Indiana Jones

Slightly misleading title...forgive me.

I am listening to r911 and others on addressing my sugar scoop old candle headlights on my 1970 911.

Headlights are up on the list of things to order today, I've been reading about H1's vs H4s, and there is no clear consensus as to which is better.

Also wondering the thoughts on the LEDs with the chrome ring and fluted glass (to look more original)? I've stumbled on a few different iterations of new/retro headlights from Audette, 9eleven, to Flat6 Illumination. I am sure they are great with lighting, but fear they may look out of place.

What to do and where to order from?!

Thanks
Richard

r911

the cheapest thing to do is H4s & you could use those while thinking further (or waiting for technology to evolve more) then sell

you already know my other opinions on this ;} but I'll add that I've used H4s and H1s when I had 2 911s at the same time - the H1s can be adjusted to be superior

don't forget relays and good bulbs (see Daniel Stern's website)

r911

oh yeh - buy some new headlight seals

Spyerx

i don't really like the LED options but he Audette are probably the best looking for older cars (ie fluted lenses).

H4 vs H1, H1 has 2 different bulbs and may have (I don't have them) a better pattern. I have H4 (newer production) in my 71 and the headlights are quite good. I have the driving lights wired to the high beams and it's crazy bright.

Like R911 said, a set of the newer production H4s are fine, you can put a high wattage bulb, I think I have i dunno, an 80w hella???, but you need to wire a relay in. you MUST do this if you don't already have relays for your headlights. This keeps the current from flowing through the switch.

I used a jwest kit (you can get them on Pelican or direct), but if you know how to wire relays it's not hard to build your own, butt you'll probably spend about same in parts. Also best to put a fuse on the positive to the battery. Your car will still be protected from the fuse block to the headlights with the fuse block fuse.

Does your car still use the bullet fuses (or replaced with blade style)? if so, you'll want to go grab a set of CERAMIC new fuses, you can find german ones on eBay (not plastic!!!), and replace all your fuses with new, clean the contacts, ensure good tension.

And yeah, the headlight seals are cheap. Just be careful installing them, the whole headlight just bolts in with 1 bolt and the lip on top, it can be a PITA to seat and line up

I just looked at Pelican
Porsche versions you can find H4 for $320 each (sunset porsche, I suspect this is porsche classic and same as the automotive lighting which is the 'new' bosch), you'll need a few smaller bits likely like the screw at the bottom
There is a set of H1 reproductions sold but Auto Foreign Service. I have a few of his parts and they are GOOD. The driving lights and horn grills are fantastic. Perfect reproductions of the originals. https://www.autoforeignservices.com Pelican may be cheaper for a pair of these

Here's a sugar scoop vs. h4 on my car (sugar scoop pic is in 2012 or so when previous owner found the car and did the refurbish on it):

Ralph3.

Quite the transformation.

cobalt

I have several sets of H4's and H1's. Hands down the H1's are superior. With a relay you can pump some serious light through them. The ability to adjust your high beam independently from the low is huge. You can set the low beams conservatively for around town and adjust the high beam for maximum light down the road. With two bulbs and two reflectors you can chose a wide variety of settings vs a compromise with the H4's and have the ability to go as high as 100 watt bulbs with H1's. I prefer the sylvania Silverstar bulbs


BTW the LED's are the best and I have seen the flat6 with the stock H4 fluted lens and they are hard to tell they are LED.

https://flat6-illumination.myshopify...31473598398567​​​​​​

creaturecat

the H 4 is fine. they work great.
use relays. and suitable bulbs.
get bosch lenses, if possible - might as well have the proper look.

mdkrp

I have the RennLine LED replacements with the fluted glass; so far pretty good and I don't think they look too weird. LED output is very nice and a significant upgrade from stock.
Here are some pics to see how they look on my car.



RennLine LED headlamps

RennLine LED headlamps

RennLine LED headlamps

r911

somebody should make LED headlights that look like the old Cibie Biodes - those were the coolest looking headlights IMO

cairo94507

I would go LEDs all the way. They draw a fraction of the amperage through the old wiring and provide much brighter, better lighting. I went with the GE Nighthawk LEDs in my 914-6. But in a 911 I would not use that particular model as it is obviously not stock when you see it. On my Six the headlights will be down 99% of the time so not an issue. And when they are up it will be dark out so not an issue then either.

creaturecat

the headlights drawing more amperage won't be a problem - providing you use relays to avoid switch burn out.
i've never ran out of juice - been using the H4 set ups. for 18 years. : )

r911

LEDs allow you to light up your camp while putting up a tent at night w/o running the motor...

Indiana Jones

I am going with H4s to start...my mechanic had a pair sitting around, so it made sense to go with them. I still have the LEDs on the back of my mind though...

AG81

Old Eyes + Living in the Forrest + Living for work at 5 am = LED Headlights.

euroskip

Hey @mdkrp is this with the chrome reflector or black? Looks pretty good to me!