Headlamp alignment settings

[tvrbob]

I'm going to align my headlamps for MOT, They are pointing low and have scraped through the last couple of MOT's but the time has come to set them up.

I understand the basics but SH's bible says the dip should be set to 1.5%. All the diagrams I see talk in terms of degrees of dip, not percentage. What is meant by 1.5%?

[SwanJack]

My Chim has just failed on the headlamp level (too low). My MOT station has said that when I take it back after having exposed the adjusting screws under the mastik, we can set up the levels on the beam testing 'machine' during the restest. May be worth seeing if your tester can do the same as it will save a lot of grief. Unfortunately the vertical adjustement screw/spring/wing nut assembly is rusted tight and needs replacing. Bit of a pain as it passed on everything else. It's passed first time for the past six years so no complaints.

Edited by SwanJack on Wednesday 4th June 10:15

[V8 GRF]

T align the headlights drive you car against a suitable wall. (slowly).
Mark two crosses on the wal at the centre of the headlights. Now normally you'd back off 10 or 12 feet, and align the mainbeam to centre on the crosses which would then mean the dipped lights will be correct as well.
With a Griff you need the dips to be below the horizontal line you drew and to the left of the centre line.

[Bodmin]

Or as I have heard people say they have done before when the adjusters are seized.....raise or lower the tyre pressures

[hvdweerden]

If you align your headlamps with a rollable workshop tool, you have to set this tool to this 1,5%. I do not know exactly what it is but it must be some kind of correction factor linked to you headlamp type.

Br, Han

[tvrgit]

Full explanation of method:
http://www.haggishead.myby.co.uk/TVR/oct07.html#d6 

[tvrbob]

tvrgit said:

Full explanation of method:
http://www.haggishead.myby.co.uk/TVR/oct07.html#d6 

Thanks for that, very interesting