[V8] re: headlights ad nauseum

[urq]

... well, it is now ...


>I really hate this thread.  But here goes...I just can't resist.
>
...
>
> Now it has been suggested that the inspection process might well make the 
> use of European spec headlamps illegal.  Could be. Certainly so in Maine, 
> IF anyone has the gear to check out put, but no one does.  However  in 
> places where inspections are inportant and headlights are checked for DOT 
> compliance or output, I suggest that there is a difference between 
> compliying with the standard, and being able to SEE in the dark.  If it 
> comes to that, I will opt for being able tosee, even if it means changing 
> the headlamps in order to get through the inspection process.  (Right now, 
> it has not come to that!).
>
... it is much simpler than you think ... the DOT lights have bosses which 
accomodate the alignment equipment ... Euros do not.  Out here in California 
there really isn't much worry about getting busted for Euros at inspections 
(California worries about making sure that the cars do not emit too much 
poisonous gasses, but could care less about the safety of the vehicles on 
its roads) ... I've got Euros on my urq and 5kCSQ Avant ... the V8s still 
sport the DOT approved factory lamps ... as I stated before to my mind, and 
money, the factory lights are acceptable for my purposes.  This is not true 
of the "turbo" headlamps that are on the other type 44s IMO.  Given the 
expense of Euro buckets, on the V8 I think my money would be better spent 
elsewhere ...

One thing that I think about when I consider "illegal" mods is that even if 
I don't get caught at inspections, it does give a cop who wants to nit pick 
something to write you up for.  Hell, I'm almost 50 and don't tend to call 
attention to myself, but I really don't have high regard for most cops ...

Steve B
San Jose, CA (USA)