Headlight Opinions Sought

Euro or US-style headlight rings?

Here's a late-evening spy shot from the remote Porsche Test facility in my back yard.

I know that the general consensus is that the Euro lights look better. After putting one of them on, though, I was struck by my suddenly bug-eyed front end. Is this just me getting used to the old look?

What do you guys think?

Click on the picture for a bigger version.



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Jack Olsen
1973 911 T (3.6) sunroof coupe
jackolsen@mediaone.net

Whooaa!

Personally I like it the way it was!

In my opinion the Euro lights look better. I would like to get a set for my car.

Jack i vote for the older style

My car was once black like yours and i had the big trim lights. I painted them black and i thought they looked better in the chrome. Now my car is speed yellow with euro H4's and they look sweet.

My vote euro style

Craig

Jack,
the least obtrusivre is the most appealing aesthetically, however, does one system provide additional illumination that you need? 210k runs down The Chances Elyses at midnight.

Jack....that photo doesn't "cut-it". Yes it does look bugg-eyed from that perspective, but only an unfortunate small animal will ever see that view.
Quick...Post a 3/4 shot from the euro side.
I think it looks much better without the american eyelid.
What about black trim rings on euro?

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Clint
73T mfi coupe

Jack,

I say go with the newer style composite H4 types, but get a set of painted trim rings to cover up that chrome.

Nick.

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Nick Shumaker
1982 911SC Coupe

I have the h4 Euro conversion chrome rings on my white 80sc and I like the look on my car.
I don't think the chrome euro rings look good on that black 911. I agree, what about black painted euro rings?

I do have paintable overlay rings for the H4s. The lighting itself isn't an issue, as the US-style lights have also been upgraded to H4.

Here's a 3/4 shot:

Click on the picture for a bigger version.



And here's a side-by side comparison of painted Euro lights on the left, and my US-style ones on the right:



[This message has been edited by JackOlsen (edited 02-20-2001).]

Euro Style, I think they look more aggressive

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Dante Oliverio
86 Turbo-Look Cab

Painted Euro! I do think that the other version of the Euro, the one with the chrome ring, definitely looks bug eyed.

Paul

IMHO, I like the old look. I think the newer style looks too big on a classic like yours. The 74+ cars look ok with the h4's but not the pre 74's. I would personally go with an h4 that replaces the stock light (7"??)

just my .02

It does look odd with one of each type on the car. If you paint the trim ring the same color as the car, the bulbous look goes away, and the lights take on a more aggressive look. I've got H-4 Euro's (I have a Euro car) with trim rings that match the paint color, and they definitely look better in my opinion.

Jack,
Like the others, I think the chrome ring looks funny and it was taken care of by painting it black. The euro lights also make the car look more aggressive and newer. My 78SC came with H-4s with painted rims, also in black, and it was a feature I really like. After a while the old US style will start to look funny. How about the lighting? Do you notice a difference in illuminating the road. I think that would take priority as there are mixed opinions on looks.
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Paul
78SC Targa

Euro style, but PAINT them!

Thanks, I have an 85 I was going to "upgrade" to the euro h4's. I like the original, old look better on your car- saves me from changing mine
Gary

Definitely Euro with painted rings. No question.

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Tyson Schmidt
72 911 Cabriolet

Okay, the euros look more modern and aggressive. OEM is more hidden and classic.

If I have a preference, it's probably for the classic style. I find the chrome ring particularly offensive on your car, Jack. And those early cars have such beautiful noses.

I guess this is my feeling: I saw an early car with four STOCK headlights. Two were huge. It had a road rally, or hill climb or Baja look. I think big headlights are moving in the wrong direction. I think the stock trim understates them, showcasing that beautiful nose.

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'83 SC

Euro, Euro, Euro.