Date:         Tue, 25 Oct 2005 09:23:20 -0500
Reply-To:     rrecardo@WEBTV.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Cardo <rrecardo@WEBTV.NET>
Subject:      Re: 758227.jpg
Comments: To: dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET
In-Reply-To:  Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>'s message of Tue, 25 Oct
              2005 09:34:53 -0400
Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII

<<The factory wiring actually does a very poor job of supporting even
stock lights.>>

Really?


 <<The current flow from the alternator through undersized wiring to the
battery, then to the fuse box, ignition switch, headlight switch, back
to the fuse box for each filament makes for a lot voltage drop.>>

Especially being that the charging system is 18 ft. away from the
primary area of use.
Yea, what a poor design.

<< The bad headlight grounding makes things even worse.>>

That's up to the guy that owns the vehicle to remedy that flaw.
You only get back what you put into it .

<< Typical voltage at the lights can be as low as 10.5 volts with the
hi-beams on. Not good for lighting. >>

Not only not good for the lighting, not good for the guy operating the
vehicle at night.

<<Putting 4 100 watt lamps on that circuit will fry the headlight switch
and ignition switch in short order.>>

What is your definition of short order Dennis?
Week, month, year?

This arrangement has worked well for me, in three vehicles, as well as
quite a few other's for at least 7 year's thus far.
When can I plan on the Y-2K disaster taking place?

 <<<At this point, almost half the alternator capacity is used for
lighting. Add the radiator fan on high speed with the AC or heater fans
in winter and you have some issues here. >>

You forgot the radio, stereo amp, turn signals, dome lights, and
whatever other electrical toys/ necessities that may be on also.

If you alternator/ charging system is on the way out I would have to
agree with you.
But with a up to snuff alternator/ wiring system, you'll have no problem


<<Personally, I do not think 100 watt lamps are a good choice.>>

The 80 /100 selection on the dual beams, and the 100's on the high beams
work well, and for a small investment.

Unless of course to choose to spend $400.00 + for a Euro spec'ed lamp's
from Mr. Marshall with the big wattage bulbs, or better yet, unload your
wallet for a SA grill & lamps that according to you won't work.

I wonder how all them folks got by with the accessories mentioned with
the poor wiring and charging systems in their Vans?

Must be some sort of miracle.