Removable Headlights
Discussion
I am in New Zealand and own a Fraser Clubman. (www.frasercars.co.nz )I want to modify my headlights so that they are easily removable for track days. At present they sit on small steel stands bolted to the subframe and are in turn bolted vertically through the top flat surface of the light-holding doohicky.(presumably very similar to Caterham et al) It seems to me that it should be a simple matter to replace the threaded nut with a circlip and rubber washer or somesuch (you can tell I'm not an engineer?)so that I can remove the entire headlights from their mountings at will. The electrical side of it should be simple enough-presumably just four little connectors. Anyone done this? If so, could you provide me with details, in language consistent with my lack of mechanical expertise. Ta Much, Roger
The problem with a quick release system will be in engineering it so that the lamps are correctly aligned when removed and replaced. If the mechanism is on the lamp support strut, it will need to have a very accurately machined joint.
Why not just cover them up for track days - like this:
http://www.softbitsforsevens.co.uk/page44a.html
The aero drag for track days by leaving the lamps on won't make any measurable difference.
Why not just cover them up for track days - like this:
http://www.softbitsforsevens.co.uk/page44a.html
The aero drag for track days by leaving the lamps on won't make any measurable difference.
Easy enough to do - I can think of a variety of solutions - but even easier just to carry a small ratching spanner in your pocket and undo the current threaded nut to remove the headlights when you do track days. This is what I do on my Westfield (the whole mounting bracket and headlamp unbolts from the chassis in about a minute flat).
You shouldn't need 4 electrical connectors - just one multi-connector either side should do the job. Check out the catalogues from automotive electical suppliers like Vehicle Wiring Products for something suitable.
You shouldn't need 4 electrical connectors - just one multi-connector either side should do the job. Check out the catalogues from automotive electical suppliers like Vehicle Wiring Products for something suitable.
Paul Drawmer said:
The problem with a quick release system will be in engineering it so that the lamps are correctly aligned when removed and replaced. If the mechanism is on the lamp support strut, it will need to have a very accurately machined joint.
Not too difficult - a simple locating pin/peg would do the job.Thanks for your responses!! I posted this on the NZ site, too, and am now informed that reg.s dictate that headlights are retained anyway, for signalling purposes, apparently. Which kind of makes you wonder: how do proper racing drivers get on, then? ... back to the masking tape...(red, presumably) God, that was witty!
why not replace the lights with small 4" ones like the english use on some kit cars.
see http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/headlamps-297-c.asp
see http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/headlamps-297-c.asp
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