I've been getting way to deep into headlamp replacement...

Struck a deer a while back and am getting the car sorted out. I just noticed that one of the headlamps was replaced with a different brand. Works just fine but the difference from side to side bothers me.

Looking up alternatives I see that both Cibie and Hella offer 'conversion kits' using H4 halogen bulbs. Sounds good to me but I notice that per my wiring diagram (Volvo original, Green Service Manual), the low/high beam combination is 40W/45W. It appears that the H4 Halogens are 60W/65W.

Any suggestions? Will the higher wattage bulbs draw too much power through my ancient wiring / relay / switches? Are there lower wattage Halogens available?

I really do like the look of the Cibies or Hellas and would prefer to go that route if possible.

Thank you.
KaiS - 1967 12V P210.

I have a 65 544 that I converted to light units from octanelighting.com They have H4 bulbs and LED halo lights around the perimeter. They use the standard 3 prong plug for the headlights. I didn't change any wiring or switches with no problems. I ran a new wire from the fuse block for the LED halo lights which draw very little current and come on with the ignition switch. They make great daytime running lights.
If you haven't already, you should consider changing to an alternator. Easy to do and keeps the battery happy. Tom

Which lights from octane did you order?
When I try to select my vehicle, it only shows up to 1962 for 544.
Thanks,
Steve

The purpose of replacing your regular lamps with Halogen is to get more light, hence the higher Watt rating. In Europe most cars are converted already without any bad sideeffects on switches or relays. If you are unsure about the conditions of yours, you can convert the Systems with additional relays. Ron Kwas has an excellent site with all these modifications.
Good luck Michael

Michael;

(Not considering H4 now), but the beauty of the simple/inexpensive replacement halogen technology is that you don't even need to put in more more Wattage to get more light, and the light is whiter...not to mention the theoretically longer life coming from the Halogen incandescent process.

H4 does take a bit more power (which actual experience has shown is still well within the capabilities of the original harness and components), but that then gives another (significant) step in improvement...

Thanks as always for the reference and kind words!

Cheers