separate dipped & main beam lights

[Davi]

If you've got twin headlights, which does the SVA require to be outermost, nearest the outer edge of the car, the dipped or main?

[tribbles]

I couldn't work out if there was an SVA requirement, so I did it the same way that my Mondeo has it - dip outside, main inside.

Or was it the other way around?

ETA: Just checked some pictures, and it's dip outside, main inside.

Edited by tribbles on Monday 20th August 18:32

[LotusNova]

Can't see anything specific on that. The only relevant info the manual lists for dipped beam is max 400mm from side of vehicle, whereas there's no such requirement for mains (I assume that's why most have mains inside).

[andygtt]

LotusNova said:

Can't see anything specific on that. The only relevant info the manual lists for dipped beam is max 400mm from side of vehicle, whereas there's no such requirement for mains (I assume that's why most have mains inside).

That is my understanding as well...... I'm actually re opening my attempt to find an existing light pod from a production car as I have 2 friends that have used ones on their midi and it looked so much better finished/professional than the light pods on my Ultima (and I was plnning something similar on my GTT).

[LotusNova]

Andy,

Have you looked at something like the Murtaya? They've done a good job with separates imho.
http://www.adrenalinemotorsport.co.uk/gallery2.htm

Best regards,
Jon.

[Davi]

cheers for the replies, I'm in a bit of a quandary as to what to do now - the main beam units are smaller and would allow me to keep the front as low and short as possible without concern for the tyres smacking the light pods, but as I couldn't find a definitive answer chances are if I go that route some jobsworth at the SVA would decide they needed to be the other way round!

[vojx]

Davi said:

cheers for the replies, I'm in a bit of a quandary as to what to do now - the main beam units are smaller and would allow me to keep the front as low and short as possible without concern for the tyres smacking the light pods, but as I couldn't find a definitive answer chances are if I go that route some jobsworth at the SVA would decide they needed to be the other way round!

copy what 'normal' road cars have - that must, shirley, meet SVA

or is that a little naive?

[tribbles]

vojx said:

copy what 'normal' road cars have - that must, shirley, meet SVA

or is that a little naive?

Yes, that's naive.

At the time of introduction, I remember someone saying that no production car would pass an SVA (how true that was, though, I'm not sure).

[LotusNova]

Davi said:

cheers for the replies, I'm in a bit of a quandary as to what to do now - the main beam units are smaller and would allow me to keep the front as low and short as possible without concern for the tyres smacking the light pods, but as I couldn't find a definitive answer chances are if I go that route some jobsworth at the SVA would decide they needed to be the other way round!

Davi,

Imho, most of the SVA manual is open to subjective interpretation. However, one of the few areas that is relatively quantative and clear is lamp positioning & angles of visibility. I'd be very surprised if an SVA inspector questioned the placement of these, as long as you've adhered to the rules as written.

If you're still in doubt, why not ask VOSA? I've sent them 2 letters so far, reequesting clarification on rules that I didn't think were clear in the manual. They've replied both times. One was the answer I'd hoped for, the other was not.

If they say Nope - at least it's easier to correct issues at the design stage, rather than after the first fail.

If they say Yup - the SVA inspectors do their best to interpret the (sometimes very subjective) rules as they think they should be interpreted. It's potentially their backside on the line if someone higher up the chain disagrees with a judgement they made. Providing them up-front with an official VOSA statement on a particular topic, lets them 'off the hook' so to speak.

Best regards,
Jon.

[Davi]

LotusNova said:

If you're still in doubt, why not ask VOSA? I've sent them 2 letters so far, reequesting clarification on rules that I didn't think were clear in the manual. They've replied both times. One was the answer I'd hoped for, the other was not.

I had tried that in the past with a couple of other things and never received a response (though it was email) - I'll try again by snail mail, then at least I suppose I'd have something to take along with me to the SVA!

Cheers