7 replies to this topic

[4130]

Forgive me for what may be a stupid question: What is the actual difference between LHD and RHD headlight sets? Are the driver and passenger sides different? Instead of purchasing a LHD set for a UK imported to USA car, can't I just aim the headlights accordingly to my country using the adjustment screws?

[nicklouse]

The beam pattern is different. Aim will not stop you blinding cars coming towards you. You will also have poor illumination of the off side.

Some images 

https://retrofitlab....ce-beam-pattern

[Spider]

Hi Beam is usually the same between LHD and RHD Headlamps.

Here's some common Beam patterns. This is from the driver's seat looking down the road;-

 

 

These are also pre-HID and LED lamps, which seem to auto-track the oncoming car driver's eyes to be as blinding and dazzling as they can be.

[stuart bowes]

some people really couldn't care less about everyone else and just want the brightest most offensive lighting they can find 

 

wa£"$rs

Edited by stuart bowes, 20 October 2023 - 06:32 PM.

[4130]

Thanks, these explanations make perfect sense. I knew there had to be more to it than aiming. Now my list of car parts includes new headlights, too.

[nicklouse]

Just to throw an oddball in here there were some Cebie headlights that just needed the bulb positioning differently in it. They had matings for LHD and RHD.

[sonscar]

I had an early Renault 4 which had a lever under the lights which was supposed to convert to lhd or rhd,mind you had to get out to visually check the lights were on.Ahh! the good old days,Steve..

[Shooter63]

Just to throw another oddity into the works, lucas did a headlamp called a Le Mans which I believe dipped straight down, and if any of you gents has a pair of NOS ones hanging around I will pay you a hansom price for them.

Shooter