Can someone give me a fog light opinion?

dd74 · 08-06-2002, 09:24 AM

I have Hella period fog lights (rectangular, mount under the bumper), that have never worked. I haven't gotten around to re-wiring/futzing around with them, but plan to do so soon. However, in the event these lights don't work, I was wondering what would be a good replacement; Hellas or PIAAs, which I don't know as much about. What experience do you guys have with PIAAs? I've had Hellas before and also Cibies, which I liked very much at the time. I'm sort of in the dark about this...

Thank you.

Early_S_Man · 08-06-2002, 12:20 PM

I can't imagine what would have befallen a set of Hella's that couldn't be remedied! More than likely ... all they need is a new set of H3 bulbs and a bit of cleaning.

They are almost worth their weight in gold these days ... so it might be better to sell them off and get later replacements!

dd74 · 08-06-2002, 01:52 PM

I'll looks into the H3 bulbs.

MIK911 · 08-06-2002, 04:18 PM

I think that performance wise, the new PIAA's are better: brighter, whiter, bluer (if that's the hue that you like). The technology available now in the PIAA's outperform the old school fog lights.

On the other hand, for a more "period correct" look, the Hella's or even some older model Cibies would 'look' more correct on an older car. Even a rectangular Bosch fog light would look 'right'. You didn't mention your car's model/yr.

If you want a 'period correct' look, but want more performance, perhaps a 100W bulb instead of the 55W bulb in a Hella/Cibie/Bosch would suffice.

OR.....a PIAA SuperWhite BULB in an older Hella housing. That way, you get a higher performance, whiter looking (almost HID look) light in a older housing.

Anyway, just my thoughts.
Mike
'86 coupe with stock foglights, stock H3 55W halogen bulbs, H1 headlights with aftermarket H1 bulbs which burn "whiter" (not blue).

dd74 · 08-06-2002, 05:39 PM

Thanks for the information, Mike. I'm probably going to take S-man's advice and stick with what I have, or if I replace them, replacing them with a light that resembles the foglights. I do like their overall look. While on the subject, my headlights are standard USA-style. Someone told me these standard USA-style lights can be modified with higher output bulbs, though I thought they were "sealed beams," which would make them pretty much beyond any modifications. I'm debating replacing these lights with either euro (Hella) seven inchers or going with H4 assemblies. Regardless, my main wonder is whether or not the standard lights can be modified.

Does anyone know?

Thanks.