H5 headlight improvements

[jeffbottman]

Greetings,

Recently, I acquired an 86 Targa, and have been making a few improvements. One issue was the headlight weakness (H5). What I did, to very good effect, and very low $$, follows:

1. Lenses were fogged on the inside. Taking previous poster's advice, I removed the reflector/lens assemblies, poured in some denatured alcohol, dropped in a cotton ball, and carefully swabbed the lens interior, using a piece of coathanger wire. This magically made the foggy deposits disappear, yay!!

2. I make telescope optics as a hobby, so I happen to have optical grade cerium oxide polishing powder, and polishing pads. To improve the lens outside surface, which was a bit fogged from the 130k miles, I applied a polishing pad to a rubber sanding block and had at it with the cerium oxide for an hour or so. Lo and behold, the surface was much improved and although not exactly new in appearance, only suffered from pits here and there.

3. Installed headlight circuit relay kit, ordered from our sponsor for around $37. Not very hard to install, with very clear instructions.

4. Installed 80W bulbs; much brighter. Couldn't find through our sponsor, but available elsewhere for $11 each.

5. Went out to a suitable spot at night and aimed the headlights.

Results: Very bright headlights, with good light distribution. They seem as bright as my Acura's HID lights. I really see no need for improvement. One caveat is that I don't often use high beams, so can't comment on their efficacy.

So, I wanted to point out that the H4 conversion is not the only way to go, and is quite a bit more costly. Of course it is nice to have brand new assemblies.

My Carrera has 130k miles on the clock, but about 8K miles ago received a top-end engine rebuild, new paint, and new interior leather from California Porsche Restorations, which after research and conversations I am convinced is a top notch operation. The engine is great and hasn't produced a single drop of oil on my garage floor. I am super fortunate to have John Walker as my mechanic. He recently installed Bilstein shocks, Turbo tie rod kit, an M&K pre-muffler, and Steve Wong chip. In the mail is an M&K single-in single-out muffler.

I've attached a couple photos of my car, with new 'vanity' plates. I have to say that I have never enjoyed a car as much as this one. I had no idea how much fun these cars provide.

[DRACO A5OG]

Welcome Brother Targa.

Just a note, keep an eye on those sockets, consider swapping for ceramics due to heat from the 80 watt bulbs.

Jim

[gamin]

Don't know where you live, but I hope you have lots of warm weather. Then you get to take off the top and enjoy open top driving which is what makes the Targa so enjoyable. My top comes off in early spring and doesn't go back on until late fall. Have fun!

[dshepp806]

Definately a socket changeout is in order,...I went ahead and upgraded my AWG, as well as the socket.
Relay kit is a given!

BEST!

Doyle

[jeffbottman]

Thanks for the ceramic socket suggestion.

As I recall, though, the wires pushed onto the spade pins in the bulb directly, and there was NO socket (??) I guess that's OK, unless you have some thoughts otherwise. It was kind of a pain to connect the wires to the pins since they are set deep into the bulb socket.

BTW, I live in Seattle, where we have a bit of rain now and again, but unlike most 911 owners here I actually drive in the rain. And when it's not raining the top is off.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Reifle]

Very nice - love the colour - good move on the lights! Now go and enjoy it!

[ScottT80]

Beautiful car! I love the color! What kind of tires are you running? I like the tread on them.

[88911coupe]

Could someone clue me in on what is being referred to about the socket? I'm trying to recall what mine looks like on my '88 and I just recall inserting the bulb into the back. I don't recall what I could have replaced with a ceramic version.