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aligning headlights on a C3

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Old Jun 27, 2006 | 08:56 PM
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Default aligning headlights on a C3

does anyone have any directions on how to properly align the headlights on a 1978??
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Old Jun 27, 2006 | 09:04 PM
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Originally Posted by cherrybomb78
does anyone have any directions on how to properly align the headlights on a 1978??
i can tell you how to improperly do it. Put some penneys between the mount and the tin can.
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Old Jun 27, 2006 | 09:10 PM
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everything is reassembled and functions great (adjusters, etc), I just thought there was a rule of thumb as far as how high they should show on a wall at so many feet away and how wide the spread at given distance away from such wall ????????
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Old Jun 27, 2006 | 09:37 PM
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Default problem solved

I had looked in my service manual, my owners manual and my chilton, to no avail. But my Haynes book had the full procedure.
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Old Jun 27, 2006 | 10:26 PM
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I'm assuming it told you to get about 20 feet away from a wall and mesure to a certain height? I don't know what the height would be offhand - probably just a bit lower than the centerline of the bulbs.
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 08:13 AM
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25 feet away from the wall & 2" below center line (center line being 22.5") of the bulbs for the low beams. The brights should be just a hair below such center line (horizontal line) It does say that the high beams should be at exact center for vertical alignment, I can only assume they mean they should intersect ( become one) at 25' at the center line of the car.
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 10:47 AM
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That sounds like its a little close to me, but it could be right. I usually do mine on the street or in a parking lot at night and never have anyone flashing me because I am blinding them. I never thought to measure the distances
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 11:42 AM
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I have the Hoppy Alignment tool that clamps on by suction cups-it takes into consideration how level the surface your car is sitting on.I will have to set up with the tool and then compare it with the wall method.The only diff. I can see would be if the wall was truly 90 degrees to the surface that the car is sitting on.(and how much junk you have in the trunk)
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 12:37 PM
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the Haynes manual said 1/2 tank of gas and no unusually heavy loads, and it's to be on a level surface. Try finding that aside a building as most lots are pitched away from the building for water run off.
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 11:26 PM
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Originally Posted by dwncchs
I have the Hoppy Alignment tool that clamps on by suction cups-it takes into consideration how level the surface your car is sitting on.I will have to set up with the tool and then compare it with the wall method.The only diff. I can see would be if the wall was truly 90 degrees to the surface that the car is sitting on.(and how much junk you have in the trunk)
Yet another Pri$y tool I don't have, no wonder I use a parking lot
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Old Jun 29, 2006 | 06:32 PM
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Originally Posted by SIXFOOTER
Yet another Pri$y tool I don't have, no wonder I use a parking lot
Oh "bologna' we all know your loaded- you probably have all kinds of expensive toys in the garage. But I'm not stingy if you want to borrow it when i come south in Jan.I'll drop it off to you.!!!
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Old Jun 29, 2006 | 10:01 PM
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LOL, Thanks
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