Ok, I'll jump in, too.
The biggest problem with the pre-WW2 headlamp sytems were
maintenance... something US drivers tend to let slide. In the early 50s the
DOT adopted a standard for "sealed beam" headlamps. No maintenance, throw it
away. A little like modern cars! The rest of the world, however, continued to
develop better headlamp technology. Both in style and in practice, most
European lamps are VASTLY superior to ours!
My wife's daily driver is a 1986 VW Quantum sedan, that originally
had the "four square" halogen sealed beams that became leagl in the mid 70s.
IMHO, these headlamps are UNSAFE! Light capacity is meager, at best. It now
has headlamps and grille from a German VW Santana, that use a standard H4
headlamp bulb, standard to most Euro lights and also to motorcycles both here
and abroad. It seems a motorcyle is allowed to have effective headlights
here, while cars are not! Long story short, if I try to use a state
inspection center, they will fail my car. Depending upon the knowledge of the
inspector! Because as of mid 1986, "aerodynamic" headlights with a
standardized O-ringed bulb became legal. Light output on the legal lights is
better, but still nowhere near the European units.
The states are responsible for enforcement, and most really don't
care too much. Worst case scenario, if you keep your old headlights in the
garage, change them back before inspection, then put the good ones in again!
My 66 Alpine has US legal round halogens, been in for 10 years with no wiring
problems. I do, however, plan to experiment with "cut-off" style European
round lamps for my Magnette and for my Alpine as time and funds permit....
the lamps on my wife's Quantum have spoiled me! Light output is AMAZING, and
almost NO glare to oncoming traffic when adjusted correctly.
Sorry for being long-winded, senseless US car regulations just P*SS me off!
Why CAN'T I buy a new mini? Or a TVR S? Or a Lada , for G*d's sake, if I want
to? But don't let me start on THAT one! Just my 2P worth!
Jon Arzt Rootes2@aol.com
66 Sunbeam Alpine (daily driver)
58 MG Magnette
67 Sunbeam camper
maybe a new project?
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