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head light aiming???

  • Thread starter Thread starter 88GtQt
  • Start date Start date Apr 18, 2004
8

88GtQt

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Apr 4, 2004
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Suffolk
Apr 18, 2004
#1
  • Apr 18, 2004
  • #1
prolly a dumb question but how do i aim my headlights cause i just installed the 6pc clear set from 50resto but they are way too ow highs look like fog lights should.......thx guys
 
S

Scorcher2005

Member
Apr 17, 2004
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South Carolina
Apr 18, 2004
#2
  • Apr 18, 2004
  • #2
there are screws that the fixture slide over and clamp into place. to have to turn in/out the screws. Its a pain is the a$$ to get them just right.
 

cjman15

Banned
Apr 15, 2004
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Fairfield, PA
Apr 18, 2004
#3
  • Apr 18, 2004
  • #3
i had this problem too, i bought a set of all-clears and they were aimed downward too... i didn't have a tool to do the job so i took it to a shop and had them align it, but its still not exact... haha need to take it somewhere else i guess
 

jrichker

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Dublin GA
Apr 19, 2004
#4
  • Apr 19, 2004
  • #4
If you bought Genuine Ford headlights, the adjustment will be easy. If you bought reproduction headlights, they will be very difficult to align properly. I bought reproduction units, and my headlights cannot be aligned: they shine up in the trees and across the road. I even have all 3 screws set up as adjustment screws.

The adjustment screws are upper inside and lower outside screws. If the headlights were re-assembled properly, they will have a 5/32" hex on the screw. You can use a 1/4" ratchet with a 5/32" socket. The upper screws can be reached with the hood up, while the lower screws may require you to lay on the ground in front of the car and reach them from the bottom.

To align the headlights, find a level spot with a wall 25-30 feet away. Disconnect the driver light and align up the passenger light so that the light pattern is slightly below of the actual centerline of the headlight. This is to illuminate the right hand side of the road. Reconnect the driver light and disconnect the passenger light. The driver light should be aimed so that the light pattern on the wall is inward about 6" and slightly below the centerline of the headlight. This keeps you from blinding the oncoming cars. Disconnecting and reconnecting the headlights helps to show which headlight is shining in what direction. Reproduction headlights may shine in several directions at the same time, making it very difficult to align them if both lights are on at the same time

One Stangnetter recommends putting a fender cover over the headlight that isn't being aligned. I like his idea, it's simpler than disconnecting the lamps.
 

MUSTANGJOE

Silver Stanger
Founding Member
Apr 9, 2002
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Apr 19, 2004
#5
  • Apr 19, 2004
  • #5
Doesnt 5.0resto have O.E.M quality?
 

Stang951

Founding Member
Jun 12, 2000
1,129
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0
New Orleans
Apr 19, 2004
#6
  • Apr 19, 2004
  • #6
Jrichker that sounds like a cool idea. I never thought of doing it that way.

The correct way to adjust them is to use a headlight aligning tool, but they are expensive and hard to find. If the headlights have the three little dimples on them, one at the top and two on the bottom, then a shop can use the tool. Check with your local shops if you don't feel like messing with it. The best thing about using a shop is that they usually warranty work that they have done.
 
J

jasonlee0704

New Member
Feb 3, 2004
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Kansas City, MO
Apr 19, 2004
#7
  • Apr 19, 2004
  • #7
Stang951 said:
The correct way to adjust them is to use a headlight aligning tool, but they are expensive and hard to find. If the headlights have the three little dimples on them, one at the top and two on the bottom, then a shop can use the tool. Check with your local shops if you don't feel like messing with it. The best thing about using a shop is that they usually warranty work that they have done.
Click to expand...

So that's what those darn dimples are for. And I thought all this time they were there to tear up my carwash sponges.
 

Stang951

Founding Member
Jun 12, 2000
1,129
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New Orleans
Apr 19, 2004
#8
  • Apr 19, 2004
  • #8
No they are actually to attach the headlight adjustment tool to.
 
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