converting to RHD round headlights

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MattPad
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converting to RHD round headlights

Post by MattPad »

I am looking for advice re: converting to RHD round headlights from LHD square.
I'm driving an '89 T25 that was imported to Ireland from Germany in 2011 with the original (in very good condition) square headlights. The NCT (MOT) garage have been very understanding but are under increasing pressure from inspectors.... bottom line; they will not pass the van again unless it has RHD lights. Therefore, sadly, looking to convert to the RHD round. The results of my search so far is that even if I find RHD square headlights I couldn't afford them.
[I have also posted in the SWAP section to see if anyone wants to trade that way.]
But otherwise I'd be looking at buying a conversion kit I guess? Any advice?

Matt (West Cork, Ireland)

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irishkeet
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Re: converting to RHD round headlights

Post by irishkeet »

MattPad wrote:I am looking for advice re: converting to RHD round headlights from LHD square.
I'm driving an '89 T25 that was imported to Ireland from Germany in 2011 with the original (in very good condition) square headlights. The NCT (MOT) garage have been very understanding but are under increasing pressure from inspectors.... bottom line; they will not pass the van again unless it has RHD lights. Therefore, sadly, looking to convert to the RHD round. The results of my search so far is that even if I find RHD square headlights I couldn't afford them.
[I have also posted in the SWAP section to see if anyone wants to trade that way.]
But otherwise I'd be looking at buying a conversion kit I guess? Any advice?

Matt (West Cork, Ireland)

Matt

You will need the round light grill, also bricky sell the rhd round lights, there may be a loom to go from square to round too, or you could have the SA twin round grill
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captain Byrne
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Re: converting to RHD round headlights

Post by captain Byrne »

MattPad wrote:The NCT (MOT) garage have been very understanding but are under increasing pressure from inspectors.... bottom line; they will not pass the van again unless it has RHD lights.
This is the first time I've heard of a MOT garage failing a vehicle for not having RHD lights.
I reckon you should challenge your MOT inspector before changing lights. Below is taken from the headlamp section of the MOT testers manual: http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_180.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Masks or converter kits may be fitted to right hand dip headlamps to temporarily alter the lamp for use in the UK by removing the beam ‘kick-up’ to the right.
A headlamp altered in this way is not a reason for rejection, if:
a. the headlamp aim is not rejected for the reasons listed under diagram 1 (except that the top of the beam image will be a straight line)
b.the light output is not unduly reduced - not usually a problem with commercially produced kits
c.the mask or converter is securely attached.

I guess the main factor is how you interpret the word 'temporarily'. You could argue that if you did most of driving abroad on holiday then the deflectors are for temporary use whilst you're in the UK. I think the MOT inspector is being a tad harsh & personally I'd get it MOT'd elsewhere.
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Oldiebut goodie
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Re: converting to RHD round headlights

Post by Oldiebut goodie »

captain Byrne wrote:
MattPad wrote:The NCT (MOT) garage have been very understanding but are under increasing pressure from inspectors.... bottom line; they will not pass the van again unless it has RHD lights.
This is the first time I've heard of a MOT garage failing a vehicle for not having RHD lights.
I reckon you should challenge your MOT inspector before changing lights. Below is taken from the headlamp section of the MOT testers manual: http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_180.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


That doesn't apply to Ireland!
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captain Byrne
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Re: converting to RHD round headlights

Post by captain Byrne »

Oldiebut goodie wrote:
captain Byrne wrote:
MattPad wrote:The NCT (MOT) garage have been very understanding but are under increasing pressure from inspectors.... bottom line; they will not pass the van again unless it has RHD lights.
This is the first time I've heard of a MOT garage failing a vehicle for not having RHD lights.
I reckon you should challenge your MOT inspector before changing lights. Below is taken from the headlamp section of the MOT testers manual: http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_180.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


That doesn't apply to Ireland!

Hmmmm.. had a look at the Ireland manual & it says nothing about LHD lights. So long as you get beam benders working correctly & the lights are shining within spec theoretically you should be fine. I suppose there's no accounting for a jobsworth inspector though.
1983 LHD Westfalia poptop 1.9 DG petrol.

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Re: converting to RHD round headlights

Post by carthago ian »

I have never had a problem with the DOE test my camper is LHD still got the square headlights.... Why not take it to another test centre .. hope you get sorted

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