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Old 04-25-2018, 08:42 AM   #1
rally 1
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Default Cowl light alignment

‘30 Delux Coupe
After installing the cowl lights using the original (rechromed) arms, the lamps are not pointed straight, but angle towards the outside of the car. Not a lot, but noticable.
I believe that the arms , and the lamps are originals to this car.
Am I overlooking something?

I did change the cowl lamps over to an amber lens to use as turn indicators.

Thanks
Ken
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Old 04-25-2018, 10:34 AM   #2
Badpuppy
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Default Re: Cowl light alignment

I just noticed yesterday that my right side points way leftwards even though the alignment looks ok. I think my cowl lamps were built by a left-handed chinaman, since the bulbs screw in the wrong way. But I wonder if it could be a problem centering the bulb with the reflector. If you converted to 2-pin bulbs, that might be it - I don't like the look of that kit I see online. I'll open mine up and see if there's anything could cause it.
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Old 04-25-2018, 11:23 AM   #3
duke36
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Default Re: Cowl light alignment

are the backup wood blocks installed and the correct depth?
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Old 04-25-2018, 11:26 AM   #4
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Default Re: Cowl light alignment

My righthand side points inward, my cowl looks fine so I do think that is the problem, and the light itself doesn't seem to be bent.
I'll be watching this thread to see if anyone has a cause/remedy that may help.
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Old 04-25-2018, 11:46 AM   #5
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Default Re: Cowl light alignment

I had to put a shim washer between the cowl & the arm to get them to point relatively straight. But of course, these are Vintique repops.
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Old 04-25-2018, 12:05 PM   #6
barnstuf
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Default Re: Cowl light alignment

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Your alignment problem with cowl lamps is typical of replacement lamps, and not a problem with originals.
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Old 04-25-2018, 01:04 PM   #7
Don Turley
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Default Re: Cowl light alignment

Loosen the three screws that hold the lamp to the arm. Sometimes there is a little bit of play there so that you can adjust the alignment of the lamp some. If you are able to move it some, then hold it steady while you tighten the three screws. An extra pair of hands might help.
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Old 04-26-2018, 06:31 PM   #8
rally 1
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Default Re: Cowl light alignment

Yes, the wood blocks are there.
Is there a right and left block? If so, maybe they are switched.
Based on all the restored original parts that came with this car, I’m assuming that the cowl lamps and arms are original.
I will go out now, loosen the screws, see if that makes a difference.
Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Ken
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Old 04-26-2018, 10:02 PM   #9
SteveB31
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Default Re: Cowl light alignment

Loosen the three screws that hold the light to the arm. The plate they screw in to is movable for that very reason. Easy fix
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Old 04-27-2018, 09:09 AM   #10
Badpuppy
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Default Re: Cowl light alignment

Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveB31 View Post
Loosen the three screws that hold the light to the arm. The plate they screw in to is movable for that very reason. Easy fix
Thanks, Steve. That did the trick. Also had to loosen the arm nut inside to get it level as it was also pointing skyward.
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