|
|
|
 I would like to know anything that any of you think is important to know about the above headlights.
I am considering attempting a swap of the post-'86 US plastic headlights with the dual rounds used in some cars from 1978 to 1980. I've heard that the dual rounds are very good at putting light on the road, and though the E-codes would be the easiest and possibly best swap for my car, they're expensive. I might be able to get a really good deal on some dual rounds.
So, I want to know how those of you driving a 240 with the dual round headlights like them. How do they hold up to rocks and road debris? Is it hard to find parts if something breaks? Do they use readily-available bulbs? How does the wiring for these lights differ from the single-bulb system in the later cars?
Most importantly, will they fit in a post-'86 car with its grille? I've got a nice 740T Eggcrate grille, which is the same size as the normal 240 grilles, I'd like to keep in my car. However, the pictures of the earlier cars seem to show a grille that is narrower and taller than the later grilles. The height wouldn't matter as I'm not changing the hood, but if the later grilles are too wide, then I wouldn't be able to fit the mounting parts for the lights next to the grille without something getting cut. If that's the case, then I will have to pass up on this project. Does anyone know if the width varies between the two styles of grilles?
What about the dimensions of the bulb holders themselves? I first conceived of this conversion when I noticed that the dual round lights seem to occupy the same rectangular space as the plastic headlights, but so far my measurements are done by sight using pictures I've found online. Does anyone out there who has both sets know if they're the same or similar enough in size that this conversion will require minimal cosmetic modification?
If I go ahead with this project, I'll definitely keep the board updated as it progresses. Thanks in advance for your help!
--
'89 244 GL -- 106,609 miles (see profile for info on car)
|
|
-
|
|
|
US 1986-1993 240 shared headlamps with some Volvo trucks. There is a kit from Volvo truck dealers to convert to round sealed beams or ECE lamps that fit where round sealed beams fit. Unfortunately, the kit is quite expensive.
|
|
-
|
|
Just my opinion but don't do it. I know safety is more important than looks and you want to increase your forward visibility. But please don't do this to your car.
You have created a very nice look with the amber lenses and egg crate grille. Why mess it up with those hideous lamps? If it is possible to make this sort of switch (and it sounds as if it's not) at least consider using the four rectangular lamps.
I would encourage you to upgrade/improve your existing lamps. If you can't afford E-code lamps get some of that stuff that clears up the plastic lenses and add relays ala Daniel Stern lighting or the IPD kit.
--
'80 DL 2 dr
|
|
-
|
|
I have to agree with Bulletproof on this one, you've got a nice looking front, don't mess with it. If you really want more light on a rural road at night, just clip a pair of Hellas to the bumper until you can source some E-codes. And if you really want to look like a redneck, bolt 4 6" spotties to your roofracks. (local laws may vary on that one, you can put as many lights as you like on a car here, as long as they're wired to the Highbeam relay so you can dip them).
--
Drive it like you hate it
|
|
-
|
|
|
Yancey,
In the rounds of doing my conversion, I was more tempted to use the dual rounds off a BMW than the Volvo simply for the matter of spacing. The Volvo setup is as wide as the dual rectangles.
-- Kane
--
Blossom II -'91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles -'74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup -'86 245GL/AW70
The Wayback Machine -'64 P220/M40 ... The ParaBox -'90 745GL/AW70
|
|
-
|
|
|
Will the dual rounds fit in the later car, with the later (wider?) grille and different hood? If there's some space, I still might be inclined to give things a shot. I've got your conversion bookmarked, and I see that you dealt with the surrounding open space fairly satisfactory. If the lights will physically fit in the front end of my car, ideally with their mounting parts, then I might be willing to work with it a little bit.
--
'89 244 GL -- 106,XXX miles (see profile for info on car)
|
|
-
|
|
|
When I put the dual rectangles in my car, I had to remove the chrome trim on my '86 240's grill. Then it fit, but it's close. It won't be a straight "bolt on" project for sure. For me, it required drilling holes to mount the light bracket to, which was relatively easy. I then used steel L brackets for the corner lamps, which works well. The toughest part is making lighting surrounds that look good. The original ones will NOT fit. Clearances are different, and once you've mounted the lights there's no way that the original surrounds will fit. I made some out of sheet aluminum and painted them black, which is ok for me, but perfectionists would not like it. I would say to you this: if you want it to look pretty, don't do it. If you want it to look decent and put a lot of time in to it, go for it. If you don't want to put time into it, don't bother. It is a considerable project. The light output you get, however, is many times better. good luck,
Nate Gundy
--
'86 240DL sedan, 260K miles, M46, K cam, 25/23mm sways, 260 front and wagon rear springs; http://valvespringcompressor.weblogs.us/
|
|
-
|
|
|
I was going to replace my single 89 lights with the dual lights out of my 82 parts car but was told by several people here that it would not be an easy task if possible at all.. The height between the fender mounting is not the same between the earlier and later models.. If you look closely at the pics of the two earlier and late models you can tell..I measured my 89 and my 82 and they are a lot different..The grill is not the problem but the fender and hood clearances are.. Good luck if you succeed let me know please..By the way the duals are a lot brighter and can be made even brighter by using after market replacement shells that use different wattage bulbs instead of sealed beam lights,,Max
--
Max..1989 244 DL 5 Spd., Bilstein HD, Turbo Swaybars, Poly Bushings all round, Turbo Wheels, Black leather interior, Electric mirrors, LED dash and gauge lights.
|
|
-
|
|
|
won't fit. The doors are wider on the early car and the grille is narrower.
you can change the hood, front fenders and radiator support, but the cowl won't line up.
--
'73 142, '75 242, '75 245, '80 245, '83 244, '86 244, '87 745T, 92 244 (for sale)
|
|
-
|
|
I can answer some of the less technical stuff. I have a '92 240 as well as my 1980. I like the look of the dual rounds so much better. The headlamps seem very strong, I have very seldom had to replace one over the twenty four years I have owned the car. The lamps were inexpensive, easily available at a local auto parts store, and quick and easy for me to install. I picked up some Cibie headlight upgrades from IPD a fewmonths ago, have not put them in yet. Surprised that they had them since they only "officially" carry the single round ones.
|
|
|
|
|
