C3 Headlight Adjusting

[Ken C.]

does anyone have a procedure or specs to adjust the headlights. Rebuild my assemblys and drove car for its first night drive. My headlights at low beam were about 20 on ground ahead of me. and centered pretty much met at center spot.. High beam drivers side would blind anyone driving towards me. Pass. squirrel hunting. I got them facing forward somewhat. But was wondering what the optimal height, angle would be. I remember the old inspection stations having a grid on the far wall that u would use to align. Should of marked area on garage wall where they were before. trid a few searches on site to no avail.
thanks in advance

[Michael M.]

Re: C3 Headlight Adjusting

If you’re just looking for a relatively non-high-tech procedure, I have used the one in the link below with pretty good success. It will get you pretty close until you can find a shop with the proper aimers.

http://www.coolbulbs.com/HID-VISUAL-HEADLIGHT-AIMING-PROCEDURE.pdf

[Ken C.]

Re: C3 Headlight Adjusting

that should help. pulled car 25 ft from wall, lo beams hit at about 10" from floor. Will adjust one day coming up.
thanks for info

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Headlight Adjusting

does anyone have a procedure or specs to adjust the headlights. Rebuild my assemblys and drove car for its first night drive. My headlights at low beam were about 20 on ground ahead of me. and centered pretty much met at center spot.. High beam drivers side would blind anyone driving towards me. Pass. squirrel hunting. I got them facing forward somewhat. But was wondering what the optimal height, angle would be. I remember the old inspection stations having a grid on the far wall that u would use to align. Should of marked area on garage wall where they were before. trid a few searches on site to no avail.
thanks in advance

Ken,
The last time I looked for someone with the equipment to aim the headlamps; I was unsuccessful, and I live in a large metropolitan area. My state has no annual safety inspection, and one with that requirement might have the resources you want more available. I have seen the AC Delco headlamp aiming equipment on sale on evilbay from time to time. If these are in good shape, and have the proper adapters -- this is the way to go. This eqipment may not be inexpensive and for one job may not be worth the expense. Michael's link is the same method outlined in the early C3 FSM (Factory Service Manuals) I have, and may be good enough for driving. Try it and see if you are satisfied.

[Ken C.]

Re: C3 Headlight Adjusting

Terry, No inspection here in Fl. I asked a few shops before i posted.

[Paul J.]

Re: C3 Headlight Adjusting

Ken, these get me close enough to be within spec with the headlight aimers at the inspection station. I bought them 30? years ago and I don't remember where. They were cheap, and only do vertical alignment, which is the hard part.

Paul

IMG_0883.jpg