Headlamp Lenses

[swordfish210 20]

In my constant quest for weight saving on my 205 i have a chance to replace the heavy glass headlight lenses with some nice light polycarbonate lenses. They'll be in the same shape and will just bond to the headlamp. I wanted to ask though, do you think they'll be a problem with the MOT man? Thanks. Mark

[Tom Fenton 1,542]

I think they may be, as the standard lens is a lens that does focus the beam to some extent. I think they'll also be pretty useless in the dark.

[swordfish210 20]

Thats sort of what i was thinking, might be a problem passing the alignment test. I've no intention of using the car in the dark anyway but i know the MOT man won't listen to that excuse

[GLPoomobile 958]

At risk of sounding like a patronising twat ( ) I'd say it was common sense that there'd be a problem.

 

The original lenses have an etched pattern to focus the beam. Without that, you are just going to get an uncontrolled flood of light emitting from the front. There will be no way to aim the beam, and so it's on that ground that it is bound to be an MOT failure.

 

EDIT: given how quickly the units can be swapped over, why not have functional lamps for the MOT and road use (just in case the plod stop you) and swap to lighweight dummy lamps when you need the weight saving).

Edited March 29, 2010 by GLPoomobile

[swordfish210 20]

EDIT: given how quickly the units can be swapped over, why not have functional lamps for the MOT and road use (just in case the plod stop you) and swap to lighweight dummy lamps when you need the weight saving).

 

Sounds like a plan, off to the scrapyard to get some headlamps then

[welshpug 1,657]

not sure if I'm right here, but I don't think all 205 lamps are glass are they?

 

but as mentioned, just take them out when you want less weight or a different function from them.

 

edit;

 

Tim F's car, XU9 on twin carbs, those are headlamp bodies with the bulb fitting removed totally and two pieces of flexible ducting routed to either side of the carb filters.

 

pic courtesy of Rich Treen.

 

Edited March 29, 2010 by welshpug

[Wes 86 1 Cars]

you could do away with them and get a daytime mot?

[large 33]

you could do away with them and get a daytime mot?

 

I was thinking this just didn't want to be the first to say. I don't think you have to have lights on a car for the m.o.t. if it is for use in the day.

I know it sounds daft what about rain, fog and so on but somthing in the back of my head thinks you can do it.

[swordfish210 20]

not sure if I'm right here, but I don't think all 205 lamps are glass are they?

 

but as mentioned, just take them out when you want less weight or a different function from them.

 

edit;

 

Tim F's car, XU9 on twin carbs, those are headlamp bodies with the bulb fitting removed totally and two pieces of flexible ducting routed to either side of the carb filters.

 

pic courtesy of Rich Treen.

 

 

I've seen that done many times but i cant see much of an advantage on a TU engine. I've never seen a 205 lamp that doesnt have a glass lens, even if it was a plastic one i bet the poly ones i was going to have made are lighter