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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: tmx on 05 January 2009, 00:20:19

Title: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: tmx on 05 January 2009, 00:20:19
Quick question


just got my xenon lights in bits and have noticed the adjuster clip closest to the main beam bulb has broken up can this part be bought from the stealer i tried glue but no luck my lights are pointing to low !
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: HerefordElite on 05 January 2009, 00:30:24
Quote
Quick question


just got my xenon lights in bits and have noticed the adjuster clip closest to the main beam bulb has broken up can this part be bought from the stealer i tried glue but no luck my lights are pointing to low !


They are a real pain to glue Tom  :( when i changed my old lamps to projectors they were both snapped, i don't think you can buy the part so i ended up swapping over the adjusters from my old lights :-/
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: tmx on 05 January 2009, 00:42:49
Ill give Dave at baylis a call tomorrow

dont think the scrapie will let me have two !

the vectors are different and the astras are ah well
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: HerefordElite on 05 January 2009, 00:45:33
you do mean the plastic adjuster that fits into a ball joint on lamp and a screw at other end?

i still have my old non projectors (no adjusters left) if you need any other bits Tom :y
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: tmx on 05 January 2009, 00:52:26
Its the black plastic thing that clips to the top of the light and is threaded onto the beam alignment adjusters not the small white ball thing that the lifter motor connects to
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: HerefordElite on 05 January 2009, 00:58:15
yeah they the bits thay snapped on mine :-/ older lights had a less brittle white plastic adjuster whic i used to bodge mine together. ::)

i think there was a rumour that Mr DTM was looking into a metal replacement :-?
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: HerefordElite on 05 January 2009, 00:58:55
give me a call if you need a hand Tom :y
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Elite Pete on 05 January 2009, 08:57:04
Ive just thrown a set due to the adjusters being in bits :(
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 January 2009, 09:06:53
Well you should have thrown them my way!

Currently trying to source some milled aluminium profile in order to make some alloy adjuster sections up!
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Elite Pete on 05 January 2009, 10:31:25
Im a hoarder, ive kept the bits just bined the adjusters, like all good hoarders, you never know when they will come in handy ::)
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: tmx on 05 January 2009, 15:38:45
been to scrapie and the idiot wanted two hundred pounds for a pair of lights he reckons they are hids but they are really off a gls and are normal projectors ie wouldnt accept my arguement that they werent

The adjusters are not listed on epc so cant get new ones

think ill post a wanted post !
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 January 2009, 15:49:08
So, any more of our members out there who can get aluminium milled?

I have a profile drawing!
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Andy B on 05 January 2009, 18:56:21
Quote
So, any more of our members out there who can get aluminium milled?

I have a profile drawing!

As long as it's not too complex. ;)
 Not my inablity to use a miller but the lack of basic milling tools we have - or not have.  :(
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Kevin Wood on 05 January 2009, 19:06:00
Quote
Im a hoarder, ive kept the bits just bined the adjusters, like all good hoarders, you never know when they will come in handy ::)

Day after you've finally binned them is my experience. :(

Kevin
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Kevin Wood on 05 January 2009, 19:09:17
BTW: I might know someone who could help with the milling. Any idea what sort of quantity we would be interested in / how much work is involved? My cousin has access to a workshop full of CNC tools.

Kevin
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Elite Pete on 05 January 2009, 19:10:26
I could do with a couple of sets ;)
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Andy B on 05 January 2009, 19:13:25
Quote
......
 My cousin has access to a workshop full of CNC tools. ....

Looks like a potential volunteer!  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 05 January 2009, 19:18:47
Quote
BTW: I might know someone who could help with the milling. Any idea what sort of quantity we would be interested in / how much work is involved? My cousin has access to a workshop full of CNC tools.

Kevin


What minimum batch could he do, maybe be quite a lot of interest depening on cost involed.

This sort of problem seems to pop up  a lot, so if not silly money I would have a set as a back up.
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 January 2009, 19:29:13
All I need is some lengths of T section.....

So in theory its little more than take a piece of square section and mill the two sides off....plus a small channel in the top
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Andy B on 05 January 2009, 19:41:07
Quote
All I need is some lengths of T section.....

So in theory its little more than take a piece of square section and mill the two sides off....plus a small channel in the top

I'd be able to manage that if the CNC Kid can't/won't.  :y
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 January 2009, 20:18:26
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b394/Marks_DTM_Calib/Adjuster.jpg)

Each one is about 40-50mm long (two per car)
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Kevin Wood on 05 January 2009, 20:29:45
OK. I will forward that to him and see what he says. :y

Kevin
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 January 2009, 20:33:04
Its the sort of thing that would be cheap if cut fom extruded lengths but, the cost of extrusion is a bit steep given how much you have to buy!
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: HerefordElite on 05 January 2009, 23:19:14
Quote
Its the sort of thing that would be cheap if cut fom extruded lengths but, the cost of extrusion is a bit steep given how much you have to buy!


out of interest what are your plans for attaching the ball to the end of the section?

or is there a patent pending ;)
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 January 2009, 08:24:27
Once we have the section made, its s case of drill two holes, one in each end and tap them.

One end then threads onto the existing adjuster bar and the other end has an 8mm ball screwed into it ala used on bonnet strutts etc  :y
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: HerefordElite on 06 January 2009, 08:46:36
Quote
Once we have the section made, its s case of drill two holes, one in each end and tap them.

One end then threads onto the existing adjuster bar and the other end has an 8mm ball screwed into it ala used on bonnet strutts etc  :y


aha ::)
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Jim on 06 January 2009, 10:11:08
I'm looking forward to seeing the finished result as I have 2 sets of headlights in the garage with broken adjusters
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 January 2009, 10:38:33
They key cost will be these pieces of machined aluminium, the ball sections are around a quid each.

There is then the need to cut to length, drill and tap the parts to.....guess my pillar drill will get some hammer!
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Kevin Wood on 06 January 2009, 10:48:01
Quote
Its the sort of thing that would be cheap if cut fom extruded lengths but, the cost of extrusion is a bit steep given how much you have to buy!

Well, he actually has a rubber company that does (or at least used to) do rubber and plastic extrusions so that might also be an option if he can work with a suitable material.

I will see what he says....

Kevin
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 January 2009, 10:56:15
I think plastic is best avoided given it seems to go brittle due to the temps in the lamp and the exposure to large doses of UV from HID bulbs. That and the extra work required for drilling and tapping into plastic not being such a nice material to work with.

Tooling would be a bit prohibative possibly to
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Kevin Wood on 06 January 2009, 14:41:05
Right. He is looking into it but at first glance looks like no problem. Two options are likely to be available:

1) Get his machinist to do them (can get them pretty quickly)

2) Use it as a project to train the apprentice (less quick, cheaper)

I'm assuming metre long lengths (for example) milled to the correct cross section is all we'll require from him.

I've asked for ballpark prices for each option.

Kevin
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 06 January 2009, 16:58:32
Quick question.

What headlights, car models, years will these adjusters work on.

Normal or HID

Pre/mini/facelift.

Year range etc

TIA.   :y  Plus saves a lot of questions later.
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 January 2009, 17:46:25
Quote
Quick question.

What headlights, car models, years will these adjusters work on.

Normal or HID

Pre/mini/facelift.

Year range etc

TIA.   :y  Plus saves a lot of questions later.

Normal and HID projecto based headlights on facelift and pre-facelift!

Kevin, 1m lengths would be ideal!
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Martin_1962 on 06 January 2009, 19:14:53
I might have a pair too!
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Elite Pete on 10 January 2009, 12:38:40
Is this a happening or do I bin the remnants of the HIDs I have in the shed.
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 10 January 2009, 13:14:42
Kevin has got a quote for milling.....I am raising the cash to get back to him.

We then need to look at timescales etc but, would probabaly be about 15-20 quid a pair delivered
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Elite Pete on 10 January 2009, 13:31:55
Quote
Kevin has got a quote for milling.....I am raising the cash to get back to him.

We then need to look at timescales etc but, would probabaly be about 15-20 quid a pair delivered
I'll have a set :)
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Jim on 10 January 2009, 13:43:03
Quote
Quick question.

What headlights, car models, years will these adjusters work on.

Normal or HID

Pre/mini/facelift.

Year range etc

TIA.   :y  Plus saves a lot of questions later.

Also Xenon Facelift and Pre-Facelift have this type of adjuster inside them :y
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Jim on 10 January 2009, 13:47:39
Quote
Kevin has got a quote for milling.....I am raising the cash to get back to him.

We then need to look at timescales etc but, would probabaly be about 15-20 quid a pair delivered
Does that include the ball on the end fitted etc
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 10 January 2009, 13:49:08
Quote
Quote
Kevin has got a quote for milling.....I am raising the cash to get back to him.

We then need to look at timescales etc but, would probabaly be about 15-20 quid a pair delivered
Does that include the ball on the end fitted etc

Yes....thats the whole item.

Kevin has a quote for the milled bar stock.

I would then drill and tap this and fit the ball to the end

Still waiting on info regarding the availability of the balls
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: unlucky alf on 10 January 2009, 15:12:06
do you know the ball size in old money [imp]DTM?, its just that AMF bowling machines have 22 of these things per machine & i still have contacts so can get them with no problem, the only thing is the threaded bit is 1/4 unc but not a worry as they wont need to be removed anyway, if i can find my AMF parts list i`ll let you know the ball size in imperial.
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 10 January 2009, 16:27:13
8mm.

I have a company who supplies them for bonnet strutts coming back to me this week.
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Jimbob on 10 January 2009, 19:22:21
Ill have 2 pairs!

ie 4!

does the quote include fitting  ;)
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Martin_1962 on 10 January 2009, 21:18:33
1 pair as I think my left one is going
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Jim on 10 January 2009, 21:28:03
I'II have a set,

Are you just checking out intrest at the mo, and them pending are you going ahead with getting them made up
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: RichB on 15 January 2009, 17:10:11
Looks like I will possibly need a set.  Just had my second set of lights turn up broken after double checking that they were not broken this time :(
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Jimbob on 15 January 2009, 19:21:06
What EXACTLY to these adjusters do?

I ask because I believe all 4 of ours are broken, ie you can freely move the lens about behind the light.

I am wondering exactly what they do, because when a headlight excercise is performed, they do raise and lower  :-/  surely if the adjusters were broken, they would remain stationary?
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: RichB on 15 January 2009, 19:22:48
Can you use the lights with them moving about all inside?  Obviously they came off a car like it so they must have been driving round like it....?
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 15 January 2009, 19:32:34
They adjust the light and keep the assembly still when driving....they actuate against the top of the lense assembly where as the auto set servos operate against the bottom.
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: unlucky alf on 15 January 2009, 19:36:00
youll find that the aim will be random depending on where they decide to settle for a while, the interior switch adjuster is a different fitting in the light unit so will still adjust, & while we are on the subject of adjusters, the old style headlight adjusters do fit but are over 1/2 inch too short, will make the reflector sit way back in the unit, i have found a way around it so the older adjuster can be used, it involves lengthening the white nylon fitting that clips to the reflector & good old superglue ;), the white plastic glues o,k unlike the black stuff the original adjuster is made of :'( ve basically glued 2 of the reflector clips end to end & thats it :y
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: Jimbob on 15 January 2009, 19:37:13
Quote
They adjust the light and keep the assembly still when driving....they actuate against the top of the lense assembly where as the auto set servos operate against the bottom.


Cheers, that explains it, I was confused for a bit there!
Title: Re: Quick Headlight Question adjusters
Post by: RichB on 15 January 2009, 20:26:32
Quote
youll find that the aim will be random depending on where they decide to settle for a while, the interior switch adjuster is a different fitting in the light unit so will still adjust, & while we are on the subject of adjusters, the old style headlight adjusters do fit but are over 1/2 inch too short, will make the reflector sit way back in the unit, i have found a way around it so the older adjuster can be used, it involves lengthening the white nylon fitting that clips to the reflector & good old superglue ;), the white plastic glues o,k unlike the black stuff the original adjuster is made of :'( ve basically glued 2 of the reflector clips end to end & thats it :y


Got any pics from when you did this?