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  •  » Aiming Headlights

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    7/25/2017 12:39 PM  #1

    Novi Rick
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    From: Novi, Michigan
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 148

    Aiming Headlights

    Does anyone have a simpler method to aiming headlights or is the instruction in the 65 shop manual the only / best way?  Hard to find a flat surface with enough space to follow what the manual specifies.

     

    7/25/2017 1:21 PM  #2

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 3,987

    Re: Aiming Headlights

    Some shops used to have a devise for head lamp setting that fastened on to the sealed beam unit.
     They are available on e-bay but are $$$. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/AC-HEADLAMP-Aimer-head-light-Vintage-never-used-Hoppy-complete-NICE-/142450565481?hash=item212ab72169:g:TUYAAOSw9OFZKxdd
     An existing garage door and the shop manual method is a cheaper alternative, I used a laser level to set mine up because driveway was not level. Just use some masking tape on the garage door to determine the set points.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    7/25/2017 1:54 PM  #3

    Bullet Bob
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    From: Montrose, Colorado
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Aiming Headlights

    Yup!  Garage door.

    BB

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

    7/25/2017 6:56 PM  #4

    BobE
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    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
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    Re: Aiming Headlights

    Bullet Bob wrote:

    Yup!  Garage door.

    BB

    Ditto ... or any wall you can get the right distance from.

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    7/26/2017 4:49 AM  #5

    Toploader
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    Re: Aiming Headlights

    I am curious to know how accurately you guys go with adjusting your headlights? Last time I did this, it seemed to be a bit hit and miss...

    1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     

    7/26/2017 7:57 AM  #6

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
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    Posts: 3,987

    Re: Aiming Headlights

    Not much is and miss if done according to the shop manual, make sure the adjusting hardware is in good condition. The parts are cheap enough so you don't have to fight with rusty hardware.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    7/26/2017 4:18 PM  #7

    Toploader
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    Re: Aiming Headlights

    Rudi wrote:

    Not much is and miss if done according to the shop manual, make sure the adjusting hardware is in good condition. The parts are cheap enough so you don't have to fight with rusty hardware.

    Yeah... I think I have been battling with the rusty hardware issue... Probably time to shell out for new hardware.
     

    1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     

    7/30/2017 8:56 AM  #8

    BobE
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    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
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    Re: Aiming Headlights

    Stevo wrote:

    Rudi wrote:

    Not much is and miss if done according to the shop manual, make sure the adjusting hardware is in good condition. The parts are cheap enough so you don't have to fight with rusty hardware.

    Yeah... I think I have been battling with the rusty hardware issue... Probably time to shell out for new hardware.
     

    Try applying WD-40 (or something similar) and let it soak for a few days before adjusting, worked for me.
    I followed the shop manual and am happy with the results.
    I'll add, adjustments can be made w/the headlight 'doors' on, but it is easier if you remove them.

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    7/30/2017 9:39 PM  #9

    whlnut
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    From: Brunswick, GA
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 317

    Re: Aiming Headlights

    Re: Headlight Aiming/Adjustment
    Pull the car right up to the garage door, close as you can get it.
    Turn the low beams on.
    Use masking tape to tape an X on the garage door exactly in the center of the headlight beams.

    Back the car straight back 25 feet.


    Re: Headlight Aiming/Adjust
    Find a factory parking lot that is level all the way to the building. (Try to find a spot where there is a concrete joint that is perpendicular to the wall. It will act as a guide to insure you are straight ahead.) Roll STRAIGHT towards the building to about a foot away from the wall.

    Next, make X's with duct tape, black tape, etc, where the lights shine on the wall to indicate the center of each light. You can confirm this with a tape measure. Now roll STRAIGHT back about 25 feet. Adjust the lights to the X.

    NOW adjust the beams down about 2" from the X, and about 2" or so to the right. (Same thing Everett said). You want to favor being a little more to the right so you don't blind everyone that is coming toward you. If you get them too high the on-coming traffic will let you know.

     

     

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