H-4 conversion question

[jlex]

I'm going to replace the US style headlights on my '85 Carrera. I've seen the conversion kits where you specify either a chrome or black ring. I've also seen the offering of paintable, primered "trim" rings costing another $100 or so. What's the deal? Is the trim ring necessary, or can you just paint the black ring that comes with the kit? Doesn't seem to make good sense to spend another $100 if the first mounting ring can be painted and looks decent. Is everyone shelling out more money for the paintable trim rings or not?
regards,
jlex.

[jlex]

Forgot to mention: if anyone has a used pair of H-4's or H-5's with the trim ring, let me know.
jlex.

[magilla]

I just went throught this a while ago. I chose the black rings kit, and my car is black, so I am running without the optional trim ring. It looks fine, and is functionally adequate. The extra trim ring is the part that you paint to match (if your car is not black, or ifyou want it to be glossy black). Beside the color/ finish, the only thing the extra ring does is cover your adjustment screws.

Let me know ifyou have any other questions.

Magilla

[83cab]

I ordered the black rings and had them painted to match my car (slate blue), they look great. I am not running the extra trim rings. The adjustment screws are visible, but I don't think they detract from the look.

[jlex]

Thanks for the replies, guys. My car's color is white gold metallic (a cross between gold and silver) so I'll need to have the rings painted. I'm not interested in paying anything near what the asking price for the finished cover rings is.
regards,
jlex.

[ebradway]

I've got the H4s with the black ring on my '86. Since the car already has lots of black trim, the headlights look natural. Check my website for pictures both before and after:

http://www.bradway.net/porsche

I would like to add that the difference in the visibility at night with the H4s vs. the originals (even with halogen sealed beam bulbs) is like night and day (pardon the pun).


------------------
Eric Bradway
'86 911 Targa
http://www.bradway.net/porsche

[83cab]

Just curious for those with H4's...what method did you use to aim them?

[don911]

jlex,
I saw that you have a post in the classifieds for either H4's or H5's. I would suggest sticking with H4's. The H5's get cloudy and are expensive compared to the H4's. If you buy used H5's, chances are they are going to be cloudy and you will not be happy. I will be changing my cloudy H5's with H4's sometime soon.

Don
87 coupe

[jlex]

Don:
It's funny you mention that... I was in Atlanta last week... my sister has a red '87 Carrera with the European (H-5) headlights. I noticed the glass was almost white looking (cloudy). I don't remember what they looked like new, and was wondering if this was a problem which cut down visibility, or if they could be cleaned. Didn't get into it, as I already had a few other "chores" to do with her car. Thanks for the advice... guess I'd better go with the H-4's.
regards,
jlex.

[Jim T]

I really think you need the paintable trim rings to "finish it off." It looks far better with them, I think well worth $100.

[thabaer]

I've stepped back and looked at my red kid with the body-color rings off.

Put them on.


------------------
Charlie Baer
'79 Euro 911SC

[magilla]

JimT, it's not the $100 for the rings I am griping about, its the $100+ on top of that to have them prepped and painted. $200+ on top of the $275 I already spent on the H-4's makes it a "2- step" project.

Magilla