Volvo 740 USA headlights to UK legal?

[danthecapriman]

Having recently (hopefully!) managed to score myself a free 1988 (original style front end) Volvo 740 estate I was thinking how much I like the looks of the North American spec front ends on their 700 series.

I was thinking about doing this on my old 740 saloon but never did.

 

What I'd like to do is get a pair of the US spec complete light fittings from the US, ship them over here and fit them in place of the standard European headlights. As far as I can tell actually changing the units over should be dead easy, the wiring might need a bit of alteration to accept the two new seperate high and low beam light units.

This type: https://www.flickr.com/photos/theadventurouseye/6302461902/in/photolist-aAVLmf-5WSXUh-auqPpu-asj7Je-asj4wM-6DJEbB-aHJtKB-aHJmoP-aHJu2a-aHJiXi-aHJkDr-aHJuBT-aHJkjM-aHJii4-aHJvMB-asmnDu-pjdn16-9MBiji-asj8Jp-aATcLB-asmHS3-asjkL6-asjiYa-asmYiC-asiJU2-83KiNT-asiLfD-aBbJNh-aHJ5xe-asjJL2-asn6jf-9EH6kj-asmc3u-asiLMM-asj7t2-asmJFy-BBTknh-83KjB8-asmQL5-aHCGpe-asjxEg-asnrG7-asiKc2-asiNwT-7XkXrY-asiM8x-dMqBgx-asjBAD-asiwN8-asjM9n

 

The problem comes at MOT time! High beams are fine as delivered from the US but obviously the dip beams would be set up for a LHD car.

 

Is there any way around this?

I can't seem to find a suitable sized light unit to fit into the US spec light units for UK RHD. I think the size is 4'' x 6'' and I think the originals are sealed beams (typical for american spec cars of the time).

The only other thing to do would be to keep changing back to the original UK headlights just for the MOT every year but ideally I would want a permenent solution that is fully RHD UK legal.

 

Any suggestions?

[dollywobbler]

I've definitely seen a 740 with the American front end in the UK. It may be that the bulb position can be altered slightly. On some cars (2CVs for example) the headlamp has an adjustable cut-out to allow LHD or RHD pattern.

[danthecapriman]

I've definitely seen a 740 with the American front end in the UK. It may be that the bulb position can be altered slightly. On some cars (2CVs for example) the headlamp has an adjustable cut-out to allow LHD or RHD pattern.

I'm sure I've seen one over here too, can't seem to find any pics or info on it though.

It must be possible, as plenty of imported yanks use similar lights and are able to become fully UK legal. I've got them on my Mercury using Wipac RHD dip beam sealed units but they are small round ones and seem easy to find. It's the square/rectangular ones I can't seem to find!

[danthecapriman]

Here's an ebay US listing for some fully rebuilt units.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-740-760-Quad-Headlights-USA-Style-COMPLETE-KIT-Rare-EXCELLENT-IPD-Dual-US-/182387906415?hash=item2a772a976f:g:gxsAAOSwCEdYUCC4&vxp=mtr

 

There's a few pics lower down showing the backs and brackets but I'm not sure if they are of the adjustable type for RHD spec?

[Richard]

Subaru?

[eddyramrod]

WHS.  Also Toyota.  In the late 70s we got Celicas (at the very least) with US-shape headlights that must have had RHD beam patterns.  Japan is RHD, they wouldn't have done what they did if they couldn't make it legal.

See also Colt Sapporo, etc....

[danthecapriman]

Great suggestions there.

 

I'd need to find out the dimensions of the actual light unit to see if the main mounting bracket will take them...

 

 

Just a thought, but is that beam deflector tape stuff legal on an MOT? Could be a temporary solution if I can't find a suitable light?

[Shep Shepherd]

It can be done, and is totally legal if you replace the dipped headlights with RHD ones. No idea which ones will fit, though.

 

Here's a UK market 740 belonging to a friend which has had the conversion:

 

 

Personally, I'd keep the European lights, as I think that pre facelift 700s look better with them

[danthecapriman]

It can be done, and is totally legal if you replace the dipped headlights with RHD ones. No idea which ones will fit, though.

Here's a UK market 740 belonging to a friend which has had the conversion:

CzatY28WEAAuriH.jpg

Personally, I'd keep the European lights, as I think that pre facelift 700s look better with them

That looks like the one I've seen before.

 

Would you possibly be able to ask the owner what they did to make it UK legal? I'd be very grateful if you could find out...

 

 

I don't mind the Euro headlights myself, and it wouldn't put me off having the car if there was no alternative. I just much prefer the US look. Maybe it's just because it's a bit different and odd looking over here?

Apparently the Americans do the same thing but the opposite way around, fitting Euro lights instead of the US ones.

I've heard that the US sealed beams are crap for light though, the Euro ones being far far better but for me it's all about the looks! I'm not bothered about safety!

[Asimo]

Japanese market version.

[worldofceri]

It will pass a UK mot with stick-on beam deflectors on LHD spec headlights.

[DodgeRover]

It will pass a UK mot with stick-on beam deflectors on LHD spec headlights.

Didn't Vulgalour go through this with the little Renault and get a resounding no? Something to do with it only being acceptable if the car was a lhd?

[danthecapriman]

Didn't Vulgalour go through this with the little Renault and get a resounding no? Something to do with it only being acceptable if the car was a lhd?

It seems to be a bit hit or miss wether or not testers will accept the stick on beam deflectors.

 

Any MOT testers on here know?

[dollywobbler]

Hold on. Renault 9/11? DeLorean?

[Junkman]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161753196982

 

Trust me, that's your only option.

 

This is the result of three days of intensive research, since I ran into the exact same problem for hitherto undisclosable reasons.

[danthecapriman]

Hold on. Renault 9/11? DeLorean?

DeLorean ones look very very similar! A quick check shows a suitable Hella unit in stock with the DeLorean owners club at £40.

Doesn't look like it'd be too hard to fit into the yank volvo light frame either.

 

That might well be just the job DW!

[danthecapriman]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161753196982

 

Trust me, that's your only option.

 

This is the result of three days of intensive research, since I ran into the exact same problem for hitherto undisclosable reasons.

Looks a good match too.

 

What was it you needed them for JM? Must have been something septic!?

[Junkman]

Let me expain this one more time for everyone who hasn't understood it yet.

 

In the US, cars were only allowed standardised Sealed Beam headlights until about 1991.

There are only four systems in existence.

 

1. Two 7 1/4 round - dipped and main beam. These were the only option for all US cars from 1938 until 1958.

 

2. Four round 5 3/4 headlights - two of which dipped beam/main beam, two main beam only - 1958 onwards.

 

3. Two rectangular headlights - dipped and main beam. These became legal in 1975.

 

4. Four rectangular headlights - two of which dipped beam/main beam, two main beam only - 1976 onwards.

 

It's 4. we are dealing with here.

 

For all those four flavours of Sealed Seams, there are EU replacements, but it's exactly 4. which are rare in the UK and thus a problem.

Hella is currently the only company left that still makes them in RHD, so these are your only option.

[Junkman]

What was it you needed them for JM? Must have been something septic!?

 

Shhhhhh...

[danthecapriman]

Let me expain this one more time for everyone who hasn't understood it yet.

 

In the US, cars were only allowed standardised Sealed Beam headlights until about 1991.

There are only four systems in existence.

 

1. Two 7 1/4 round - dipped and main beam. These were the only option of all US cars from 1938 until 1958.

 

2. Four round 5 3/4 headlights - two of which dipped beam/main beam, two main beam only - 1958 onwards.

 

3. Two rectangular headlights - dipped and main beam. These became legal in 1975.

 

4. Four rectangular headlights - two of which dipped beam/main beam, two main beam only - 1976 onwards.

 

It's 4. we are dealing with here.

 

For all those four flavours of Sealed Seams, there are EU replacements, but it's exactly 4. which are rare in the UK and thus a problem.

Hella is currently the only company left that still makes them in RHD, so these are your only option.

This is most excellent! Thanks JM, consider me now schooled!

 

Actually makes sense when you put it like that. And I've just had a quick Google search and as luck would have it that very same light is the same as those fitted to the DeLorean, obvious why, now!

So, I think I'll order some of those and the complete light units from the states...

[Junkman]

If all of you would google image any yank from 1938 to 1991, you will notice that all of them employ one of the headlight configurations I outlined.

There is no alternative. Hence there is no alternative to the headlights I posted.

 

Trust me, I know what I'm talking about.

And it's only the four rectangular config that poses a problem in UK spec, since there were very few cars fitted with them in the UK.

Audi 200 and Ur Quattro are the only ones I can think off, maybe some Toyota Crowns and the odd Nissan Urvan.

In LHD all of them are easy to get. In RHD all of them are easy to get, except for the ones in question.

[danthecapriman]

If all of you would google image any yank from 1938 to 1991, you will notice that all of them employ one of the headlight configurations I outlined.

There is no alternative. Hence there is no alternative to the headlights I posted.

It's actually a much easier system than that in the rest of the world. All cars have the same basic headlight setup so you don't need shit loads of different types and sizes like you do over here.

Also stops problems sourcing suitable spares, assuming of course your not me and trying to use septic lighting on the wrong side of the road!

 

My Mercury is option number 2 then. Easy, and the round lights aren't that hard to get either.

[Junkman]

For example:

 

For the two round 7 1/4 inchers, look no further than the Mini.

For the four round 5 3/4 inchers, see Rover P6, the old BMW 5 Series, Austin 3 Litre, RR Silver Shadow and countless others.

For the two rectangular ones, see a plethora of Jap chod.

For the four rectangular ones, see - errm. As I said, I can only think of the Audi 200 and Ur-Quattro.

[Junkman]

It's actually a much easier system than that in the rest of the world. All cars have the same basic headlight setup so you don't need shit loads of different types and sizes like you do over here.

Also stops problems sourcing suitable spares, assuming of course your not me and trying to use septic lighting on the wrong side of the road!

 

My Mercury is option number 2 then. Easy, and the round lights aren't that hard to get either.

 

And you could buy the headlights in your corner shop for $1.99.

[danthecapriman]

Thanks for that Junkman! I honestly had no idea.

[MrDuke]

It's actually a much easier system than that in the rest of the world. All cars have the same basic headlight setup so you don't need shit loads of different types and sizes like you do over here.

Also stops problems sourcing suitable spares, assuming of course your not me and trying to use septic lighting on the wrong side of the road!

 

I was always under the impression that the US headlamp reg.s existed mainly so that if you were on a mahoosive stretch of interstate, 100 miles from the nearest town, and busted a light, you could buy one that would definitely fit from the next gas station. Being as there was only a couple of options (well, 4 eventually) they'd have no problem keeping them in stock. Basically a safety thing, rather than making it easier for owners.

[vulgalour]

As DodgeRover said, it was I investigating beam deflectors as a solution for the Renner.

 

RHD with LHD lights, even with beam deflectors, is a no because there's no kick-up which is required for the age of the vehicle.  Some really old stuff is apparently exempt but that doesn't apply here.

LHD with LHD lights and beam deflectors to correct is considered okay for a certain number of years if permanently imported after which point you're considered to be taking the piss and should change them to RHD lights.

 

However, the garage testing it also gives you options.  Some aren't at all fussy about beam patterns on older cars or alignment of the lights while some are super strict.

 

Best bet is as Junkman suggests if you're going to go for the conversion.  You might get lucky and find another car with the right sized lights in RHD format but twin squares were never particularly common on Euro cars and those that did have them were not known for longevity.

[Spottedlaurel]

My Laurel has them, Japanese-made units by someone like IKI or Stanley:

 

Datsun Laurel 2.4 (C230) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

They're very good lights, better than anything else I run at present. However I need to replace one of them at some point as it's chipped.

 

Nissan Vanette (C220) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Vanettes also had them. I think they were Hella units, as that particular model was built in Spain.

 

The most recent vehicles I can think of that had them were various Isuzu light commercials. Never looked closely enough to see what make they used, I was hoping that they were Japanese as that would be first choice to replace mine.

[Junkman]

I was always under the impression that the US headlamp reg.s existed mainly so that if you were on a mahoosive stretch of interstate, 100 miles from the nearest town, and busted a light, you could buy one that would definitely fit from the next gas station. Being as there was only a couple of options (well, 4 eventually) they'd have no problem keeping them in stock. Basically a safety thing, rather than making it easier for owners.

That was the idea behind it. Imagine car specific headlights on a continent with such a woefully inadequate infrastructure as the US has/had.

 

 

Also stops problems sourcing suitable spares, assuming of course your not me and trying to use septic lighting on the wrong side of the road!

 

There is no wrong side of the road with septic Sealed Beams. They do not provide asymmetric dipped beam and they don't have a defined bright/dark zone.

For those very reasons, they are forbidden in Europe. But there is a loophole. In the UK, they are perfectly legal on cars made before 1976.

So you can run a 1975 car equipped with US Sealed Beams completely legally on the very same roads you can't drive a 1976 car fitted with them.

That this makes perfect sense is one of the main reasons I love to live in this country so much. That and bacon baps.

[danthecapriman]

My Laurel has them, Japanese-made units by someone like IKI or Stanley:

 

Datsun Laurel 2.4 (C230) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

They're very good lights, better than anything else I run at present. However I need to replace one of them at some point as it's chipped.

 

Nissan Vanette (C220) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Vanettes also had them. I think they were Hella units, as that particular model was built in Spain.

 

The most recent vehicles I can think of that had them were various Isuzu light commercials. Never looked closely enough to see what make they used, I was hoping that they were Japanese as that would be first choice to replace mine.

Your Laurel was a car designed to conquer the US market, which explains why it uses that type of light I guess.

 

 

 

I think that pretty much answers my question tbh, but thanks everyone for the help. I've actually learnt something very useful out of this too.