My 82 model has one broken and the other one looks like this. Not concerned about keeping it original but just want to know what options I have

 

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/cimg/www.ren...ight-65661.jpg

 

The picture you share has a Euro H4 8" assembly. You can buy them from our regular suppliers, but they can be a little precious. Roger at 928SRUS has been working on an acrylic H4 replacement lens that's a lot more shatter-resistant. May be a better option if only the lens is damaged on the other lamp. Call him for $ and availability.


US cars are fitted with an adapter for a relatively standard 7" sealed beam bulb, a common item at any parts store. It does look a little less elegant, as it has a chrome ring around it to make up the size difference. It's a giant step backwards for light quality and a somewhat smaller step back on appearance. You can pretty easily find used US adapters from 928 International. The electrical plug for the bulb is identical. Know that there are some 7" aftermarket LED lamps that fit in those adapters, so you aren't doomed to driving by the orange candle-light that US sealed beams emit.

 

I used these adapters to put some US S4 headlights on my car. I had to switch some of the wires around, but it was super easy to do. Just need a little watch screwdriver to pop the tangs out. http://www.ebay.com/itm/WIRE-HALOGEN...item1ea08afb2b

 

The lights you show are not stock for a USA car - but they are the standard headlamps for a ROW car - and are the best lens type you can get for your car.

Do as Dr Bob says for the best outcomes. The USA S4+ (H5) lamps do look ~the same but are nowhere near as good replacement costs new are ~equiv to the H4's you have - so don't do that.

Get a new 8" H4 or get a new lens from Roger to repair the one you have.

While 7" H4's lamps are available they don't look as good as any 8" lamps. Functionally they do perform better than 8" H5 lights (installed on S4+ USA cars), but not as good as your 8" H4 lights.

The 7" sealed beam units installed on most 1977-1986 cars are really quite crap.

Alan

 

Not to hijack this thread, but I have these exact same lights (8" H4 ROW) on my USA '83 and have been running them for many years, but have been thinking about upgrading to LED. Is there a plug and play solution ready for prime time that will fit right in and not require any brainpower on my part? Ideally with the same connector? Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere.
Cheers,
Rick

 

Hey Danny -- I just realized we joined Rennlist about the same time and you have even FEWER posts than I do!! :-P

 

See this thread:
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...eferrerid=6055

Alan

 

I didn't realize just the lens could be replaced. Also, the reflector on the broken one is rusted so I'd need to be replace the whole unit. But sounds like the best option is to replace with what I've got.

 

Yes - get a single good used (hard to find) or a single new replacement, they are easily available - just expensive ~$380 each (IIRC).

Alan

 

The 7" sealed beams on my '84 I am sure are nowhere as good as the H4s. However I just came back from a trip in BC where the wildfires blanked out all star and moonlight. I found my headlights more than adequate on the unlit country roads up there. Not the best headlights compared to modern cars but far from crap.

 

Are you sure you have actually have sealed beam units Vs 7" H4's? (if you can replace the bulbs separate from the lenses you don't.)

Actual sealed beams really are quite crap IMO compared to any other 928 lamp. Few people argue with this POV.

Remember that the car was initially designed for 8" H4's with really very nice Bosch optics for those days. Then the DOT got involved and screwed everything up in the USA (one of many times they have done this). They mandated that the great Euro lenses be removed and replaced with smaller 7" and much crappier lenses that couldn't even come close to projecting a flat cut-off.

You'd be truly surprised how much better lighting on a 928 could be.

Alan

 

Getting a bit off topic, but up in the boonies, when it's really dark and there isn't any other traffic, even "super crappy" lights seem to be ok. The driver's night vision doesn't get wrecked by oncoming headlights, and the total darkness makes even the poorest light seem adequate.

As a comparison, try shining a flashlight down into your engine bay during daylight, then use the exact same light in total darkness. You will be able to see much better at night for the same reasons.

 

Yes - if all you need to do is throw light in pitch darkness and you can use high beams because of limited traffic - the light may seem to be much more adequate.

But in busier circumstances getting decent light on the road but not into oncoming motorist's eyes is more challenging. 8" H4's project more light (further) and control the cutoff very tightly. With electric aim adjusters you can further manage this very carefully. This was what the car was designed for - but we only get a very poor substitute in the USA.

Furthermore H4 lamp optics can support far brighter bulbs without any major downsides for others (the cutoff is that crisp) - allowing even better illumination.

Alan