Headlamp query

Hi all, among other things, my Mgf failed its mot on headlamp beam pattern. The bulbs cannot be fitted incorrectly and the reflectors look ok. The plastic lenses have not yellowed either so I am a bit stumped by this. Is replacement the only option or is there a repair? Thanks again!!

Are you sure the bulbs aren't up side down?

talkingcars wrote: Are you sure the bulbs aren't up side down?

Easy to do or so I'm told. Of course I haven't done that :whistle:

cairnsys wrote:

talkingcars wrote: Are you sure the bulbs aren't up side down?

Easy to do or so I'm told. Of course I haven't done that :whistle:

Neither have I, nor have I not seated them correctly & not noticed till MOT time

You don't say what year the F is.
Pre- 2000/2001 Fs had poor silvering/chrome on the reflectors that deteriorated with​ time and heat.

Check the dipped beam against a wall or similar. If there is no distinct cut off line at the top of the beam, then it's probably the reflectors.
Unfortunately the only answer is to rechrome them or replace with later headlamps. Neither option is a cheap fix!

Have you got good quality bulbs?
There are a lot of non "e" marked bulbs on the various auction sites that claim they are Xenon or similar but when installed the beam pattern is useless.
Guess how I found out!

I too am somebody who would never buy a pair of xenon headlight bulbs for a fiver from ebay only to find they aren't very much better than the sidelights.

Never again, anyway!

Hi David, my Mgf is a 1998 and I guess they will be original to the car. I checked the bulbs and they are the H1 type so they should not be able to be installed incorrectly.
I have a feeling the reflectors are not as good as they look.
Anyone got a good set of headlamps for sale which will pass an mot?!!
????

Hi Ian, they are good quality standard bulbs.
Beginning to fear the worst that I need new headlamps ????

Hi,
The guys are correct, the headlights suffered from a dulling of the silver finish caused by the heat of the bulbs.
There is a company in the midlands, Duel Metallising, who will resilver your reflectors for around £100.00 a pair, but you will need to disassemble the units. Give them a call.

If you have this done, refit xenon bulbs as these run a lot cooler than the standard bulbs. These will help prolong the life of the units.
Cheers
David

£100 sounds steep, I have a bloke here in Oz, that does them for A$60 (@£35) Not much use to you lot in Pomgolia, I know!
But have a look about for places that do metalising. My bloke's main business is making metal lookalike plastic coffin hardware for the funeral trade.
You maybe lucky enough to find someone like my bloke, who'll do it at a reasonable price.

Once you have your shiny new remetalised coating on your reflectors, treat yourself to some Osram Night Breaker bulbs, these really do improve lighting your way over standard bulbs.