H1 Headlight variants
 

Hello all,

My new project car has, of all things, H1 headlights. But it does not seem to have the characteristic exposed adjustment screws, just one singe screw at the bottom, like an H4, and painted rings, not chrome.

I haven't taken them apart to figure out what's going on, but I am pretty certain they are H1's, unless they are H4's and someone installed H1 Lenses?

So the question is... was there a version of the H1 light that had painted outer rings that detach with one screw at the bottom, to reveal the adjusters on a seperate ring below?

The painted ring is a trim cover. The chrome ring with adjustment screws will be underneath.

Picture to show...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1366258543.jpg

Ok thanks! I saw that picture in the PET but the "H4" in the lens threw me off.

So is the trim ring just held on by pressure? I changed my sugar scoops to H4's a little bit ago and bought the black ones since I figured I'd paint them eventually.

mine have a barrel screw that holds the chrome rim on place as well as the light itself. the barrel screw has a threaded opening for a smaller screw to attach the trim ring if used.

Ah, I noticed the threads on the head of the barrel but there's no secondary screw listed on the PET image.

as pricey as the h1s are, a person feels as if they need to be more securely attached to the fender.. one screw and one electrical detachment and there goes big bucks!

What is the going rate for these? I know it depends on condition, when were they last sold new?

I would be interested to know if the letter/numbers are raised or flush on the outter lens and if raised what the number is at the bottom.

Joe

Check this post
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/735481-help-removing-headlights-2.html

those are likely not H1's - hard to search so use the term "H-1" or use a Google site search for more info

Apparently, they are - I took the screw at 6 o'clock off and the covers came off easily. Chrome ring underneath looks like new - and improves the look of the car in my opinion.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1366309965.jpg

The lenses have flush lettering, not raised, and are #1 305 614 010

I'm selling 3 different condition grades now:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/745318-fs-h1s.html

Out of curiosity...
 

Why are the H1's perceived by some as 'better'? Is it only for the sake of originality on a concourse car?

the separate reflector & bulb allows exact positioning for throwing light far down the road - they are not as good as today's Litronics, etc. but are better than H-4's and far better than the US Code lights during the "Square Era"

looks like a PO added that trim ring - congrats on finding that you have $1,500 headlights

EDIT - slow with my reply. Luckily it doesn't contradict Randy!!


There is less of a compromise inherent in any headlight design that uses two separate bulbs for high and low the filaments are sharing space in the buln - and when you see how these work it's pretty neat. The high and low positions are independent, too - hence the 4 adjusting screws. H1 130W bulbs are available too..... I've got some left over from my 323GTX days....

I'll be taking them out of the car to inspect/clean at some point so plan to take some good pictures (less snow!) so there's more information available.

I have to admit they are pretty cool - funny that they came on my lowly SC.... I might just keep them!

what is the difference (and the associated importance) between the raised letter h1 lenses and the non-raised?

Raised numbers/letters indicates an earlier lens correct for early cars.

Joe

Would someone please define "early" for me? Are we talking short wheelbase longhoods from 1965 to 1968, long wheelbase long hoods from 1969 to 1973, 1974 to 1977 911S, or 911SC to 1983, or even the Carrera models? Thanks. I guess if you have a brand new 911, even a 996 is an early car.