Euro H4 Upgrade

[KatoKato]

Hello,

I have just completed the Euro H4 uprgrade on my 86' 911.
My concern is that the lamps are tightly sealed at the top and bottom but not on the sides. There is even a slight discernable gap on one of the headlamps.

Does this sound typical? (the old DOT approved headlights had a consistent seal all of the way around)

Also, I do not have the "headlamp cover rings" installed.

Cheers,

[Wil Ferch]

It seems to me you didn't get a full "bite" of the upper clamp before you cinched down and used the bottom screw for final tightening....

Others?

Wil

[Zeke]

You lost me....what are the headlight cover rings if those aren't them in the pic?

I agree with Wil.

[KatoKato]

Zeke,

The outer cover rings actually fit over top of the rings pictured. They hide the adjuster screws and allow the owner to not fiddle fart as much in trying not to damage or abuse the inner ring (or something like that) ... and also for asthetics.

Check out the link @ Pelican:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/911M/POR_911M_911REC_pg5.htm

[KatoKato]

I'm quite certain that I got as much as I could. I even trimmed back approximately 2mm (2/25 inch) of the headlamp to fender seal in that area for a better "bite"

Perhaps I'll take a close up of those to show you.

Cheers,
Kato

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
It seems to me you didn't get a full "bite" of the upper clamp before you cinched down and used the bottom screw for final tightening....

Others?

Wil

[CBRacerX]

I'm getting ready to do this one also and I find the attachment method is a nuisance.

Chris

[KatoKato]

Wil,

Here's those pics.

H4 Leftside-top view:


H4 Lefside-side view:


H4 Rightside-top view:


H4 Rightside-side view:


Should those top seals be any more smooshed together?

Perhaps I should cut away some more of the seal adjacent to the upper clamp and maybe perhaps at the bottom screw as well?

Any input would be appreciated,
Thanks,

[KatoKato]

Hey Chris,

My thoughts as well even before I started the project.
The response is good so far.

Cheers,
Kato

Originally posted by CBRacerX
I'm getting ready to do this one also and I find the attachment method is a nuisance.

Chris

[Wil Ferch]

It's been a long time since I did this but my recollection is that "new" rubber seals were a big problem in my conversion to Euro H4's... I seem to remember using the original rubber that has already taken a "set"...and therefore fit better...

Wil

[Drdogface]

I had the same problem with I did mine a few weeks ago. Fussed with it for a while and then took a wood block, place it along the sides where the fit was imperfect, and rapped it 'gently' with a dead blow hammer. It soon popped in and sealed well. Used the new seal.

[KatoKato]

Originally posted by Drdogface
... took a wood block, place it along the sides where the fit was imperfect, and rapped it 'gently' with a dead blow hammer...

Mark,

So you placed the wood block across the glass lens so it was parallel with the ground & lined up with the two edges that didn't seal correctly?

[Drdogface]

Kato,
No, not across the lens. Along the side edge..more vertical..one edge at a time. Be sure top is hooked into the lip first, of course. Wish I could show you.. Eventually it firmly pops into place. Of course then I proceeded to mess up the bottom screw by cross threading..just like they tell you NOT to do ;-)

[KatoKato]

Mark,

I think I know what you mean.

I tried hammering with a block of wood towards the rear of the car and got nowhere.

Do you mean hammering towards the middle of car (or to the left of right of the car)?

It would be much easier to show ... I know. This is tough.

Thanks,
Kato

Originally posted by Drdogface
..more vertical..one edge at a time. Be sure top is hooked into the lip first, of course...

[Drdogface]

Well, Kato, I really didn't have to hammer all that hard and yes, it was toward the rear as I recall....maybe angled a bit inwardly. Guess they are all somewhat different. Maybe get some help from a friend to hold things in place while you rap on it. Eventually it will pop in. Wish I had better advice.

Personally I had thought this conversion was supposed to be a snap but then I'm no wrench and for a regular DIY'er it likely is compared to most things they do.

[KatoKato]

Thanks for you help Mark.

I had the left one out today just to try and get a better bite and to try and fit it in "better" but it came out the same. I ended up cutting a 1mm wide strip on the worst side and stuck it in there. It's sealed now but rather bulky looking.

I thought this conversion would be easy as well. Yesterday I installed the JM strut brace and that was 99% less stressful than trying to get these H4's to fit properly. Go figure.

Kato.

Originally posted by Drdogface
Personally I had thought this conversion was supposed to be a snap but then I'm no wrench and for a regular DIY'er it likely is compared to most things they do.

[Drdogface]

Did you notice a difference in handling with the strut brace? I have not attempted that one yet.

As long as the lights are sealed I'm sure you'll be fine. No one will notice. I'll be painting the outer trim rings the same color as the car when it all goes into the shop in a week or so. Still waiting for the 911R tail light kit.

[KatoKato]

Originally posted by Drdogface
Did you notice a difference in handling with the strut brace? I have not attempted that one yet.

As long as the lights are sealed I'm sure you'll be fine. No one will notice. I'll be painting the outer trim rings the same color as the car when it all goes into the shop in a week or so. Still waiting for the 911R tail light kit.

I hope no one notices ... The only problem is that I notice.

As far as the strut brace is concerned I won't be able to tell you until spring. The car is being stored in my garage. You know: snow, salt, sand, etc.. - they're a great combination to get into and corrode every nook and cranny of the car .... stuff you guys in most parts of CA don't have to worry about!

Anyway, thanks again,