For Porsche 944 enthusiasts looking to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of their classic vehicles, a Euro foglight conversion is a popular and rewarding modification. After exploring various online forums and discussions regarding the optimal methods for this upgrade, this guide will detail the process of installing Euro foglights on your Porsche 944. This comprehensive “how-to” aims to clarify the available options, installation procedures, and intricate details often overlooked in existing documentation. While some aspects may delve into technical specifics, particularly concerning wiring, the goal is to provide a clear and accessible resource for anyone considering this modification.
The primary motivation behind this guide is to foster a deeper discussion within the Porsche 944 community about this particular modification. Surprisingly, comprehensive documentation on Euro foglight conversions for the 944 is scarce across major online platforms. Often, valuable insights and experiences remain fragmented or undocumented, hindering enthusiasts from confidently undertaking this project. This guide seeks to bridge that gap by providing a well-structured and detailed walkthrough.
Obtaining Euro Foglight Lenses: OEM vs. DIY Conversion
The initial step in this conversion involves acquiring Euro foglight lenses. Two primary paths exist: purchasing genuine Euro lenses or crafting your own set by repurposing US-spec lenses combined with components from cracked or damaged lenses. Given the significant cost difference – genuine Euro lenses can be expensive – opting for a DIY approach offers a considerably more economical solution.
This guide details the DIY conversion method, which involves either sourcing driving light lenses from broken Euro foglights (the preferred method) or utilizing US-spec lens reflectors and hardware to create a comparable alternative. In this instance, a cracked Euro fog lens was acquired for one side through online marketplaces, while US-spec hardware was obtained from a fellow enthusiast for the other.
It’s important to acknowledge the subtle differences between these approaches. The following visuals highlight the lens securing mechanisms of genuine Euro Driving Light (DL) hardware versus the modifications needed for a US lens conversion. The image below showcases a Euro foglight assembly with a Driving Light lens mounted, utilizing a combination of OEM and custom-built mounting screws:
In the context of a US conversion, it’s noteworthy that the reflector lens itself is fundamentally the same for both foglights and driving lights. The key distinction lies in the presence of a light shield in the US foglight version (Euro DL on the left, US fog on the right in the image below). Crucially, the dimensions remain consistent, making a conversion feasible.
Modifying US Foglight Reflectors for Driving Light Conversion
The initial modification required for US foglight reflectors involves removing the bulb shield. This shield, present in the foglight reflector, needs to be eliminated to achieve the driving light configuration. This can be accomplished by carefully drilling out the rivet located on the backside of the reflector and then maneuvering the shield out. The rivet’s position corresponds to the lower hole in the central stamped piece, as illustrated below:
Adapting Hardware for Euro Driving Light Mounting
Once the reflector is prepared to function as a driving light, further modifications are necessary to facilitate its mounting in the Driving Light location. Euro DL hardware utilizes a “C” shaped plastic runner system to guide lens adjustments, whereas US foglights employ a “Blade” type runner system. Consequently, the two posts designed to secure the lens require careful modification to accommodate the foglight plastic runners. A hacksaw can be used to meticulously remove material from the inner portion of each post, creating space for the runners to slide smoothly between them:
Another essential modification involves incorporating adjustment screws for the Driving Lights. This step is not as straightforward as it may initially seem, as DL adjustment screws are longer than their foglight counterparts. Suitable screws, approximately 130mm/M4x0.7 with a nylok M4 nut, closely matching the OEM hardware, can be sourced from hardware stores. The image below compares OEM foglight adjustment screws with an OEM DL adjustment screw:
The pre-existing holes in US lenses intended for adjustment screws are typically sealed, likely to prevent moisture ingress. Therefore, these holes need to be drilled open to allow the new adjustment screws to pass through. Employing a rubber washer at the screw head, mirroring the foglight adjustment screw design, can help maintain a watertight seal and prevent water from entering the lens assembly.
Upon completing these modifications and assembling all components, the converted lenses should resemble the examples depicted in the preceding images. Verification confirms sufficient space within the lens assemblies to accommodate all the modified hardware. With the lens conversion finalized, the units are now ready for installation into your Porsche 944.
The subsequent crucial phase involves wiring the newly installed Euro foglights, which will be addressed in the next installment of this guide.
