Headlamp beam deflectors

[ChrisH]

Having recently changed my car (now a Volvo XC70) I'm trying to find the best way of meeting the legal requirement to adapt the headlamps for right-hand driving.

In the past I've used the well-tried black PVC tape trick but am now wondering (in the first flush of a nice "new" car) whether to get something more sophisticated.

Has anyone any useful suggestions?

My headlamps have a wash/wipe device, so the adaptor (lens?) must be slim and fir tight.

I'm not too keen on paying five quid for stick-on patches which can only be used once, as we go to europe 2 or 3 times a year.

Chris H

 

[Jaydug]

Some Continental cars don't need them (so I'm told) because they can be switched. I drive a Xantia and the beam deflectors needed are very complicated. I also need to fit them three times a year. What I do was to buy a Lucas headlamp kit which gave me the template. Having got that, I transferred the shape to a sheet of aluminium and cut it out. Now when I need a set, I cut from a roll of black fablon, go round the template with a sharp knife, peel off the backing and stick them on the lens. Even after 2 months, the Fablon comes cleanly away without leaving a residue.

 

[jon_5062082]

i use "beam benders" about

 

[Lutz]

You have 4 alternatives:

1. Adjust the headlamps down (if you've got electrical adjusters this is easily done by means of the switch on the dashboard) and as far to the right as possible. This is the cheapest alternative and probably adequate in most cases to fulfil the requirement not to cause glare to oncoming traffic.

2. Headlamp deflectors, also called beam benders (i.e. rigid plastic lens covers). Like Jon says, they not only deflect the beam but significantly reduce the amount of available light, too. As they don't deflect very well either, they are not a very good buy.

3. Self adhesive headlamp patches. OK so long as they are made specifically for your particular car and you don't have a Xenon headlamp system.

4. Get a set of left-hand drive headlamps. By far the best solution but often very expensive, so only worthwhile if you spend most of your time abroad.

 

[ChrisH]

Thanks for all the advice - I reckon I'll go for the self adhesive patches - cheapest and easiest, even 'tho there's some light loss.

All I need to do now is find a kit which includes a template for the XC70. I feel a trip to Halfords coming on....

Cheers

 

[mikeE]

For next year keep your eyes open for self adhesive beam benders being sold off at the end of the year - caravan accessory shops sometimes have end of season bargain bins - then stock up for 2006.

 

[Brian_5062637]

The latest "beam benders" type with circular centre section and a "wing" are very good but difficult to find. Some lamps only need the circle bit. The new style lamps with bullseye lenses etc. cannot be deflected with tape and I have spent hours trying! However, this latest type of bender appears to be opaque and not have fresnel type grooves so I may try again. So it's spend