Just recently, I was down delivering some stuff to the local Authorized
VW-Audi Service Center (Oasis VW) here in Redding (Redding doesn't have a
dealership - closest one is in Sacramento 3 hours away) and got into a
discussion with the owner & manager and related the often seen subject on
this list regarding crappy 86-91 Low/High Beams.

They've tried ordering Vanagon E-Code Low/Hi assemblies, but VW won't ship
these to the US through their distribution channels. Liability and Warranty
is the reason because they're not DOT approved, etc. (So what?)

Both own a 86-later Vanagon Wasser themselves and mentioned that they have
had much better luck with a bulb put out by Wagner called Xenon
BriteLite(tm).  Looks just like the 9004 Hi/Low Bulb, but is a "whiter"
light than the standard 9004, but with the same current draw (60/55) as the
standard 9004.  In fact that's all they will sell anymore to their
customers (they are also a factory authorized Porsche Service Center and
works on a ton of BMW and Benzes as well).  They swear that customers are
much happier with their headlights with these.

Has anyone out there in listland tried these bulbs and what are your
opinions?  I can get these from my supplier and offer them for $8.90 each
(as opposed to $5.95 for the regular 9004's).

As a side note, they showed me the latest rage of 9004 bulb that locals
have been buying from them which have a blue tint to them (he calls them
9004 Blues).  They were saying they don't do as well as the standard
9004's, but a lot of local mountain people are buying them because the
tinting does not allow the driver to be blinded by snowflakes in a storm
(in case anyone's been under a rock this past 6 months, we've had lotsa
these).  They also said a lot of kids are buying them for the "kewelness
factor" on their Beemers, Hondas, etc., that use the 9004, but won't
recommend them for regular highway use in fair weather at night.

They had a 87 Canadian Westy in for servicing that day.  The 110VAC
Connector was mounted in a strange place -  much lower down on the side
panel, just above the Propane Tank.  Never seen that before.  I'm not sure
I'd want sparks from 110VAC that close to the Propane Tank.

Although they don't sell cars in their place, they do take orders and have
delivered 5 New Beetles so far and have about 16 other cars on backorder.

Jim Thompson
84 Westy 2.1 * 62 Sedan * 90 Fox Wagon
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