Author Topic: Should headlights be vertical or slightly angled?  (Read 4836 times)

star63

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Should headlights be vertical or slightly angled?
« on: September 16, 2012, 18:08:06 »
After some previous "restoration" my other headlight is almost vertical (when looking from front) and the other one is slightly angled. Which one is correct?
The front fenders are now off, so the position could be fixed...

Thanks for any advice,
Petri
Petri
'67 250 SL (early)
'66 230 SL (long project)
Finland

49er

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Re: Should headlights be vertical or slightly angled?
« Reply #1 on: September 16, 2012, 19:15:56 »
slightly angled in at the bottom.

John
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77217 miles
7280 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

Cees Klumper

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Re: Should headlights be vertical or slightly angled?
« Reply #2 on: September 16, 2012, 20:48:00 »
After 13 years of ownership I just noticed that angle myself ast weekend ...
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

66andBlue

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Re: Should headlights be vertical or slightly angled?
« Reply #3 on: September 16, 2012, 21:02:41 »
If it is a Euro-style headlight then the outside rim follows the fender contour as in this factory photo.
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

49er

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Re: Should headlights be vertical or slightly angled?
« Reply #4 on: September 16, 2012, 21:03:32 »
One of the reasons (among many) I could never live with my 250 SL after the accident (for details of that accident http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=529.450) was the body shop had one headlight vertical and the other properly angled in. Needless to say the car had an odd appearance from the front.

John
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77217 miles
7280 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

star63

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Re: Should headlights be vertical or slightly angled?
« Reply #5 on: September 17, 2012, 05:42:28 »
Thank you again for the quick answer, John and Alfred !

If someone happens to know the angle in degrees please, share. I can't rely on the fender contour because that is a part of my problem...

- Petri
Petri
'67 250 SL (early)
'66 230 SL (long project)
Finland

star63

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Re: Should headlights be vertical or slightly angled?
« Reply #6 on: September 17, 2012, 05:52:51 »
If I knew the distance between the headlights at the top and at the bottom my problem would be solved.
At least the euro headlights have two rivets at the top and one screw at the bottom, so the distances from center to center might be reasonably measureable.
Petri
'67 250 SL (early)
'66 230 SL (long project)
Finland

Flyair

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Re: Should headlights be vertical or slightly angled?
« Reply #7 on: September 17, 2012, 08:33:18 »
I think that this observation should be included in restoration chapter in the Technical Manual. It is for the first time this has been noticed and I am sure many of us would start looking in Pagoda's eyes as soon as they get back from work. So, this is the second proof that w113 deserves the PAGODA name. The roof ---- which is obvious, but angled eyes are another proof  8) 8) 8)
 
Stan
1971 280SL
2011 SL550 AMG
2011 GL
2015 GLA