I would think so. Shine the lights against garage door or a wall and if the beams are flat-topped - i.e. not kicking up to the right then they'll be fine. If not simply mask with insulating tape. I had a whole load of bother with my Unimog, as Hella didn't / don't make any RHD lamps for the model I imported. After checking with VOSA HQ it was agreed that as long as they were flat-topped they were OK and that black tape was acceptable.
Fingers crossed, but I think I've struck gold on FB Marketplace....found a UK pair of used headlights, all the fitting tabs are in place, and the lenses look to be in decent condition. They will need a clean, but hoping that these will be a perfect swap. And, the best part, £50 for the pair! Have some new bulbs to go in them. Being posted tomorrow, all being well I should be able to swap over at the weekend.
If they're starting to go 'cloudy/hazy', have a look at this stuff which I tried after a recommendation on another forum. Brought them back to like new, although longevity is yet to be proved. Seems to do what is says, but even if they need redoing after a while it's easier than wet sanding/polishing. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Duxback-He...ocphy=9046005&hvtargid=pla-762536151596&psc=1
New/old lights delivered today, I'm very happy indeed! Changed the bulbs and cleaned the lenses up as they were slightly hazy, some paint restorer and a buff. Looking forward to getting these fitted tomorrow. Original Alfa units, very, very rare indeed. Think I have landed very lucky here. Phew!
All fitted and working well, checked the motor controls the adjuster for the headlights. Here are a few photos, poor light conditions outside, so not the best of pictures at all, but I think you can clearly see the difference. Before above, after below:
Also found a huge bolt/shard of metal right in the centre of the NS rear tyre, pressure was down to 20psi, will need a puncture repair soon.
Not to be unexpected this weekend what with all these marches led by so many proudly displayed medals
Exactly 3000 miles into the 147 ownership experience today. Have done that mileage since 31/08/23, mainly motorway driving with the odd town drive to the tip etc. Averaging 55.9mpg over this time, very happy with that considering I’m not exactly trying to hyper-mile this one. Mechanically the car seems to be running really well, after swapping the EGR and adding two lots of Redex diesel treatment the engine is running well. Gear change remains good after the bush change. Looking like I may need to change the glow plugs sometime this winter, will keep an eye on the starting as the weather gets colder. Overall I am really pleased with the purchase and gamble, it has made me smile more than it has made me frown! I’m also so relaxed about parking it anywhere, a change from the G22. Most of the schools I work with are in really tough areas, places where I wouldn’t normally park in the road, but happy to leave the 147 out. I’ve also left it at the train station for two days at a time when staying over in London. Very relaxing experience in this respect. Oddly this car is making me look at the G22 and reconsider the whole expensive car ownership experience. More of this when I review the 12 month ownership on that one. Hoping for many more relaxed, smile inducing miles in the old Alfa.
I’ve only cleaned this car once. That is unheard of for me! The engine bay is cleaner than the exterior. I may need to rectify that soon.
This made me realise how much of a bargain I had on the set of headlights, the OS one is on their listing as well, £92..... That's £217 for the pair v £60 I paid for my set. Gulp. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/39500083...-82e5-e2472d9809e6|iid:1|vlpname:vlp_homepage
This is turning out to be an almighty ownership thread, the Alfa has proved to be a worthy purchase Or certainly one that rings true….
Puncture repaired today, only a gradual loss of air, but I was needing to top up 4-6psi every few days. Also had the front wheels aligned as the toe was out following an argument with a pot hole a few weeks ago. Definitely a more direct feel to the steering now. Also found out I'd made a mistake when buying the rear wiper blade when I bought the car. It has never cleared the middle of the screen effectively, thought it was due to a cheap/duff blade. Turns out I'd bought the wrong one. Doh. I needed a shorter bladed version for cars with a rear spoiler, the current one catches on the under side of the spoiler at the top of the stroke, causing the blade to separate from the screen. A new, and correct, one has been ordered.
Finally gave in and vacuumed the car, it was filthy. Then took it down the road for a quick wash. 3 and a half months, 4230 miles since the last wash! Highly unlike me.
