Convert headlights from RHD to LHD mold

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Jul 17, 2018 | 11:32 AM

Maanghod

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Convert headlights from RHD to LHD cut off shield

Hello! I have recently bought an RX8 (RHD version) and I have to change the headlights in order to pass inspection.
Searching on the internet (and watching this video -

), I found that for most manufacturers, the LHD and RHD headlights are the same apart from a little mold put in front of the bulb to make it go up in a certain direction (left or right).
I looked up how to open the RX8 headlights and, while it seems hard (baking etc.), I may just do it if it’s possible to open the lens and change the mold. Has anyone done it? Is it possible? Thanks.

Last edited by Maanghod; Jul 18, 2018 at 02:10 AM. Reason: Better title

Jul 17, 2018 | 11:51 AM

dannobre

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Usually they have to be marked DOT or whatever your local regulatory body is. It is usually easier to just get used approved headlight units from the jurisdiction you need them for.

This all depends on how sticky the inspections are as well

Jul 17, 2018 | 12:09 PM

Maanghod

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dannobre

Thanks for your reply. I live in Europe so they are looking at the E symbol on the headlight and the beam itself. I was just wondering if it could be done (in principle). I just need the beam to go up to the right. Worst case scenario, I found some European headlights on ebay.

P.S it’s a real pity as there’s virtually no difference between the lhd and rhd ones apart from the little mold; New ones are 400 for just one headlight :/

Last edited by Maanghod; Jul 17, 2018 at 12:13 PM.

Jul 18, 2018 | 02:09 AM

Maanghod

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Aren’t the projectors similar to these ones from mazda 3? If they are, then it’s pretty easy to modify the cut off

shield from the back.

Jul 18, 2018 | 01:21 PM

jakejm79

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The projector headlights in the RX8 have a metal shield in them that depicts the beam cutoff pattern. I haven't opened one up, but its entirely possibly you could just flip the shield (if its straight) if its curved you'd just have to flip it and rebend it.
This will get you the correct cutoff pattern and if that is all the local inspectors look at then you should be fine, if they want E-code approved headlights then you will be left sourcing new/used ones.