headlight issues

A couple of basic headline questions from a very basic Mk1 clipper Owner

1) I've managed to get a hole in the drivers side spot (inner) headlight. Must have hit a chipping at speed. or someone took a shot at me with a sniper rifle. Either way I need new glass (I guess a windscreen repair kit could give a temp fix but i fear it is false economy as not a long-term solution- I currently have a patch of helicopter tape over it). I was trying to hunt down a replacement. Any suggestions on cheapest option?

2) The main headlights (ie the ones that are on when not on full beam and are used most of the time) are weedy and are pretty useless in the dark, which for headlights is somewhat silly as I tend to use them most when it is dark. Is the solution just to switch to better bulbs or should I also look to rewire inside? One side is brighter than the other.

If anyone is able to point me in the right direction, I would much appreciate it.  

The 90/140W lamp upgrade is very good. Ignore the inner units, I doubt they will add much to the overall effect.  It's more likely that your headlight is rusting and this is why it's less bright.  You need to use a relay (or two) for the larger lamps or you'll melt the switch and/or the wiper stalk.
But you may be looking at a headlight replacement at some point too.  
You can make your own upgraded loom or buy one from Ebay.  
It's an MOT fail, but I've never had a car noticed by the inspector, yet.

theres often good second hand units on this forum and others as well as ebay , upgrade loom , and piaa bulbs

As above, ebay or on here for replacement lights.

The upgrade wiring looms that're available are excellent - I got an ebay one years ago, (it's even moved cars!) and except for needing longer wires to the battery it's been fantastic - massive difference even with standard bulbs.

Osram Nightbreakers (or similar) are well worth the money - again, there're usually ebay deals to be had on them.

If 1 is brighter than the other with identical bulbs, then clean connections to bulbs etc, and  clean the headlight units themselves inside.

Post about cleaning headlights here:
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=mk1-golf-chat_2%2Fcleaning-the-inside-of_2&redirected=1#post_1257018

many thanks for all the advice.

Are new looms easy enough to fit? Do they just clip in and out of the existing fittings or do they also require additional connection to battery?

Additional connection to the battery, and require the existing plugs (for the bulbs) to be chopped off.

They use the existing circuit for switching through a relay, then take the new feed from the battery to power the lights.

It's 20 mins job to fit one if you're confident and use crimps, and an hour if you're not confident or solder/heatshrink.

cheers - I'll pencil in a day for this then…

fonzooorooo said

It's 20 mins job to fit one if you're confident and use crimps, and an hour if you're not confident or solder/heatshrink.