Eurolight adjustment & inspection

[Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN)]

Hi Taka,

If these adjusters break that easily, then I think all our ballyhoo about
how great Eurolights are should be tempered with caveats.  For the money
that is paid for these, I'd think they should last longer than 3 or 4 years.
The reflectors on these were not in great condition - fixed with reflective
tape.  If the adjusters are shot, well, need I say more.

IMO&Ex2 with Eurolights - I could do just as well with a decent set of
halogen driving lights and have money to spare, and not worry about getting
reamed at inspection.  Plus a simple set of Bosch or Hella Halogen lights
are a lot easier to install.

Yes, MD inspection is a PITA.  There is little variability on criteria, as
these guys know thier licence will be revoked if they are letting things by
on inspection.  It is good when you can find someone who does not pick on
anything that is not on the check list, and isn't looking for problems other
than lights, brakes and exhaust.   If you find a car that just went through
MD inpection in the last 6 months, or is guaranteed to pass MD inspection,
odds are that saftey-wise, everything is in operational order.  They don't
care if it is leaking oil or coolant or if the car barely has enough power
to get out of it's own way, though.

This doesn't mean all MD cars are safe.  MD requires a strict inspection
when the car is purchased, but doesn't re-inspect annually like many other
states.  So it is not uncommon to see some pretty sad MD cars that really
shouldn't be on the road, because the owner is literally going to drive the
car 'til the wheels fall off.

Despite the niggles the guy found with the avant, he said he was thoroughly
impressed with the condition of this 15 year old car, and the acceleration
surprised him when he test drove it.  He whimsically asked, "this is a fast
car, isn't it?".

Ben
'87 5kcstqa x2 - pearl & black
'85 4kq - silver + a nice built up NG motor my wife doesn't want me to
install in her car:-{ ( anyone need a motor?)
-----Original Message-----
From: TM [mailto:t44tq at mindspring.com]
Sent: Sunday, November 11, 2001 12:32 AM
To: 'Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN)'
Subject: RE: Eurolight adjustment

Ben-
It sounds like your adjusters may be broken- I guess that does happen,
considering that they are plastic.

I have heard on the list in the past that the adjusters can be fixed,
although I do not know what that actually entails- most likely, you'll
have to remove the lamp, disassemble it and replace the thumbscrews
unless
the lamp itself is broken- then you're kind of screwed.

Don't know about the 100 lights, but even w/o relays, the 200 euros
seemed
fine in Chris Turner's car, that's strange. Have you changed the bulbs?
Is it possible that the reflectors are shot? That chrome tape stuff
works
well, I hear, to fix the silvering- the paint stuff doesn't work well,
I'm
told.

If you need the harness ASAP, you'll have to call Blau-
www.audiquattroparts.com
You can build one yourself that is better, but if you don't have the
time,
well....

Your inspection criteria are weird- PA doesn't require checking the
headlamp
adjusters nor light output- as long as the lights work and are properly
aimed,
that's all that matters. Maybe MD is really strict? I know that PA is
pretty
strict as far as some states go- NJ is much more lax (except for
eurolights,
which will fail at any state inspection station but you can go to a
private
mechanic, pay much more, and get a "pass" from them- strange how that
works).

How are your 5ktq Avants otherwise? I helped a friend look at a POS 5ktq
out in
Indy, now he's looking for a QSW as they're cheaper to find in decent
shape.

Taka