Question about H4s

[steve911]

I'm confused about the 'European' H4s made by Bosch. I've searched and can't find the answer to the question.

I understand that the 'standard' Bosch H4s come in either chrome or black primered. If the black ring is primered, assuming I want to have the trim rings match the body, do I or do I not need separate trim rings or can I just have the black primered ring painted?

from our host:

The headlamps come in either chrome or a black anodized finish. There is a factory cover plate that fits around the outer headlamp rim (covering up the chrome or black), that is primered, and can be painted the color of your car. However, to install this cover rim, you also need to replace the single lower attachment screw for the entire assembly with the inner and outer screws listed below. The inner screw actually fits inside the outer screw and holds the primer ring to the assembly.





thanks all

[SK]

You can paint the ring that comes with the H4, however IMO it does not look as nice as the outer "trim ring" .

I have the black h4 rings with a painted outer trim ring. It is like finish trim.

[SK]

I did not answer very clear. The red trim ring in the photo is the outer ring I painted. The "Black prime or chrome ring" he is talking about is the white ring in the picture right behind the red ring. Still looks better if you get the red outer ring and paint it.

[reed930]

I had the same question when I converted to H4s. I have a black car and first purchased just the flat black H4 units themselves. I thought they would blend in without any painting. When they didn't, I thought about just painting them. In the end, though, I purchased the primered trim rings. I figured they would be easier to paint and would cover the two aiming screws that are at the seven and two o'clock positions.

I think either way would come out just fine. The trim rings may just give it a bit more finished appearance.

[dean]

I painted my primered trim rings. It was a pain. If I did it again I would spring for the trim rings and paint those

[jpachard]

Does anyone know if these trim rings will fit over H1's as well? I have a set of H1's with minor dents in the headlight rings and I would like to cover this up.

Cheers, James

[steve911]

thanks all - I now know the answer. boy, I love this board!

[Wil Ferch]

Hmmm..
I bought the black primered type and left it that way. The additional rings that go over and are separately painted , do indeed cover the adjustment screws..but also don't sit quite as flush as the original rings that are part of the glass housing....just another viewpoint..
--Wil Ferch

[Argo]

I bought the black primered type too and just left them (black car). I like the look; it matches the other black satin trim pieces around the car and will probably resist stone chips lots better than painted trim rings. The painted trim rings that came with the car were covered with white specks and gouges.

Argo
88 Targa

[KTL]

I bought the black ones because I figured they'd blend in with the other black trim better than the chrome rings. They'll suffice until I bite the bullet and ante up the cash for the extra trim rings.

These rings and the extra two screws you need are over $50 ea.!!! OUCH. Seems kinda much for a metal ring, no?

BTW, i'm not balking at Wayne's pricing. That's just what they cost. Like it or not. Shame on me for being a cheapo.

[cegerer]

The outer trim rings do fit the H1's, but IMO they don't look 'right'. -- Curt

[thabaer]

The factory body-color trim rings on my H4s are very thin metal, the fit never struck me as being any different-looking. The ring underneath is chromed (or nickel-only?) on my '79 instead of black.

BTW: boring TV schedule while programming the other night so I watched the new "Get Carter". The bad girl was driving a metallic green 911 with black-ringed H4s; she was perfect, the rings looked REALLY silly (MNSHO). I like my car's black trim (grip-tape!) on red but the headlight rings just don't cut it.