Topic: Headlights aiming tool

[preaction]

I tried to do this with the info given in a shop manual for aiming headlights, 25' from a wall and using tape to get the needed adjustments it seems OK but I never felt very confidant about my efforts. Recently I have seen headlight aiming devices ones that seem to be of this period of use for sale sometimes for less than $50. Does anyone remember what types were used and maybe a model number for a after market model of one of these tools. It seems the rotunda type setups have been horded away long ago.

[J_Speegle]

The plants and dealerships would have used the Rotunda ones not sure if they were rebadged ones another company made in that period but that does not seem to be the case for most Rotunda tools

[KevinK]

I have a set I bought at a swap meet for $2.00. It came with the NOS 69 adapters. Burried in a box someplace in my garage.

[Texas Swede]

One good thing with Sweden's annual car inspection, they test your headlight adjustment and if they are
out of alignment most inspectors are kind to adjust them for you, if you like with my 67 Shelby have taken off the
outer trim rings first and have a screw driver handy.
Texas Swede

[67gtasanjose]

I used the "Hoppy" branded adjusters many times before. They have adjustments for floor inclination (as needed). Suction cup attachment using the large round adapters (or small round for a 69). Just a simple lining up of two mirror reflection images after setting the up/down setting. Perfect every time with those. Some later kits have the adapters for square and the very latest versions could have some of the various adapters for the euro-design headlights.

[jwc66k]

I use the old 40s and 50s method. My garage floor is flat, but at an angle. I measured the height of the center of the headlights of the car to the floor and the distance between them. Then with the car rolled back as far as the edge of the flat floor, found the center of the car by using the center of the rear view mirror, the center of the hood and the center of the trunk lid, and marked last two with masking tape,  then marked that center on the front of the garage (a laser helps, it replaced the old eyeball, and my garage has cabinet doors at the front that are closed for this technique) with tape. Then I transferred the height and distance between the headlights (from above), dived by two and marked that distance each from the center for the left-right points, and had the two points where the high beams "should" shine. The low beams should be lower. Adjust as necessary. The shop manual and Electrical Assembly Manuals have headlight alignment diagrams. Over the years, this method was done successfully on my 65 and 66 Mustangs, plus several "street legal" VW dune buggies and a friend's jeep. It's ball park (It keeps the beams out of the drivers' eyes of on-coming traffic.) Do not attempt this method to satisfy legal requirements. Don't bother to do your fog lamps this way, they "self-adjust" as soon as you hit the first bump in the road.
Jim

[preaction]

I used the "Hoppy" branded adjusters many times before. They have adjustments for floor inclination (as needed). Suction cup attachment using the large round adapters (or small round for a 69). Just a simple lining up of two mirror reflection images after setting the up/down setting. Perfect every time with those. Some later kits have the adapters for square and the very latest versions could have some of the various adapters for the euro-design headlights.

Richard, the "Hoppy" branded part sets are the ones I have seen priced and for sale do you remember a model number for the test kit you were using ? Also as an example would the Hoppy device work by suction cup to a headlight for a 68 mustang ?

[67gtasanjose]

Richard, the "Hoppy" branded part sets are the ones I have seen priced and for sale do you remember a model number for the test kit you were using ? Also as an example would the Hoppy device work by suction cup to a headlight for a 68 mustang ?

No, I do not remember a model number but I can supply an image of a complete set that includes the later adapters for the Euro-style lights. These have become obsolete for newer vehicles but probably good thru at least the early 90's vehicles (maybe newer on some vehicles). Basically, this setup works on any sealed beam or Euro-style headlights with the "aiming tool bumps/nipples". Later design on newer than 90's vehicles do not have these nipples.

Yes, this style would work on all early Mustangs (except perhaps the 69's). I would be curious if it would work on the 69's, but only because I understand that the 69's required a special adapter, though that may have been for the Rotunda Aimer, IDK. (Rarely Found adapter, highly sought kit for restorers)

[preaction]

Richard that's the kit I have seen for sale and more often for less than $100.  I will post the model when I can. Thanks Paul.

[C6ZZGT]

Kit for sale now on ebay---- http://www.ebay.com/itm/65-73-Ford-Mustang-Shelby-Rotunda-Headlight-Adjuster-Kit-66-67-68-69-70-71-72-/222543608475?hash=item33d0a1fa9b
I will have at least one set(maybe 2) for sale in awhile but not yet as it is buried somewhere in my storage.

[67gtasanjose]

Kit for sale now on ebay---- http://www.ebay.com/itm/65-73-Ford-Mustang-Shelby-Rotunda-Headlight-Adjuster-Kit-66-67-68-69-70-71-72-/222543608475?hash=item33d0a1fa9b
I will have at least one set(maybe 2) for sale in awhile but not yet as it is buried somewhere in my storage.

Rotunda Kits were apparently made by Hopkins Mfg. (Hoppy). Parts look to be identical.

[preaction]

Model B4A is the same, Rotundra or Hoppy brand.