My headlights only will fit R2 headlamp bulbs which I can only get on Amazon. Does the H4 headlight units just go straight in instead?

yeah easiest way is to grab some h4 lamps , will be marked "H4" on the glass

although a good spares should have conversion bulbs ...so olde bases with the h4 bulb on it

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/831/p45t-h4-halogen-bulb

think its these that convert em ....but id still look for the proper lamps

As above, if you can get the later h4 housings then swapping bulbs etc is so much easier. For instance if you were stuck somewhere and needed a new bulb you can pick one up from anywhere. Add to that the fact the later housing are designed for the h4 bulbs so output will be a lot better (not that there is much difference in design of the two bulbs) with a much cleaner cut off.

The old wiring is also no doubt not great so as alsways it's recommended to use a relay wiring harness with the new lights.

I have been using these bulbs for over 6 months now with an updated harness in my mk2f and I highly recommend them. Sure, they are "higher wattage" and that has a has of technicalities to follow but if they are aligned correctly like mine then you will never have any issues and honestly it makes the car a pleasure to drive at night especially on main beam - literally turns the night into day. I have used hid's in the past and even the new led crap and these piss all over them

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H4-All-Weather-Bulb-German-quality-bulbs-pair-high-power-/231810304600

Thanks for all your suggestions. I will keep a look out for some H4 housings which will make life easier. The link to Vehicle Wiring Products gives me another place to get the R2 lamps if I need them. Dixy, I have already got the upgraded wiring from Rayners which I am looking forward to fitting.

wonder why they fitted those ye olde bulbs ...was the halogen a paid upgrade?

That's a good point, for an 89 they would surely have had halogen bulbs?

Could have easily been swapped perhaps one was damaged and they swapped the pair, who knows the 90's was a strange time :)

As for the wiring harness, it's probably one of the best upgrades you can do to the car. Lows and fast are fun but if you can't see shit it's going to end a lot sooner then you think.

dunno my 88 had the ye olde ones

When I first got the car it had the R2 globular incandescent bulbs which were even more hopeless than the halogen R2. Does the upgrade wiring go down the nearside wing or the offside because it looks to me the existing main feed for the headlights goes down the nearside. To get the direct feed from the battery it must run down the offside as the instructions say. Obviously I'm confused. Those of you who bought Raynes upgraded wiring could you please offer advice.

Regards

Phil

I’m confusing myself here….

Doesn’t the R2 bulb have the P45t base?

If it does then why can’t the (halogen) H4 with the p45t base be fitted as a direct replacement?

My 1990 uses the P45t bases for its head light bulbs.

Is this thread saying there are also head light units available that take the (more modern/common - tri-wing) P43t base?

I use the ‘nightbreaker’ style bulbs in my other vehicles but after about 6 months of use – they are far too dull and have to be replaced. I’ve yet to find anything nicer than plain halogen H4 in the p45t base and would be interested if anyone else has?

Edited 15 February, 201610 yr by kbs

so theres 2 types of headlight avail for the mk2 round lamp car

ye olde non halogen -but halogen bulbs with the olde base are avail as per the link

and ones marked H4 on the glass that take normal h4 bulbs...seems random what was fitted to what , so check it says h4 on the glass

OK - now also looking for MK2 round headlights that take the later (P43t) H4 bulb.

The chrome in mine is rather dull and some one else’s registration is etched into one.

I bought a pack of ten branded halogen bulbs a couple of years ago and still have eight - so could I rechrome the old units if the price of the newer type is silly?

Edited 15 February, 201610 yr by kbs

typicly get new in the box vw /hella ones for about £25 posted if you keep looking ,or £20 ish a pair for used