Hazy Headlights?

I read a tip somewhere on a board and I thought I would pass it along. When I first bought my car the headlights had a noticable haze present on the inside. I have seen this with almost every 911's. This is very easy to remove. You need to remove the headlight ring and then the entire lens after disconnecting the bulb, (not hard). If this is done correctly, you will not change the headlights beam direction. Once removed, You need either alcohol or a glass cleaner and a small cotton rag. Wet the rag enough to be slightly damp. Place in the rear opening after removing the assembly that hold the bulb. Just avoid the metal support for the bulb.Now simply clean the inside using a unsharpened pencil or something of similar size to hold the saturated gauze against the front of the lens. After a bit of cleaning you will see that like new look. I'm sure it help get a little more light also. Reinstall and goodbye hazy headlights. This is for H4 headlights on a 89 coupe. Earlier models most likely have different configurations but the principle remains the same. When I was doing this, I installed the PIAA super white bulbs. Seem to give a more intense light with no added power drainage.

[This message has been edited by 89911 (edited 06-08-2000).]

Where did you get your PIAA lights? I also have H4s, they don't seem all that bright so I'm looking for an improvement.

I have what appears to be H-4s, and I believe they are the $40 kind, although a parts house (not Pelican) was too confused one day to include it on my order (one has a beebee hole fixed with clear silicon caulk). They thought the $40 item was a lens only. I believe it is a whole (space capsule shaped) light as the lens is permanently attached.

Here's a question: Can I go to the SUPER bright (100 watt) bulb, or should I stay with the lesser (40x60 or something) wattage? I consider seeing ability to be a significant safety variable. You could say I take driving lightly, but you'd be wrong. hehehe

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'83 SC

There will be some that rant and rave to the contrary, but I don't believe going higher than 'stock' wattage is a good idea! Unless you are willing to wire a special set of HD relays, (and, I can provide instructions, circuit diagram, part sources, if you are REALLY interested) you are risking flakey headlamp operation at the MOST inopportune times, a LONG ways from help! The fusing and relays are not really up to doubling the load (from 55 Watts to 100) using the H1 Bosch factory lamps, and any H4 or H5 lamp assembly is no different.

The additional relays and wiring I advocate DOES NOT involve cutting or splicing the factory wiring harness in any way ... only one additional power lead is added at the battery positive connector!

By the way, this position is IDENTICAL to a response Bruce Anderson posted on that 'other' list posted a few days ago!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

RarlyL8,
I also have PIAA Super Whites in my car(H4). I bought them from Performance Products(http://www.************************) for what I believe was $60 for a pair. They are much brighter than stock. I'm sure you can go to your local raceshop(you know, those designed for rice burners?) and get a pair for probably cheaper than $60. Good luck. BTW, I just saw the picture of your 911 not too long ago, I must say it is a damn good looking 911, and to my surprise it's almost exactly like what I had envisioned my 911 to be like...in a few years.

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Jeff
1976 911S

Thanks Jeff. I've got the latest Performance Product catalog, didn't know if these were the same bulbs as posted above. I have a set of small aftermarket driving lights mounted low in the front grill, but these are too bright for use on two lane roads. Believe it or not there are no "riceburner" shops around here. I'm planted smack in "Made in USA" country. If it ain't one of the big 3 nobody knows what it is. You wouldn't believe some of the responces I get while driving - you'd think the car was a Lambo. Kinda fun.

[This message has been edited by RarlyL8 (edited 06-09-2000).]

Sorry about the late reply, I just got back from vacation. You can pick up PIAA light at off road truck shops if you can't find them elsewhere. As far as the wattage, these light do not use any more than the OE so no alterations are not needed. The bulb is designed to give off more light using a different filament. The light is also more towards the blue end of the spectrum giving a whiter light. PIAA is a quality oriented company and these lights are not "gimmick xenon" like you see in the rice burners.

Of course PIAA is a "quality oriented" company!(Just like Hella, right?) Otherwise why would I spend $60 for a set and not $15 for a gimmick one? But then of course, if I was rich I'd plot down $900 for Litronic ones!

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Jeff
1976 911S