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Low beam light dipping - changing from right to left
Hi. The Corvette headlights dip to the right as with most LHD cars. I'm driving on the left here in New Zealand and lights must either dip to the left or straight ahead. The car failed it's roadworthy because of this but the compliance officer turned a blind eye. For future roadworthy tests I need to fix the issue. It's a Z06 model. Any assistance greatly appreciated.
Last edited by Bruce Millner; Feb 15, 2017 at 05:56 AM.
Hi. The Corvette headlights dip to the right as with most LHD cars. I'm driving on the left here in New Zealand and lights must either dip to the left or straight ahead. The car failed it's roadworthy because of this but the compliance officer turned a blind eye. For future roadworthy tests I need to fix the issue. It's a Z06 model. Any assistance greatly appreciated.
You need to replace your headlamps with the Left Hand Traffic (RHD) units. Part numbers:
LH BUX RHD HID Headlamp = 84122619 (Gm Part #)
RH BUX RHD HID Headlamp = 84122620 (Gm Part #)
Note that these are OEM part numbers. You'll need to find the corresponding service part numbers.
The "dip" feature is controlled by a metal light shield, that's inside the projector unit itself. The is not something that's end user serviceable. And these headlamp assemblies are going to cost a pretty penny. One alternative you have (which is not pretty, at all) is to use black electrical tape on the headlamp lens to create a light mask. Years ago (decades actually) the British (and French) used this method to drive their cars in the other's country.
Last edited by cam30era; Feb 16, 2017 at 05:47 PM.
You may want to check if only the RH lamp is causing the glare for oncoming traffic. Maybe you can get away with changing one.
Hi - thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately with the compliance requirements in NZ they check each light and so both must either dip to the left or straight ahead. So I will need to replace both bulbs if the car is to be compliant. Hope it's not too expensive and maybe I can sell the RH dip ones on the forum.
You need to replace your headlamps with the Left Hand Traffic (RHD) units. Part numbers:
LH BUX RHD HID Headlamp = 84122619 (Gm Part #)
RH BUX RHD HID Headlamp = 84122620 (Gm Part #)
Note that these are OEM part numbers. You'll need to find the corresponding service part numbers.
The "dip" feature is controlled by a metal light shield, that's inside the projector unit itself. The is not something that's end user serviceable. And these headlamp assemblies are going to cost a pretty penny. One alternative you have (which is not pretty, at all) is to use black electrical tape on the headlamp lens to create a light mask. Years ago (decades actually) the British (and French) used this method to drive their cars in the other's country.
Hi again. I have been to my garage and the dip to the right is very slight - so I will look at a light mask which I imagine will only have to be 5-8mm or so. Thanks for the suggestion. I will try a metallic silver tape which hopefully will not be so conspicuous.
Hi again. I have been to my garage and the dip to the right is very slight - so I will look at a light mask which I imagine will only have to be 5-8mm or so. Thanks for the suggestion. I will try a metallic silver tape which hopefully will not be so conspicuous.
Make the mask as small as possible. When you switch to HI beam (main beam), this mask will also block some of the down road light.
Thanks very much for your advice. Do you happen to know whereabouts on the bulb I place the mask - eg top, bottom, left, right side of bulb?
You can't put the mask on the bulb. It's far too hot. (And you have to remove the fromt bumper fascia cover and front fenders to even access the bulb).
You'll need to install your mask on the outside of the headlamp lens. Park your car about 8 meters from a wall. You'll have to use "trial and error" to determine the correct size, shape and location for your tape/mask.
Last edited by cam30era; Feb 18, 2017 at 05:17 PM.
You can't put the mask on the bulb. It's far too hot. (And you have to remove the fromt bumper fascia cover and front fenders to even access the bulb).
You'll need to install your mask on the outside of the headlamp lens. Park your car about 8 meters from a wall. You'll have to use "trial and error" to determine the correct size, shape and location for your tape/mask.
Oh wow! As you say that is most definitely not a pretty solution. So what I will do is make a mask when the car goes for its annual roadworthy, then remove it once it has been complied. Thanks heaps for this.
Oh wow! As you say that is most definitely not a pretty solution. So what I will do is make a mask when the car goes for its annual roadworthy, then remove it once it has been complied. Thanks heaps for this.
I'd also consider carrying several masks and/or a roll of tape with me. If you find yourself driving a long stretch at night, you'll tire of all the oncoming cars flashing their high beams at you.
I'd also consider carrying several masks and/or a roll of tape with me. If you find yourself driving a long stretch at night, you'll tire of all the oncoming cars flashing their high beams at you.
Thanks again. The light actually only dips very slightly to the right. I know of a number of Corvettes that have passed compliance here and the examiner must have let them through as "marginal"
Low beam light dipping - changing from right to left
