Headlights, yet again...WITH PICTURES 98 V70 99 S70

[800artfreed]

I have just been able to upgrade my headlights in a 1999 S70-GLT. I was at the PnP when I saw two aftermarket, almost new looking headlamp assemblies in a 1998 V70. The brightness of the chrome reflectors, visible through the lenses was jaw dropping. I grabbed them ($31.00 each) and installed them ASAP. Even with standard bulbs the output was dramatically improved with better spread of light on the road. They even have a nice clean cutoff at the top and appear NOT to waste output by spilling light to the sides. These are aftermarket with a VAIP sticker, part # 140920M and 140922M for left and right sides. I have transferred my LED low beam bulbs into them. So far with little nighttime driving they are great! The only challenge is to create some fitted cutouts to allow the LED wiring harness to exit and reenter the low beam covers. The "ballast" and connectors won't really fit in the headlamps behind the reflector. I will modify the rear cover for the harness connectors to create a good seal for the headlamps. I have ordered another set of H7 LED bulbs that appear to be direct plugins to the harness. I hope to use them on the high beams. That part of the assembly has less room than the low beams. If they are direct plugin LEDs and work well I will definitely let everyone know. Pictures will follow when completed.

[98RedV70GLT]

I've used cougar h7 lows and they direct plug and ballasts fit nicely with covers on. 6 months so far. Well worth 45 dollars. I was able to salvage my reflectors with an extremely gentle microfiber wipe off. Got lucky there.

[800artfreed]

I went online and the Cougar H7 looks nice with a fairly small ballast and only the H7 bulb connector. I was surprised to see that they are 60W bulbs. This is higher wattage than the original halogen bulbs (55w). Have you had any problems with melting plastic in the housing or on the bulb? How about the beam pattern?

[800artfreed]

OOPS! I see that they are only 30W per bulb. That is well within operational norms.

[98RedV70GLT]

No problems here at all. Took a little careful bending of the hold down clip/spring wire. Beam pattern seems perfect for me. Drove with my car behind me and no glare issues, haven't had anybody flash lights from my front yet. Made sure they were properly aimed and level.

My reflectors are in rather good shape considering others I've seen, the output is amazing compared to the stock and silverstar lamps I've tried.

Led in the instrument panel and rest of interior as well as reverse lamps. Can leave on by accident and doesn't kill batteries as fast.
My experiences is only with the Cougar brand lamps so I can't speak for any others, although I'm sure there's better and worse available as always.

[800artfreed]

I have scored a set of "jewel" 2004 C70 headlamp assemblies. After having success converting the older fluted headlamps (H7 bulbs) on my 1999 S70, the low and high beams on the 2004 C70 use TWO different bulb types. Low beams are H11 and the high beams use 9005. You can NOT connect the 9006 into the electrical connector. It has a different internal key (one slot vs two slots) at the connector.

Low beam LEDs work well. Any suggestions for a 9005 type LED for the high beams? Thanks

[zeke1256]

I have a 2000 S-70, headlights were very dim, tried different higher output bulbs, very little difference. I believe the inner reflectors were basically shot. Bought aftermarket TYC headlight assemblies, HUGE difference, like driving a different new car. However, one headlight wouldn't adjust up or down, my bodyman said the inner adjustment wheel must be broke or something. Ordered new one, returned old one for refund. New one was able to adjust so I'm good again., each light assembly around $90.00, can't go wrong with these.

[abscate]

I think I’ve spent $110-20 for,the TYC, they are $90 inthe Jungle right now

[Andrew Vanis]

Just ordered some on RockAuto for $65 each (energy your 5% RA discount code)

[Culito]

Or you can make really bad lighting decisions like me!