H4 trim rings

[stefang]

I've gone through the lore and did not come up with an answer to this:

Can I reuse my '88 trim rings as the trim rings that go on top of the H4 chrome or black rings?

Stef

[jbripps]

Hi there Stef,

I originally covered my chrome rings on my car with the trim rings......no problem. However, I had H1's. I now have H4's, but used the same set of rings, as they are anchored on the bottom of the headlight housing.

regards,

[n8marx]

The H5 rings that came on your '88 will not work with H4s. Sorry.

[KTL]

Nate's right.

Despite what i've seen on some eBay and classified ads claiming the H5 rings fit H4's, the H5 trim ring does not fit Euro H4 light assemblies. I've tried.

And even if they did fit, they'd be kinda silly to use. The aiming/adjustment screw holes in the H5 trim ring are not in the same location as the adj. screws on the H4 light assembly.

See?

[stefang]

We're talking about the same thing - right? I'm aware that the H4 assemblies are sold with trim rings that hold the light in. However there's a second set of trim rings that's sold primered http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/0819/POR_0819_ELLITE_pg5.htm#item17

My impression was that this second set is painted and put on top when you want to go body color, and I wanted to know if the '87-'89 trim rings could be used for that.

Stef

[n8marx]

You are correct, sort of. There is a primered trim ring that will fit over the H4s to hide the adjustment screws. Not so for H5s. The adjustment screw holes are visible in the exterior trim ring on an H5.

Kevins pictures above illustrate this well. The top picture of the red trim ring is the H5 outer trim ring. It WILL NOT fit over the H4 light below. For an H4 you must use the H4 trim ring, or paint the part that is shown black in the lower photo.

[stomachmonkey]

If you need to get rid of the H5 trim rings let me know.

Regards,
Scott

[joeclarke]

Are H4's really much of an uptick vs. H5's?

I mean, I just love spending money needlessly on my Porsches as much as the next guy. But chrome rings don't cut it and laying out serious coin plus painting trim rings to match a 15 year-old body color just don't make much sense to me...

...I guess I just don't love my carrera enough - besides I wouldn't want the TT to get jealous.

[jpnovak]

I have a pair of H4 trim rings you can have. One yellow, one red. PM an address and they are yours.

[70flatsix]

Does anyone know of a source/vendor for stone guards that will fit h4 trim rings?

[Jgordon]

I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but I think 3M makes a clear film that absorbs shocks and just sticks to the lense itself. Seems like a subtle, effective way to go.

[stefang]

Originally posted by joeclarke
Are H4's really much of an uptick vs. H5's?

Yes, and you can thank the DOT for that. The euro lens pattern puts a lot more light on the road. I have euro lights in all my cars (even the Jeep). Read Dan Stern's Lighting Page for more info - though I just looked and the FAQ is offline.

Stef

[70flatsix]

I'm not looking for the stick-on film type, I'm looking for a wire-mesh type stone guard simular to the type used on 356'S.
Is the trim ring used on a 356 larger or smaller than a h4 trim ring? Thanks!

[joeclarke]

OK you animals - if I have to get these H4's - which the heck ones do I buy out of Wayne's catalogue?

I see the H4 kits with either chrome or black "trim" rings and then I see a "primered trim ring". If I want to end up with body color rings, do I need the H4 kits and the primer painted trim rings or do I just paint the black rings that come with the "black ring kit"?

...arghhh.

[n8marx]

If you wish to have rings that are the color of your car you can do one of two things.

1. Buy just the H4s with the black rings and paint them. Doing this will leave the adjustment screws visible.

2. Buy the the H4s with the chrome, or the black rings, (chrome is cheaper) and then buy the primered trim rings and paint them. Doing this will hide the adjustment screws and give a cleaner appearance.

I did number two. Option number two, that is.

[unimog]

70flatsix
The current H4s (like from Pelican) will fit all the way back to pre-A 356s. The diameter and shape of the ring is the same, but the ring's depth is a little deeper on the H4s, and the headlight glass has a different profile. Of course the adjusting screws were in different locations pre-T5s but after that, the same position as the H4s. So outside profile, I'd say you were good-to-go, depth ? The BBQ grill style has a deeper profile then the wire screen style, but the grill style was designed to replace the glass, so it is not an option for the H4s.
Drop me a PM if you need more photos or measurements.

(BTW the H4s look real strange on a 356A, very VW like, IMO)

[70flatsix]

Unimog,
Thanks for the info and excellent pics, but my H4's and trim rings are somewhat different. My trim rings are approx. 3" wide at the top and 1" wide at the bottom. And the lense on my H4's is flat. The lense is flush with the top of the outer trim ring and recessed in approx. 1-1/2" at the bottom. I'm enclosing a pic of poor quality showing the difference. My H4's are Hella's if that makes a difference.

[jpnovak]

70flatsix,

You have H4 lenses in the US type housings. These are completely different than the H4 system mentioned for the trim rings and shown in unimogs post.

The H4 pictured above is a complete unit that will replace your current setup. Your stock setup is a lamp mounted in an adjuster mechanism that is mounted to 4 tabs inside the light bucket. Someone replaced the stock sealed beam units with a H4 replacement. Its a good way to do it. The other H4 system will entirely replace your lights.

I am not aware of any mesh style covers available for either. You could remove your trim rings and make your own with some wire mesh and tin snips.

[techweenie]

(almost but not quite OT)

Does anyone have a spare chrome trim ring for an H4 for sale? I'd hat eto have to buy a complete unit for a little ding in the ring...

[jpnovak]

Is it a nick in the chrome or just a ding/dent? If its a ding, disassemble the light and planish out the ding with a light hammer and a flat smooth surface. Then just repolish. You will never see it if you are careful. use the hammer on the high side and a leather faced dolly(or suitable hard surface) on the other. Light taps is all it takes.

nicks in chrome must be redone - possibly polished out if they are really small. Peeling? forget it, buy a new one.