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kaps

Hi, all

Our import was so smooth and easy, absolutely incredible. We love her to bits already and hated putting her in store whilst tax comes through.

However !!!!! My head is spinning with the lights stuff. The dealer www.autohausfrey in Minfeld near Karlsruhe/Baden Baden was very thorough (more on the importing in a separate post). He said we only had to adjust the lights with an allum key (?I'm the typist, not the mechanic). Sure enough, when we got back, accessible slot on top of the casing .... and lights go up and down. Couldn't spot another slot for a right to left adjustment.

The casing is stamped LH/RHD so you would expect it should adjust ?

The manual is in German, not a huge problem, but does not have any info on adjustments or positioning of deflectors.

A call to the Ford dealer next and was told they are not adjustable on new models as the reflector prism dictates the beam. Of course he was talking new headlights .....

I know there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer on the lights thing, but anyone had any experiences with the Ford please ?
Disappointing that Ford Technical Phone Help is £1 min and no apparant email for questions. I have a feeling my tenner spent here will be better value !

Our friendly local garage said he would check the Hobby on his beam alignment equipment and if necessary position LH/RH alignment stickers accordingly. I'm hopeful that will be an acceptable solution, what do you think?

Regards, Pam

PS When we went to the licensing office, conversationally asked " Do you get many of these then ?" The official reply was ....we're getting a lot more nowadays, so they have had to start making regulations so they are all handled the same . Regulations, regulations, reguations.

geraldandannie · Moderator

Hi, Pam

Well done on subscribing. As you say, you're likely to get a deal more advice on here than anywhere else.

One of the mods, Gaspode, is away at the moment, but he's imported a Hobby and would be the ideal person to answer.

The beam deflectors designed into the glas dictate whether a headlight is suitable for RHD or LHD. Normally, you change the headlights to make it suitable. However, that can be a bit expensive. Shocked

As far as I can remember, beam deflectors (or, more accurately, beam blockers) will be OK according to 'some' MOT stations. Best to take it to the MOT centre first to verify.

jonesthepost

Hi Pam,
I imported a 2006 model Hobby T600FC last year.
I'm afraid you will need to change the headlights.
There are plenty of cheaper non ford parts available on the web, but from a Ford dealer the cost is around £85 each.
Although if you want the electric height adjustment you will need to take the parts out of your own headlights, or buy more parts.
You may want to change the speedo face as well, but I didn't, as the van does most of its travelling in Europe.

Best regards,
Mick