LHD to RHD single headlights.

[leonardgreggE21]

Just wondering what the difference in a LhD set of single headlights and RHD set of lights is? Is it the lense itself of the way in which the bulb sits in the cup? And could it be changed to meet uK MOT requirement? Would turning the headlamp 180 degrees in the holders sort it?

Hope someone can help

Cheers

[uwbuurman]

The lense is different, so you need to swap lights. Bought an Euro car?

[leonardgreggE21]

Okay cheers buddy. No I've got UK car but the lights need replacing as they're seriously corroded and doubt they'll pass an MOT and a really clean set of LHD lights came up for sale for cheaper than I've seen anywhere else. I think I'll have to bite the bullet and spend some money on the correct ones.

Cheers

[uwbuurman]

Yep, I guess. To bad... Must be a seller here on the forum.

[joe14]

I'm in a similar predicament, although mine aren't too bad so I've got some time.

If anyone has experience swapping lenses over I'd be very interested to hear!

[polov8]

I adapted mk1 golf Hella headlights on my car, a much cheaper and more plentiful option, and they don't corrode like the Bosch originals.

I failed to take pics of the process, but it basically went as follows:

Remove adjuster threads from old lamps and clean up and fit to new lamps.
Mark and cut new mounting points in the original E21 mounting frame as the ones on the new lamps are in a slightly different place.
Fit lamps to mounting brackets and fit on the car.
Add extra wiring for the sidelight bulb which is seperate on the Hella lamps, and swap the plug on the main lamp wiring

Fitted, this is the end result:





They work a treat, and look so much fresher than the manky old ones.

[joe14]

That doesn't sound too bad at all! I might give it a go.

Are they 7 inch lights like the 316 singles?

[polov8]

Yep, mine just has the optional hella grille with extra main beams. I found a cabriolet in the scrappy with brand new headlamp units so for £30 I took a punt on making them fit. I think I spent 3 hours faffing with springs and adjusters but it was well worth it. If your going to retro rides gathering you're welcome to have a poke round them!

[leonardgreggE21]

Someone else has pointed me down the golf headlight route. Ill pull my finger out soon and give it a go. I'll try and take step by step photos along the way for anyone wanting to see.

Cheers guys

[leonardgreggE21]

@polov8 can you just verify whether the mk1 golf lights need to have the surrounds and adjusters or whether I need just the lamp and metal ring around it.
Hope this makes sense

Cheers

[polov8]

From memory, (and I'll have my grille off and back it up with pics in an hour or so) I got the mk1 Golf headlamp unit, and it's mounting ring and adjusters, then modified the E21 mounting rings to accept the mk1 golf adjusters as the position is a little different. It's a bit of a mix and match with regard to adjusters and springs, but it all works.

[leonardgreggE21]

Okay I've just got a set of mk1 golf headlights 2nd hand off eBay NOS but one of them is missing the adjusters and springs. They're getting shipped as they are but he said if needed he can source some but I guess I'll see when I get them. And I'll add photos as I go

[polov8]

Ok, here's some pics, You'll need to reposition some of the adjusters and springs, but I can't quite remember which ones. It'll probably become clear when you put them side by side. For the adjusters, this involves making specially shaped holes to allow the plastic fittings to lock into the metal frame.










Hope these are helpful!

[leonardgreggE21]

That is absolutely brilliant mate thanks for doing that. As you say, once I've got mine off and the new ones to hand, I'm sure it will all become apparent. That's a big help though you taking them photos.

Fingers crossed