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pop up headlights
Jesus-Ninja - 23/10/08 at 10:59 AM

I heard a rumour these aren't allowed under SVA for amateur built vehicles. Is it so?

SeaBass - 23/10/08 at 11:01 AM

I don't think they are allowed on new vehicles anymore... Hence Mx5, Ferrari and Lotus no longer using them.

JC

Mr Whippy - 23/10/08 at 11:02 AM

!

Jesus-Ninja - 23/10/08 at 11:05 AM

Hmm, i wonder why. Is it because of their capacity to mechanically fail and render the car with no lights?

tegwin - 23/10/08 at 11:28 AM

Yes....that and the fact that they provide a lethaly sharp pedestrian/car incompatibility problem!!

speedyxjs - 23/10/08 at 12:25 PM

Bugger. I was just about to design some for my car aswell

ravingfool - 23/10/08 at 12:28 PM

quote:
Originally posted by tegwin
Yes....that and the fact that they provide a lethaly sharp pedestrian/car incompatibility problem!!


cars and pedestrians are fairly incompatible as it is, and surely they're only going to be up or out at night, in the dark, when the quantity of pedestrians is low and the frequency of car/pedestrian incidents is also low?

Jesus-Ninja - 23/10/08 at 01:29 PM

quote:
Originally posted by tegwin
Yes....that and the fact that they provide a lethaly sharp pedestrian/car incompatibility problem!!


But that's an issue with the radius of the component, not the fact that it pops up. Typical 7-esque lights sit "proud", but have rounded edges that meet SVA requirements for protrusions.

I'm building an S13 based GRP body shell, so am considering what I can do regarding lights, given that the S13 uses pop ups. I don't really want the mechanics of them poping up, so one options was to make them semi permanently up all the time, but with the option to manually push them in for when on track.

That or just leave a "vacant" ole where they used to be, put some small projector type lights in, and clear polycarbonate over the top, in line with the body.

Mr Whippy - 23/10/08 at 03:01 PM

I have to agree, so long as it meets the radius requirement I don't see how they can fail on pop up lights

blakep82 - 23/10/08 at 05:07 PM

i thought pop up lights were banned in USA, and as such, manufacturers stopped using them all over?

Stu16v - 23/10/08 at 05:22 PM

Plus the added weight/complication, when most manufatcurers are trying to loose wieght (where they can) because legislation makes them fit so much other sh1t nowadays is possibly another reason, even if they were allowed...

johnston - 23/10/08 at 05:29 PM

I thought they just weren't used cos they're kinda 80's stylin!!!

But i think ones on my 3rd gen lude look pukka. But everyone tells me pop ups are a bugger to set for mot for some reason.

Jesus-Ninja - 23/10/08 at 05:43 PM

Well, back home now, and IVA has this to say. Points of interest in red bold

page 116 - Installation of Lights 20

3. All lamps and reflectors fitted to the vehicle must not move by
swivelling, deflecting or otherwise while the vehicle is in motion, except
for:
• any lamp or reflector which by design can be deflected to the side
with the movement of the front wheel or wheels of the vehicle when
turned for the purpose of steering the vehicle
• a headlamp for adjustment or dipping of the beam
• a headlamp which can be retracted or concealed
• a work lamp, used to illuminate a working area or the scene of an
accident, breakdown or road works in the vicinity of the vehicle to
which it is fitted.