Backdating headlights - H5 to H1 dual bulb

[jackb911]

I'm curious if anyone has done this.

I have a pair of early '70's 911 Bosch Euro H1 assemblies that I've had for around 35 years. They are used but in excellent shape. These are the dual reflector ones with two H1 bulbs in each light. They look very cool.

My question is, can I retrofit these into my backdated '87 Carrera without freaking out the electrical system? I'll also need a different headlamp wiring arrangement and, I assume, a relay or two,

I'm a pretty good mechanic and paint/body guy but my electrical skills are limited. So, if anyone had done this conversion successfully, I'd appreciate some guidance.

Or...Should I just leave well enough alone and stay with the H5's? My H5 assemblies are fairly new and they function well with the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra bulbs that are in place. But I do recall from my youth that the dual H1's were amazing lights, better than the cheaper Euro H4's that replaced them which are superior to the USA-spec H5's.

Any advice pro or con is greatly appreciated.

[Arne2]

Should be a simple switch. You'll need to change the connector in the fender bucket, and a pair of relays is recommended if you don't already have them. That's all, though. I'd do it in a heartbeat if it were mine.

[Unobtanium-inc]

Just be sure you've done the headlight relays. You should add relays regardless of your decision on the H1s. -- Matt

[RSTarga]

those H1 assembly's are worth quite a bit to someone with an early car. Depending on condition 1K or so. You Could buy yourself a couple of new H4 headlights and more with the profits.

[jackb911]

Originally Posted by RSTarga

those H1 assembly's are worth quite a bit to someone with an early car. Depending on condition 1K or so. You Could buy yourself a couple of new H4 headlights and more with the profits.

LOL, I've already received 7 PM's from fellow Pelicans asking if I'd sell the H1's.

Not selling them yet, maybe later if I don't use them in the Carrera. They are still in the original yellow Bosch boxes they came in when I bought them back in 1973.

And, thanks for the advice. I may need some guidance regarding the relay installation but I'll do a search first to see what I can find.

[donporfi]

You should not have any problems using the H1s instead of the H5s. The relays are recommended.
Headlamp Relay

You will need to change the connector the H5 connector is different than the H1s.

This is a H5 connector


This is an H1-H4 connector

[BoxsterGT]

Don-

Are these connectors with the yellow outer surface the hi-temp versions I have heard about? The normal 3-prong early connectores I am familiar with are black.

Thanks,

Len

[donporfi]

Len,
Yes, those are ceramic connectors, these do not melt with high wattage bulbs.
You can buy those here Automotive Connectors
It is better to buy the plugs and the contact sockets by separate not the ones with the pigtails, so you can assemble the plug with the correct wire color and the suitable wire gage for your bulbs. There are high temp connectors for relays also.

[javadog]

No question, if you want the best lights, install the H1's. Relays are recommended for any lights but not required as part of an upgrade like this, if you use stock wattage bulbs. Relays give you better light output, regardless of the type of light used, but the main reason to install them has to do with taking some electrical load off of the hi/lo beam portion of the turn signal switch. That part can be done later, if you want. Selling the H1's and buying a new set of H4's ought to put $500 in your pocket, give or take. If that money isn't needed for something else, keep the H1 lights. They are an improvement over the H4 lights, which are themselves a vast improvement over the H4 lights.

JR

[Arne2]

I'd be torn if I had a nice set of H1's. Go with the better lights (H1's), or sell them for big bucks to finance other car goodies and use a pair of H4's. I could see myself waffling over that decision for weeks...

[joe payne]

Originally Posted by donporfi

You should not have any problems using the H1s instead of the H5s. The relays are recommended.
Headlamp Relay

You will need to change the connector the H5 connector is different than the H1s.

This is a H5 connector


This is an H1-H4 connector

Nice pics of those connectors. So my question is, and I don't mean to hijack this thread. Can I swap between my H 1's to H 4's without changing out the connector? I asked this before and someone said they use totally different connectors. I wouldnt mind picking up some H 4'S with clear lens to swap once in a while with my H1's with French yellow lens.

[donporfi]

Joe
It is the same connector for H1s and H4s. The one that is different is the H5s.
Although the H1s have two bulbs, there is only one connector.
The color coding for the wires: White for high beam, yellow for low beam, brown for ground.

[jackb911]

Guys, I REALLY appreciate the great info you have provided. I'll definitely go with the ceramic connectors and will install relays. I've already replaced the turn signal switch and would like to avoid having to do that again. And I'll use the standard 55W bulbs as they are plenty bright for me.

The Pelican forum is the best, a great resource of information for us DIY guys.

[donporfi]

It is wise to use the ceramic connector.
You can avoid this

[joe payne]

Originally Posted by jackb911

Guys, I REALLY appreciate the great info you have provided. I'll definitely go with the ceramic connectors and will install relays. I've already replaced the turn signal switch and would like to avoid having to do that again. And I'll use the standard 55W bulbs as they are plenty bright for me.

The Pelican forum is the best, a great resource of information for us DIY guys.

+1 always appreciated.