Dipped Beam

[ridway]

I'm driving through france in May. What happens these days with the headlamps? Do we still paint them with that yellow lacquer stuff and stick those black shapes on? Or can something different be done with the gal? We will be driving through the night so I thought it might be best to seek advice.

 

Thanks in advance

Rich

[italiastar]

I've read in a magazine that it is no longer required to convert headlamps for holidays, that said I still think it's a good idea. No you definately don't have to paint them yellow - even the French no longer use yellow headlamps, apart some few very old cars who insist on sticking with them - Personally I preferred them, and even used to use yellow bulbs in the UK. No the tricky bit. I assume your car is a facelift one - I have no experience of the Ford, but the blanking areas must be similar to the Sharan / Alhambra. The blanking areas consist of 2 areas of diffent size on my Alhambra - my dealer gave me a photocopy from their tech manual which gave details and positions of the blanked out areas - no more wedges on these cars! They worked because I never got flashed once! See if your local friendly ford dealer can help or possibly someone here with the TIS.

 

On this subject, have you ever noticed how many people get their blacked out areas wrong? I play a game whilst waiting for my crossing (we'll you need something to spend the time, and it's cheaper than a magazine) ans I guess that the vast majority of cars either don't bother or get it wrong.

[ridway]

Italistar

 

I have a TIS disk and it never crossed my mind to look on there, so i'm about to do so. I had a look at the dipped beam directions and height last night in the dark and when set low I don't see them causing a problem when driving on the right to be quite honest. If i can get hold of the templates however I will fit them. Thanks for the gen anyhow

 

Rich

[suzuki91]

you can get beam deflectors on the ferry that bend the beam.

they are clear plastic and need to be removed when you get back to the UK.

cost

[ridway]

Thanks folks, I've found the template instructions on the TIS cd. Set my 12 year old on with the scanner, printer and scissors. I'll certainly have a look for those deflectors on the ferry, it does seem a better idea, defracting the beams rather than blocking them, and I suppose you can use them again.

 

Appreciated

Rich

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Not sure on best method for re-using the deflectors. I tried to re-use some a few years back, and the heat from the headlamp made the adhesive soften. One side flew off into the breeze, never to be seen again....

There is also the issue of what solvent to use to clean plastic lenses after removing them. Must not use anything that will damage the headlamp assembly.

[Richmond]

The deflector pattern I was sent by Ford customer services (presumably off the TIS disc) consisted of two different shaped deflectors for each side, four different shapes in all, none of which look anything like the deflectors you can buy. Making them up out of reflective tape was a major pain. Given all the superfluous bells and whistles on the Galaxy, you'd think they could manage a simple way to convert the dipped lamps.

 

There's no need to paint the lamps yellow these days, but you do need to deflect the beams.

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Yes - the patterns are on the TIS CD. I have heard that the French Police will stop UK cars without beam deflectors, even in broad daylight, and issue an on-the-spot fine even if you have no intention of driving at night. They expect your vehicle to be "adapted" in readiness.....

Worth also reminding people that they confiscate (speedtrap) radar detectors, again even if not being used.....

[Guest nimrod]

I know of a guy at work who has a palm pilot sat nav system and he got pulled and they tried to fine him for haveing that! it took a while to explain to the police what it was and how it worked, how ever he didnt show them the section on it that pointed out the speed traps or his laser jammer tucked up in the grill :D

[Tigger]

Been going to France for the last 14 yrs have never had a problem with police even when I have had nothing. Just use black gaffer tape to shape of beam. How often do you use your lights its light till 11pm.

 

If you start to dazzle people just drop your beam a notch!

 

It is good watching people try to work out on the dock though. First time with AC this year just waiting to see what the differance is

[asimons]

An idea I saw before was to buy the plastic headlamp protectors and fit the deflectors to these. On return to the UK remove the protectors, leaving the deflectors in place. Next trip, put the protectors back on. Cheaper than

[Richmond]

An idea I saw before was to buy the plastic headlamp protectors

Sounds like a good wheeze. Any ideas where to buy h'lamp protectors? I found some on the web for

[italiastar]

Headlamp protectors are available from main dealers - I intended keeping the deflectors on the covers, but as their easy to cut, I've now taken them off and left the protectors on the car. Mine were about