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MaseratiForumMaserati Cars3200GT, 4200 Coupe/Spyder, GranSport swapping headlights over for continental driving

swapping headlights over for continental driving

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Message                                                                                    
6/6/2005 3:03:08  

Posts: 2
Since: 11/5/2005
Status: offline 		Later in the summer I will be taking the Maser over to France for a wedding/family visit and I'm wondering how do I change the headlight s over?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Davie
6/6/2005 5:13:25  

Posts: 1112
Since: 11/5/2005
Region: Thames Valley
Status: offline 		I was reading recently that most modern car manufacturers do not require or provide a kit to switch the lights.  This is partly due to improvements in modern light designs and a lack of glare onto oncoming drivers.
HOWEVER....
Most European countries DO require by law that you have deflectors fitted.
I've driven in Europe quite frequently and never fitted deflectors and never been pulled over, I limit my use of lights and when I do use them reduce the level to reduce glare.  But most of the time I've been in the LHD Lancia, not sure if that makes a difference, shouldn't do as it has UK Plates.
You can cut deflectors down to size and shaped required by the car.

_____________________________

Rich
Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG Estate
BMW 335d MSport Touring
Maserati Ghibli "Taylor/Hawksworth Trofeo edition"
6/6/2005 5:29:32  


Posts: 2135
Since: 11/5/2005
Status: offline 		Hi Davie

For what it's worth:

During the last few years I have taken number of vehicles onto the continent and back. I purchased a pair of deflectors years ago which came with instructions for fitting to a number cars. I have retained these and use them time and again for a number of vehicles. Most recently the Ghibli before it changed hands. These are easy to fit when the car has "lenses" with lines showing the main and dipped patterns but require care when fitting (with clear double sided tape) to modern clear lenses. I have had to stand back and observe where the light beam falls and fit accordingly. I must admit I am not sure how effective these will be on the xenons on my Spyder though.

Most car factors offer some product or other for the purpose.

The RAC or AA can probably help out with info too....The RAC have offered advice to me in the past without membership being an issue.

Please post the outcome for everyones benefit.




_____________________________

"Maser Malc"!!
4200 Spyder CC
Ghibli ABS
Mercedes ML320
www.essentialimages.co.uk



6/6/2005 9:42:12  

Posts: 2
Since: 11/5/2005
Status: offline 		Malcolm.

I'll post the answer once I have it. FYI masks are not suitable for xenons (see the text below). Most cars with xenon lights have a lever under to swap the lights over for the continent. it might be worth having a look in the book.

Headlights
If you're driving to the Continent then you must adjust the headlamp beam pattern to suit driving on the right so that the dipped beam doesn't dazzle oncoming drivers.

Never go without adjusting the headlamp pattern as it is a compulsory requirement in most countries.

Headlamp beam converter kits are widely available but don't leave headlamp conversion to the last minute, as a dealer may need to make the adjustment.

  • Modern high-intensity discharge (HID) or xenon headlights
    These can't be adapted by applying an external mask. Fortunately, many feature an internal 'shutter' that can be moved into place by a screw or lever adjustment at the back of the headlamp unit. But some designs are less convenient and the dealer will need to make the adjustment.
  • Modern halogen-type headlamps
    Some of these now require external masks of such complex design that motorists struggle to follow the instructions and work out exactly how and where the mask should be applied.
Check with the dealer or the car's handbook for advice – especially if your car has HID or XENON headlamps.

Remember to remove the converters as soon as you return to the UK.
6/6/2005 12:26:27  


Posts: 2135
Since: 11/5/2005
Status: offline 		Davie

Thanks for that...I hadn't got that far as only had the car for a month and the control centre alone has an instruction book of its own the size of an epic!

Took the Ghibli down to Modena last year but unfortunately unlikely to be taking the Spyder abroad this year.

Are you going to Stanford Hall on Sunday? or the Club AGM Saturday?



_____________________________

"Maser Malc"!!
4200 Spyder CC
Ghibli ABS
Mercedes ML320
www.essentialimages.co.uk



7/6/2005 13:17:33  

Posts: 186
Since: 10/5/2005
Region: Swansea, UK - now live in Staines
Status: offline 		Hi Davie,

Dont worry about this, they will have to try and catch you first anyway!!!!



and when/if you're caught the French love their kisses

and let you go

_____________________________

Gavin
7/6/2005 14:10:54  


Posts: 2135
Since: 11/5/2005
Status: offline 		Don't carry all your euros in your wallet they will fine you according to the content!

Given the cost of running a Maser they might make a donation?

No? Oh well!

Smile nicely!




_____________________________

"Maser Malc"!!
4200 Spyder CC
Ghibli ABS
Mercedes ML320
www.essentialimages.co.uk



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