Very poor headlamps - '85 Carrera

[rob911]

During the last good few MOT's. It's always been commented on the poor headlamp pattern.
Was out in the garage tonight and on normal beam there's basically no pattern - just a cloud!
On high beam - the pattern looks pretty good.
Looking at the markings on the headlamp bowl and on the outer lense - both are marked with an arrow but pointing in different directions!
Basically the headlamps are pretty crap - bordering on useless!!!
Needing to get this sorted asap.
I'm running 55/60 halogen bulbs and the outer lense is a H4.
Any tips/advice on what works?
Cheers
Rob

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Bulb is H4 type, this was the standard "halogen" bulb for the '80s.

The H4 on the lens is to tell you the bulb required.

The arrows point to the outside of the car.

By modern standards all '80s lights are rubbish.

Having said that reflectors can lose their shine or rust and grime can build up on the inside of the glass - difficult to see because its even all over.

Hope this helps.

My '83 944 has similar lights.

Mike

 

[Siggy]

Thats normal all 3.2 headlamps are useless.

Change the bulbs to those 40% brighter ones and fit relays into the headlamp circuits

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

From memory, I believe the arrows moulded on to the lens should point in the direction of dip - and they should definitely both be the same. Over time, the lenses get pitted from stone impacts and the internal reflectors get tarnished. It sounds to me like you have a combination of left and right dip lights - both of which are probably past their best anyway.

The best solution is to replace the headlamp units complete - and THEN fit the brighter bulbs. Don't fit the 100/80 watt bulbs on offer on eBay though - it will burn out the switchgear. The bulbs offering +40%, +50% and +60% are all very good.

Don't be tempted to just replace the lenses - it's just a waste of money.

Regards

Dave

 

[Pete917]

All the headlamps on the early 911's are rubbish.

You can improve them by changing the wiring a little. There is no relay on the headlights or main beam. It all goes through the stalk switch on the steering column and is why they break so much (at great expense to replace). Put a couple of headlights in. Clean or change the lenses and the reflective back piece and they will be as good as they will ever be.

I've done mine and its great.

 

[rob911]

Will start phoning round for prices for complete headlamps this morning.
Upgrading the bulbs also sounds a decent idea.
Planning a further search on relays also.

 

[Pete917]

The relays alone will make a huge difference. I removes the bottleneck for current flow. I used Porsche OEM relays to keep it all looking original

 

[Big_nige]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=JWST-911-HLPR&catalog_description=Headlight%20Relay%20Kit,%20911%20(1974-89)%20

Also search for Sucro headlamp kit on Pelican. Makes a massive difference to the beam strength and takes pressure from the switch.

I do that along with good bulbs before changing the whole headlamp unit. They're about £80-90 each!

Bulbs and a the relay bit should be no more than £50 in total. Maybe chuck a new pair of lens at it for about £15 each if you shop around.

 

[Gary C]

This thread on piston heads http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=356251 includes some information on fitting HID bulbs. Might be worth a look.

 

[rob911]

Ordered a new set of lights today through local motor factors.
Price was pretty good - £98 per complete light assembly. Only minor problem is Bosch
have none in stock but are running a batch towards the end of the month.
This will also give me time to order the relay unit.

 

[Pete917]

are you doing sucro or oem?

 

[rob911]

Have asked Pelican Parts for a delivery price.
If the difference isn't too bad then I would go oem.
Wait and see what they come back with.

 

[Pete917]

OEm costs a smal packet. The holders and relays x 2 of each come to quite a bit if I recall correctly.

 

[Big_nige]

pretty much the same as the sucro kit that one