[net.auto] Halogen headlights

jmc@riccb.UUCP (Jeff McQuinn ) (08/28/85)

> 
> It may be easy to align lights, but it's also equally easy (if not easier)
> to further misalign lights. I, for one, am slightly afraid to replace a
> burned-out light for fear of misaligning it.
> 

Never fear; the alignment of headlights has to do with the correct positioning
of the headlamp housing.  Changing a dead lamp should not disturb it unless your
really a turkey and can't tell that the long screws that stick out are for
alignment and the short little ones (which are next to impossible to get back 
in) hold the lamp retainer in place.

I've never had to realign my headlights although I've replaced them any number
of times.  From what I understand all that is required is a screwdriver, a
tape measure, a garage door, a non-permanent marking device (like chalk) and a
pleasent evening.  The headlights should be aligned on low beam.  Measure out
and mark where the beam should be targeted on the garage door and adjust the
beam of each lamp to fall on its given target.

What I don't know is the magic numbers for where to locate the targets and
how far back the car should be.  Maybe someone whose actually done it can
shed some light.

                                   Jeff McQuinn just VAXing around

mikey@trsvax (09/01/85)

My owners manual for my GLH says aim the fogs so that the top of the
"Hot Spot" is 4 inches below the bulb at 20 feet.  I don't know if
that applies to headlamps.

mikey at trsvax