Hella 450 Driving Lights

[ZOA NOM]

Well, I finally got sick of the pathetic OEM fogs and installed the Hellas. I'm too tired at the moment to get out the camera, but I'll post some pics soon.

I will say that it wasn't as simple as it seemed at first. The Hellas do not fit right into the stock mounting location. I had to modify the case and attach the mounting bracket from the stock fogs.

I still need to do some alignment, but they really light up the night. I managed to use the existing wiring, and don't expect any problems since the Hellas are 55w bulbs, like the fogs.

If I don't run into serious alignment issues, I will be very happy with this upgrade. I work shiftwork, so I spend plenty of time on the road at night, so these will really get used. They fill up the stock holes nicely, and look very sharp.

Pics to follow...

[Wil Ferch]

Keep us posted...you may recall my earlier research that indicated the 450's ( and not the 550's) were sized about the same size as the OEM Bosch fogs for the 84-89 cars. Sorry to hear of the mounting differences, though...pioneering has it's drawbacks, eh?
Keep us posted...
---Wil Ferch

[ZOA NOM]

Thanks Will.

The only fit issue was due to the molded plastic mounting bracket that is molded as an integral part of the back half of the light. It had to be cut off so the assembly would fit squarely in the hole. Also, because that protrusion was partly hollow, I had to fill it from the inside with JB Weld, and then cut it off from the outside so it would be sealed. I hope that makes some sense. I'll get some good pics to illustrate soon.

Since the Hella molded bracket was removed, I had to use the brackets from the stock lights, which were riveted onto the back of those lights, fortunately. I just ground the heads off and re-rivited them to the back of the Hellas.

[masraum]

Yea, pics!!

[ZOA NOM]

Here are some initial install pics. I didn't take pics from the beginning like I should have. If I don't have too much trouble aligning them, I might remove them and get some more detailed pics with explanations.

The dent in the valance is courtesy of an 80 MPH raccoon.


You can see that the fit isn't centered perfectly using the stock mounting hole. I wanted to try and install them without modification to the car.


These are the molded mounting stubs that were removed. You can see some of the JB Weld in the cutaway view of the one closest.


They don't stick out very far, which I like. To my eye, they are a new addition and they sparkle at me from across the parking lot, but they should lose their prominence in my mind's eye over time and blend into the car.



I'm satisfied with the result, and I'm still dialing in the alignment. I'll post more soon...

[ZOA NOM]

bump

[masraum]

very cool. they fit well and look good. I would add some of the 3m rubber sticky stuff to protect the lenses from cracks and sand blasting.

[Oldporsche]

I am considering doing this to an '75 car with the stock mounts. I have a set of Bosch #22450 lights and have been wondering how to modify them to make them look as "stock" as possible.

Its interesting that the Bosch lights I have look very similar to the Hellas that your are working on. This includes the mounts that you have cut off.

David Duffield

[ZOA NOM]

good advice

They came with plastic Hella-logo covers, but I will be using them often enough to leave them uncovered. They throw quite a bit of light down the road. I'm still messing with the alignment. The spot on the garage door doesn't seem to want to line up with the right spot 5000 feet down the road!

[ZOA NOM]

David, if I remember correctly, on a '75, the lights would mount under the bumper, and would not need to fit into a hole in the valance. If that is so, these Hella 450's would not require modification.

[ZOA NOM]

mkay, I tore it back out so I could adjust the angle, and snapped a pic.

[masraum]

Sweet, looks like a clean install.

[ZOA NOM]

Yep, no duct tape required.

[ZOA NOM]

bump for renewed enthusiasm

[S785Carrera]

Hi-
Long time listener, first time caller. I am thinking of doing this upgrade. Actually I allready bought the Hella 450's. For those of you that have done this , are there any tips on aiming / adjusting?

[ZOA NOM]

There should be plenty of play to allow a wide range of adjustment. No need to bend or bang anything.

[Kroggers]

I have a 1978 sc, and no driving lights at the moment. I am thinking about 450's. Has anyone done this? Do you have pics??

[S785Carrera]

Kroggers- I think you have it easier than us Carreras. With an SC you would just use the stock mounting holes under the bumber (if you have a stock SC bumber) and the Hella 450 mount. No JB weld, or dremmel required !

[Kroggers]

I think my car is to old - there are no mounting holes under the bumper

[tonypeoni]

Tried this once more just using the harness that came with it.