Help re: H4 Headlights

[Busta Rib]

Can someone help identify the type of H4 headlights I have? Pics are below. The back of the headlights (both sides) have two H1 bulbs (high and low?). The driver-side lens has "H4" in the middle but the passenger side does not, although it appears the cutoff in the glass is exactly the same. I tried searching but couldn't find pictures similar to mine, although I'm sure they are out there if I searched long enough. Thanks in advance for your help. Jim

Passenger-side lens


Driver-side lens


Backside of headlight

[Shaun @ Tru6]

you have H1 headlights that someone clipped and bodged the adjuster screw flexible cable and then put on an H4 lens on the driver side.

[m110]

Notice that the top of the H1 lens is clear but the H4 lens is frosted. I once actually ground that flat to look like an H1.

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by m110

Notice that the top of the H1 lens is clear but the H4 lens is frosted. I once actually ground that flat to look like an H1.

Also, the H1 has the letters A and F in four locations near the edge of the lens, along with arrows, to indicate the effect of the adjusting screws. I have also read, though could not find exact confirmation, that the fluting on the H1 and H4 are slightly different which may affect light dispersal. (Edit: found it H1vsH4: Hey, Early_S_Man.....)

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

you have H1 headlights that someone clipped and bodged the adjuster screw flexible cable and then put on an H4 lens on the driver side.

With the adjusting screws in the present condition, you will not be able to adjust the side to side beam from the small reflector without removing the assembly and turning the screw (the one with the black tape) by hand. The adjusting screw in the photo (with the phillips head) looks to be the original adjusting screw that has been removed from the trim ring and reinserted from the inside. The threaded end (not shown) is where the flex coupling would be that attaches to the taped adjusting screw for the small reflector.

Bottom line, individual parts such as the screws are not available as separate pieces, AFIK. If the adjustment is currently good, leave it. Otherwise, try to hunt down some old H1 assemblies and cannibalize what you need.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by ossiblue

Bottom line, individual parts such as the screws are not available as separate pieces, AFIK. If the adjustment is currently good, leave it. Otherwise, try to hunt down some old H1 assemblies and cannibalize what you need.

Another option would be to sell these for "parts" and start fresh with a new set of H4s.

if the chrome rings on them are very nice, each ring alone is worth $100.

[nesslar]

Is this a case where the best solution is to put a H4 lens on the other one too??

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by nesslar

Is this a case where the best solution is to put a H4 lens on the other one too??

Something I found, posted by Warren:H1vsH4: Hey, Early_S_Man.....

In short, the answer is "no."

[nesslar]

All makes good sense; that's why I asked. Thanks.

[Busta Rib]

Thanks for the info, folks. This place is great. Anyone have a spare H1 lens they want to sell?

[haycait911]

Originally Posted by Busta Rib

Thanks for the info, folks. This place is great. Anyone have a spare H1 lens they want to sell?

Pelican Parts - Product Information: 1-305-614-010-M14

[tcar]

See this?


Porsch 911 912 BOSCH Headlight Lens 1968-1986 H-1 - eBay (item 360081419458 end time Mar-09-11 06:23:29 PST)


Edit: get a new one from Pelican, $$ is just a few bucks more.... and the guy can't even spell Porsche.

[gtc]

Originally Posted by ossiblue

Something I found, posted by Warren:H1vsH4: Hey, Early_S_Man.....

In short, the answer is "no."

I'm going to get screamed at, but I call BS on Warren's post. The H1 and H4 lens pattern is almost identical. I have tested H4s side by side, one with an H1 lens and one with an H4 lens, and the difference is minute.
Right now I have H4 lamps on my car with H1 lenses because I dislike the pebbled finish in the top of the H4s. I can see at night. My car hasn't exploded yet. The world still turns.

[nesslar]

Well, if Warren said it... well, you know.... Jesus, a good lens is a good lens. And I find H4 lenses to be awesome, plus I like the "pebble" finish, it probably allows for less light to escape "up", too! Good post, gtc, IMHO.

[RatBox]

Does anyone have a spare set (for one lamp) of these wires which I have circled in yellow ? Including the white plastic terminal piece which is attached to the metal ? (and maybe the brown isulation piece in between - I have to check) . Or that whole metal piece , if it is not possible reattach a white terminal/brown insulation square to one (or I cannot get them loose).

I might need the copper strip also , I have to check.

I bought a set awhile ago , and the guy never came up with these pieces on one.

If so , PM me.

thx

[tcar]

Originally Posted by gtc

I'm going to get screamed at, but I call BS on Warren's post. The H1 and H4 lens pattern is almost identical. I have tested H4s side by side, one with an H1 lens and one with an H4 lens, and the difference is minute.
Right now I have H4 lamps on my car with H1 lenses because I dislike the pebbled finish in the top of the H4s. I can see at night. My car hasn't exploded yet. The world still turns.

No. It's not close to identical.
Warren was right.

The H1 has a separate bulb for lows and a separate bulb for highs with 2 separate reflectors and 2 separate focal points. As I'm sure you know.

Your lows may be fair, but your high pattern will suck.

You are correct that your car won't explode and the world will turn, though.

[gtc]

Jim,
I'm local and have spare lenses of both types you could borrow to try out and judge for yourself.
Send me a PM if you're interested.