has been edited by Superman (edited 05-27-2001).]
Okay, I've done much research on the headlights for A/C VWs...
The pic above is the RMMW light and is $30/each, Part# VA30002. That is a very good price but please note this is without the bulbs. The "city light" is a very small low watt (like the speedo/dash lights) bulb and it cheap. Those H4 headlights and the H1 driving lights are expensive, you'll have over $200 in these unit complete with bulbs. I have seen these (and many other) type headlamps while in Europe and they do look good.
Here are the headlamps I decided to go with and they are available from GCC and other UK suppliers. Mine are a used set from a 1972 1302 that I gave $200 for, only because they were original VW of Germany. The aftermarket copies aren't near that price!
(Geocities will no longer let me link to pics, another reason why we're moving!)...
Click this link below and the second heading is the headlamps. These headlamps are very unique in their build and are NOS VW/Bosch and not Hella. They were used on the European 1302/3 '71 to '79. This link has all the factory European spec items for a late model 1303. It's worth a look just for interest. Also, note my European spec taillamps that resemble those mentioned above. The ones that are smoked and cheap are actually copies of the Hella/VW of Mexico parts and are as cheap in quality as their price. Mine are original VW/Hella of Germany NOS 1975 European ones. Mine cost over $350 for the set...only because they are NOS '75 VW. If you can live with the Mexi copies; they looked like they'd be okay for a few years but I've never used them. http://www.geocities.com/superbeetlesonly/eurospec.html
Back to the headlamps...
First off, the late VW aircooled cars use a standard 7" round headlamp. This is the auto industry standard for most cars...meaning that any car, any model, even motorcycles, that use a 7" round headlamp will fit the ACVW headlamp assembly. This means that you can just about pick any light that you like from any car/truck/bike/whatever, as long as it's a 7" round unit.
Now, to answer you original post's question:
Yes, you can drill a hole in a H4 type headlamp. A sealed beam USA DOT spec light will "explode" because the reflector/back is glass. There are two types of H4 reflectors, plastic and metal, either is fine. If none of the above ideas suit you then here is what I suggest. Get a set of Hella H4 headlamps and find a used early model (1980's) Audi 4000 (named 80/90 in Europe). The front fender side marker lights, which are simular to the euro spec side fender turnsignal lights, have a "plug in" type bulb that fits into the back of the lens housing. You can take this plug, drill a hole in the headlamp and install the (plug in) bulb holder. Then get a yellow bulb and there is your headlamp with a turn signal in it. I did this to my Callook (actually VW calls it the "Europa") bumpers like the ones pictured above. These bumpers come with a turn signal assembly but it has no running/marker light because the Euro spec cars have the "city lights". European cars have the city light in front for dust/dawn and they have rear marker/tail lights. They have no front marker lights nor side markers. They also have no side refectors at all. If anyone is interested in why there are so many differences between the American DOT specs and European/TUV specs I'll be happy to digress, just start a new post/topic.
The other concern was if the yellow turnsignal will "blend" in with the white headlamp and be inaffective. The answer is yes and no. My younger brother had a 1974 Standard Model 111 Bug that we put the early 1965 front fenders/headlamps on and he also had no bumpers so we had to do this. I wanted to do the simple thing and put them behind the horn grilles but he wanted them in the headlamp. We put in Euro spec 1965 headlight units and replaced the city light with a yellow 1157 type bulb. Yes, at times it did blend in with the white bulb but the car did pass the state inspection like this. BTW, those that don't know the early model headlights (look at Steve Carter's car) can be installed on the Supers with aftermarket/fiberglass fenders and on any year standard model 111 Bug (all fender, front and rear from 1949-1977 on the Model 111 Bug will interchange! These early units are the Porsche 356/911 style and all that stuff interchanges, a 1989 Porsche 911 flutted euro spec headlight lens will fit in a VW 1949-1966 unit!
[This message has been edited by Superman (edited 05-27-2001).]
- Steve C
- Posts: 1143
- Joined: Sun May 14, 2000 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
Hi
If your going to fit a turnsignal light in you headlight make sure you use buld that is 21w like the factory bulb. What about some after market Harley turnsignals like this bug http://www.clubvw.org.au/images/leigh2.jpg
Do you guys ever get hassled by the cops for having your headlight height to low after lowering? I was once going to make up some headlights using 7 inch headlights using a 7 inch alloy chrome base, get some those little lights like BMWs or some bikes use, fit these at the top of the base section to give the headlight a much higher centre height, then fit a 5 inch light at the bottom for high beam, then you could fit a turnsignal light in around the side. You would need to cover the whole thing with a Lexen clear cover.
When I fitted my Aerolook fenders my headlight height moved up about 3 inches, no more hassles with the cops.
Regards Steve C
If your going to fit a turnsignal light in you headlight make sure you use buld that is 21w like the factory bulb. What about some after market Harley turnsignals like this bug http://www.clubvw.org.au/images/leigh2.jpg
Do you guys ever get hassled by the cops for having your headlight height to low after lowering? I was once going to make up some headlights using 7 inch headlights using a 7 inch alloy chrome base, get some those little lights like BMWs or some bikes use, fit these at the top of the base section to give the headlight a much higher centre height, then fit a 5 inch light at the bottom for high beam, then you could fit a turnsignal light in around the side. You would need to cover the whole thing with a Lexen clear cover.
When I fitted my Aerolook fenders my headlight height moved up about 3 inches, no more hassles with the cops.
Regards Steve C
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- Joined: Sat Mar 10, 2001 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
Superman, you should archive this post, (or your post at least) and put it on your website for later use.
Steve
Steve
- dcatts
- Posts: 188
- Joined: Wed Aug 16, 2000 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
For those interested here are the city light conversion brackets i found them here:
http://www.autob1.com/Html/Neuspeed_HTM ... t_conv.asp
I might go this route for turn signals...or I might just make my own brackets with parts from the old turn signals...this way I'll have running lights as well.
BTW: I edited my original post to include a pic of my freshly painted bug. Scroll up to check it out.
http://www.autob1.com/Html/Neuspeed_HTM ... t_conv.asp
I might go this route for turn signals...or I might just make my own brackets with parts from the old turn signals...this way I'll have running lights as well.
BTW: I edited my original post to include a pic of my freshly painted bug. Scroll up to check it out.
-
- Posts: 976
- Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2001 12:01 am
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
I just received my new headlights from RockyMountain Motorworks yesterday. They should work well to incorperate the turn signals into the city lights or the driving light areas. They look just like the lights in the picture in the earlier posts. To be honest, I hadn't thought of incoperating the turn signals into the headlights...until now!
Just painted my project/ Turnsignal Question
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Superman:
[...The other concern was if the yellow turnsignal will "blend" in with the white headlamp and be inaffective. The answer is yes and no...We put in Euro spec 1965 headlight units and replaced the city light with a yellow 1157 type bulb. Yes, at times it did blend in with the white bulb but the car did pass the state inspection like this...]
Have you or anyone else every tried to separate the turn signal area from the headlight area (i.e. construct a box or something around the turn signal so that the headlight does not shine behind it)? If so, did this (or do you think this would) take care of the problem with the turn signal blending into the white bulb?
kdanie,
Are the city light and driving light areas on the headlights you just received separated from the H4 area or are there just three bulbs behind the lens?
[...The other concern was if the yellow turnsignal will "blend" in with the white headlamp and be inaffective. The answer is yes and no...We put in Euro spec 1965 headlight units and replaced the city light with a yellow 1157 type bulb. Yes, at times it did blend in with the white bulb but the car did pass the state inspection like this...]
Have you or anyone else every tried to separate the turn signal area from the headlight area (i.e. construct a box or something around the turn signal so that the headlight does not shine behind it)? If so, did this (or do you think this would) take care of the problem with the turn signal blending into the white bulb?
kdanie,
Are the city light and driving light areas on the headlights you just received separated from the H4 area or are there just three bulbs behind the lens?