Karmann Ghia headlights problem

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Cogita
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Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by Cogita »

Hi guys

Im sitting with a bit of a problem

When I got my Ghia it had one proper looking Karmann Ghia headlight and one flat one (golf maybe).

I recently got hold of 2 headlights which ressemble Karmann Ghia headlights, even came with the original chrome headlight trim. One says Lucas on the lense.

Problems:
-They are both sealed beam headlights and shine very dim, so I cant replace the bulbs.
-Im worried that they might be 6v and might blow.

Any ideas?

Roscoe


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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by Cogita »

Here is a pic of the sealed beam headlights
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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by acpaterson »

Hey Roscoe,

can you not see any print or stamp anywhere relating to their Voltage perhaps?
If you say they're very DIM when you're supplying them 12 Volts, then they can't be 6 Volt I don't think, or it might be their park elements on and the main elements are burnt. They might have already blown when you first switched them on unfortunately.

I'm sure with some careful dremel work they could be modified to allow fitting of a current nrmal headlight bulb, but it would require some careful cutting and grinding to make the hole and supporting clips and springs. I don't see any alternative then at this point of you say they are sealed beam. Or, you'd have to try break the seal around the headlight lense to get into the light to replace the elements, and then re-seal when done.
Good luck, it might be the best way for you to keep using them by doing this Roscoe.

regards

Alan
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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by Cogita »

Thanx so much for your advise Alan. We gonna look at them carefully tonight. We were also thinking about doing work to the back to allow the fitting of normal bulbs and brackets.

Will keep you posted

Regards
Roscoe
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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by acpaterson »

All good buddy,
I'm certainly not an expert, but it's the way I'd tackle the job if the finished result is cosmetically what you're after, and looks the part, the for sure, try to make it work for you.

Good luck, and keep us updated.
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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by hitlers revenge »

My Ghia does not have sealed beams.
Why do we celebrate the guy that invented the wheel??
Surely we must celebrate the guy tat invented the other three
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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by Cogita »

Hi guys

Bad news
hitlers revenge wrote:My Ghia does not have sealed beams.
1) The headlights are in fact, not Ghia headlights (volvo,mini probably)

2) They are perhaps blown as pointed out by my buddy as we tested it, Main elements are burnt.

Are there any other alternative headlights that would work? any places in Cape town that sell aftermarket ones.

Please help

I only have one headlight in at the moment :(

Roscoe
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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by retrovan »

Sourly the Golf 1 semi sealed will work fine there ?????

works on all other VW's

used them on the fastback and they work excellent.

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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by Cogita »

Thanx Herman
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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by John Alves »

I've got golf ones on my Ghia, work fine but glass is flat not curved
No sense being pessimistic. It wouldn't work anyway.

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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by Bratjie »

John Alves wrote:I've got golf ones on my Ghia, work fine but glass is flat not curved
What's it look like with flat lights? Any pic's?
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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by Cogita »

The one on the left(drivers side) was a Golf light, sadly it cracked and when we removed the chrome ring it fell apart. So yes, it did the job.
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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by Cogita »

Hey guys

Decided to take those lights back and got me new lenses and bulbs. They fit perfectly and wow what a difference. When I switch on brights its really BRIGHT lol.

I bought them at Dynamic Motor Spares, Rylands.
Lenses were 92bucks each
Bulbs were 129bucks for the set
Thanx for all your advice.

Regards
Roscoe
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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by acpaterson »

Awesome, looks good, and the car looks great as well.
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Re: Karmann Ghia headlights problem

Post by retrovan »

Cogita wrote:.
.......got me new lenses and bulbs. They fit perfectly and wow what a difference. .......
........."...I can see clearly now the.."......... (sing to tune) :lol:

Great, glade you fixed up.

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