THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

Posted: **Sat Jul 15, 2006 10:52 pm**

I know this has been gone over before, but it's been a while...and I wasn't paying much attention.

I had one of my SAV non-DOT (55W/75W, if I remember right) bulbs go out on low-beam. I may just order another pair of hi-output bulbs, but this may be a good time to upgrade the whole giddup.
So, what is the scoop on aftermarket headlights? I would like to keep the little bulb in the reflector - great for driving thru camp at night without aggravating the natives.
Price is an issue - I am not looking for an exotic upgrade.
Does anyone run aftermarket (reflector/lens) headlights? How do they compare to the stock units, assuming you would have before and after experience?
thanx
John Geesen

Posted: **Sun Jul 16, 2006 2:23 pm**

I spent around 100 dollars going to a Hella upgrade. Well worth it.

Posted: **Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:30 pm**

That price sounds tolerable. Is that with new bulbs and reflectors? Part #'s? Do they have a place for the super low-beam bulb? Where did you get them from? Links?
Is that enough questions?
thanx

Posted: **Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:11 pm**

Help - need more info

Posted: **Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:31 pm**

i'm a little lost here. both the sav $115 and $129 headlights are hella halogen. the lights you got from sav WEREN'T those hella's?

i know those hella reflectors well - they are the most wonderful housings/reflectors in existence. maybe you could buy a couple clear or yellow led marker lights and mount them underneath to replace that little bulb that resembles a 60's vw.

hmm. on the side: do h4 bulbs fit in the standard pinz reflectors?

Posted: **Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:15 pm**

John
Cibie are available from these people, and with 24v bulbs. and with the parking lamp in the reflector
http://www.cibieusa.com/cibie_main_frameset.htm

I have been running Cibie for over 30 years. Currently have them in 2 LRs and a Ford F700

Dave Dunn

Posted: **Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:01 pm**

John,
I bought my Cibie E-codes from the same link that Dave posted above. If I remember correctly, the price was camparable to the Hellas that you can get from the Pinz parts guys. You can get the Cibies with or without the little city light in them. If you get them with it, you'll need to cut a small notch, maybe 1" x 2" in the headlight bucket to allow for enough room for the city light bulb. This is because on the Cibies, the city light is positioned farther below the regular bulb than it is on the original headlights. I'm plenty happy with mine.
Scott

Posted: **Mon Jul 31, 2006 12:11 pm**

cibie! i didn't know they still existed! 25 years ago they made the most amazing fog/cornering light - the spread was over 180 deg and had a totally horizontal and totally BLACK AS NIGHT cut-off. it looks like that's what they call the "charlie" now.

does anyone know how cibie's 7" headlight lenses compare to hella's?

Posted: **Mon Jul 31, 2006 6:36 pm**

2012 wrote: does anyone know how cibie's 7" headlight lenses compare to hella's?

Hella wins to me. They also build the best industrial/commercial lighting available.

Or look at what my 303 has on it. Headlights with beam altering/focusing lenses is very outdated technology. Look for free-form reflectors with 100% transparent lenses. And if money isn't an object, you might look at an HID driving or fog pattern kit for off-road and/or high beam supplement. 24v ballast kits are available and the light is beyond belief.

Whichever way you go will be a huge, and I mean huge, improvement over those stock pieces of junk. (which I strongly feel are actually dangerous and thus, useless)

Posted: **Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:48 pm**

Dave,
Have you replaced the dim lights in your Haflinger? If so, what did you go with?

Greg

Posted: **Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:06 pm**

I'm with Vince on the HID's they may be more expensive but consider this. Standard off-road lighting is a major draw on current, and with the 35 amp alternator of the Pinz you will really be taxing the whole recharging system. So add up the cost of a new Alternator, Voltage regulator, and 2 Optima batteries. The HID's use little power after initially turning them on, and are tuff enough for Off-road use. Just my opinion but I think they are the way to go. Plus don't forget the tow bill if the Alternator goes out on the trail.

Miles

Posted: **Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:15 pm**

vince - i looked at your truck's bom and it didn't state a mfr or part number or anything for the headlights. help? looks like a gr8 idea.

miles - roger that

Posted: **Mon Jul 31, 2006 10:27 pm**

Thanx all for the input - I'll be doing some more research.