Will 7" H4 headlight fit a /5 headlight bucket? - Page 2

Bill Harris · 01-02-2013, 07:48 AM

Yeah, that's why I said "non-milspec" and was planning a followup if anyone asked. I didn't see the "better", glass, $400 version listed at Han's website, so it's either NLA, or the cheepest part of the motorcycle didn't want to plunk down Four Bills.

Is there a source for the glass H4 conversion?

--Bill

bmwhacker · 01-02-2013, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbm

Right! That's exactly what I told the Napa Canada rep when he asked the question over the phone last week. He basically blew me off with "We don't have anything you're looking for. Sorry." Kind of rude and perfunctory, and not at all helpful.
Yes, Crappy Tire wasn't any help either, but that's expected from them.

The references to VW and Datsun models will really help me in the right direction. That's information I was missing. Thanks hugely. BTW, in reference to the Bosch unit -- would that be part number 301 600 118? I've seen many online vendors offering this headlight.

Although going with OEM parts is the best route, I want to keep the price point under $100 if possible; I've seen the recommended upgrade parts on Bench Mark Works approaching $200. That's a bit pricey for this build.

Typical present day parts punks....When I'm looking for a part that I know won't match their books, when asked "what's it for?" I say, "it doesn't matter"....that really gets them going. The typical parts guys these days only (somewhat) know "the book".....if it ain't in "the book" then it doesn't exist....,

Renner · 01-02-2013, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Harris

There are H4 conversions for /5 headlight buckets available. Hans Lowe carries them:
07 63 R kit 012 headlight H4 conversion kit 12V / 5 $ 115.00
Probably not mil-spec, but it's available.
--Bill

I wanted modern lighting, didn't want to pay a lot or wait for an R65/R80ST headlamp assembly to turn up, or whatever.
Bought the kit, plastic reflector shell and all.
My only regret is the lens: so crystal clear that it looks out of place on my tatty toaster.

when it really begins to annoy me, then I'll go back to the original assembly.

Bill Harris · 01-02-2013, 04:15 PM

Back in the day, "plastic lens and reflector" was EEWWWW. But nowadays, most headlights (the fitted, sleek "aerodynamic" ones) are plastic, lenses and reflectors. Technology has gotten better. Old school sez pyrex lens and metak reflector, but times are a-changin'...

--Bill

DaveBall · 01-02-2013, 06:56 PM

The Bosch unit appears to fit fine. The glass lens may be "old school" compared to the new fangled plastic ones, but I have yet to see a glass lens get the frosted foggy look that the plastic ones do. Plus, the beam pattern of the glass lens seems to be a lot better controlled. I have polished and re-coated lots of the plastic lenses used on cars and vans. They just don't stand up.

And if you are like me and use higher powered H4 bulbs, and ride at night a lot, the glass lens will not melt. I have seen a few of the plastic lenses distort due to the excess heat of running the 80/100 watt bulbs.

Schlivitz · 01-04-2013, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmweuro

You are correct. 79-84 R65 and 83-84 R80ST however they are about $500 last time I looked.

Holy Shit BatMan! I'm gonna go out and run my kids away from my crusty old motorcycle right now!

rbm · 01-05-2013, 09:31 PM

As promised, I'm updating this thread with my experience so far.

Based on the great information I received, I contacted my local Part Source store (this is a Canadian aftermarket automotive supplier chain, part of the Canadian Tire brand) and asked about 7" round headlights for a 1972 Datsun 1200. They came up with a Hella Vision Plus 176mm HB2 Conversion Headlamp (part number 1A6 002 395 301 ). I ordered this light and received it yesterday. It fits the headlight bucket perfectly for diameter, however there is a 5mm gap between the back of the reflector and the shell. I will have to find a gasket material to fill that gap to provide pressure to stop the lamp from flopping about. The unit has a flat solid glass lens with very clear beam focus. It appears to take a standard H4 halogen bulb however it is supplied with a HB2 bulb for D.O.T. purposes. It is a very good replacement for the Slash 5 lens/reflector assembly. The only drawback to using this part is that it does not have a small bulb that can be used for a parking light. I will have to think about how I will solve that problem. I can post some pictures later when I have figured out the means I will use to secure the headlight assembly in the bucket.

Thanks very much to everyone who helped me.

victor441 · 01-05-2013, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbm

As promised, I'm updating this thread with my experience so far.

Based on the great information I received, I contacted my local Part Source store (this is a Canadian aftermarket automotive supplier chain, part of the Canadian Tire brand) and asked about 7" round headlights for a 1972 Datsun 1200. They came up with a Hella Vision Plus 176mm HB2 Conversion Headlamp (part number 1A6 002 395 301 ). I ordered this light and received it yesterday. It fits the headlight bucket perfectly for diameter, however there is a 5mm gap between the back of the reflector and the shell. I will have to find a gasket material to fill that gap to provide pressure to stop the lamp from flopping about. The unit has a flat solid glass lens with very clear beam focus. It appears to take a standard H4 halogen bulb however it is supplied with a HB2 bulb for D.O.T. purposes. It is a very good replacement for the Slash 5 lens/reflector assembly. The only drawback to using this part is that it does not have a small bulb that can be used for a parking light. I will have to think about how I will solve that problem. I can post some pictures later when I have figured out the means I will use to secure the headlight assembly in the bucket.

Thanks very much to everyone who helped me.

hmm, so headlight spring clips won't work?? that is how the lens is secured on many bikes. Have heard that there are 7" H4 reflectors that do have parking bulbs, many use them on British bikes, the original Lucas items had parking bulbs too...

rbm · 01-06-2013, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by victor441

hmm, so headlight spring clips won't work??]

Yes, they will.

DaveBall · 01-06-2013, 09:00 AM

The parking bulb is a nice to have, but most people never bother using them as if left while parked, they will drain the battery. But, if you are determined to have one, keep an eye out for the original headlight for a VW bug from between 1950-1965, or there abouts. Most had the parking bulb socket in them back then. The originals took a 6 volt Tungsten bulb as the Quartz Halogen was not available then. But, they were often retrofited with 12 volt H4 bulbs as people converted the original Bugs to 12 volt.

Damn, I am really showing my age, with all this old stuff, from my ill spent youth, hopping up little cars (tuner cars?)way before it became cool.

01-02-2013, 07:48 AM	#16
Bill Harris Confirmed Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2008 Location: backwoods Alabama Oddometer: 3,846	Yeah, that's why I said "non-milspec" and was planning a followup if anyone asked. I didn't see the "better", glass, $400 version listed at Han's website, so it's either NLA, or the cheepest part of the motorcycle didn't want to plunk down Four Bills. Is there a source for the glass H4 conversion? --Bill __________________ '73 R60/5 Toaster

01-02-2013, 04:15 PM	#19
Bill Harris Confirmed Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2008 Location: backwoods Alabama Oddometer: 3,846	Back in the day, "plastic lens and reflector" was EEWWWW. But nowadays, most headlights (the fitted, sleek "aerodynamic" ones) are plastic, lenses and reflectors. Technology has gotten better. Old school sez pyrex lens and metak reflector, but times are a-changin'... --Bill __________________ '73 R60/5 Toaster

01-05-2013, 09:31 PM	#22
rbm ^OP Adventurer Joined: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto, CANADA Oddometer: 31	As promised, I'm updating this thread with my experience so far. Based on the great information I received, I contacted my local Part Source store (this is a Canadian aftermarket automotive supplier chain, part of the Canadian Tire brand) and asked about 7" round headlights for a 1972 Datsun 1200. They came up with a Hella Vision Plus 176mm HB2 Conversion Headlamp (part number 1A6 002 395 301 ). I ordered this light and received it yesterday. It fits the headlight bucket perfectly for diameter, however there is a 5mm gap between the back of the reflector and the shell. I will have to find a gasket material to fill that gap to provide pressure to stop the lamp from flopping about. The unit has a flat solid glass lens with very clear beam focus. It appears to take a standard H4 halogen bulb however it is supplied with a HB2 bulb for D.O.T. purposes. It is a very good replacement for the Slash 5 lens/reflector assembly. The only drawback to using this part is that it does not have a small bulb that can be used for a parking light. I will have to think about how I will solve that problem. I can post some pictures later when I have figured out the means I will use to secure the headlight assembly in the bucket. Thanks very much to everyone who helped me. __________________ - Robert

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01-02-2013, 06:56 PM	#20
DaveBall Studly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Vancouver Island Oddometer: 918	The Bosch unit appears to fit fine. The glass lens may be "old school" compared to the new fangled plastic ones, but I have yet to see a glass lens get the frosted foggy look that the plastic ones do. Plus, the beam pattern of the glass lens seems to be a lot better controlled. I have polished and re-coated lots of the plastic lenses used on cars and vans. They just don't stand up. And if you are like me and use higher powered H4 bulbs, and ride at night a lot, the glass lens will not melt. I have seen a few of the plastic lenses distort due to the excess heat of running the 80/100 watt bulbs.

01-06-2013, 09:00 AM	#25
DaveBall Studly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Vancouver Island Oddometer: 918	The parking bulb is a nice to have, but most people never bother using them as if left while parked, they will drain the battery. But, if you are determined to have one, keep an eye out for the original headlight for a VW bug from between 1950-1965, or there abouts. Most had the parking bulb socket in them back then. The originals took a 6 volt Tungsten bulb as the Quartz Halogen was not available then. But, they were often retrofited with 12 volt H4 bulbs as people converted the original Bugs to 12 volt. Damn, I am really showing my age, with all this old stuff, from my ill spent youth, hopping up little cars (tuner cars?)way before it became cool.