Small cosmetic problem
Small cosmetic problem Hey everybody. I'm glad to find a decent-looking place where there are some other LS1 enthusiasts. I recently bought a 1998 Trans Am to replace my 1998 Firebird (every 17 year old's dream, I know) and that thing FLIES. Its flawless, almost.
My one gripe is that the driver's side headlight sits about an inch away from the hood meaning theres a one inch gap between the headlight and the hood. Both headlights work ok and make very little noise, but this is still bothering me. I've heard it's a common enough problem, but at the same time I've seen pictures of fourth gen 98+ Firebirds and Trans Ams where the headlights are nearly flush with the hood and only a tiny little space can be seen between the hood and headlight.
Does anybody know how I could fix this or even knowing the cause might help. Thanks alot! This seems like it will be a really helpful place.
My one gripe is that the driver's side headlight sits about an inch away from the hood meaning theres a one inch gap between the headlight and the hood. Both headlights work ok and make very little noise, but this is still bothering me. I've heard it's a common enough problem, but at the same time I've seen pictures of fourth gen 98+ Firebirds and Trans Ams where the headlights are nearly flush with the hood and only a tiny little space can be seen between the hood and headlight.
Does anybody know how I could fix this or even knowing the cause might help. Thanks alot! This seems like it will be a really helpful place.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Pop the hood, leave the head light down. There are adjustment screws which allow you to move the light side to side and back and forth. I can't remember specifically which one moves the light which way, but it's pretty easy to figure out. Just be sure the when you close the gap between the headlight and the hood that the headlight will still pop up without obstuction from the hood. Adjust accordingly and you should have a perfect fit.
the whole shield can be completely readjusted or removed from the headlights with just a few of those screws that ls1obsession is talking about. I would take it off and see if it is the housing that is out of whack or just the shield.
Okay. I'm bringing this thread back from the dead.
I started this post earlier, before I went to the Hawkeye game and had like a case of beer. Anyways, I'm home now and thought I should finish it...
I recently installed my newly painted Suncoast Raptor Hood on my 99 Firebird Formula. While having the hood painted, I also, had the headlight covers repainted as well.
While reinstalling them, I noticed the driverside headlight assembly is much closer to the fender than the passenger. I have tried to adjust both sides, in an attempt to make the two sides match and can't seem to get any sort of movement out of either side.
How exactly to you adjust the entire headlight assembly? If you could explain the process in detail I would be most appreciative. Thanks...
I started this post earlier, before I went to the Hawkeye game and had like a case of beer. Anyways, I'm home now and thought I should finish it...
I recently installed my newly painted Suncoast Raptor Hood on my 99 Firebird Formula. While having the hood painted, I also, had the headlight covers repainted as well.
While reinstalling them, I noticed the driverside headlight assembly is much closer to the fender than the passenger. I have tried to adjust both sides, in an attempt to make the two sides match and can't seem to get any sort of movement out of either side.
How exactly to you adjust the entire headlight assembly? If you could explain the process in detail I would be most appreciative. Thanks...
No one knows how to make cosmetic adjustments to the entire headlight assembly on a 98-02 Firebird? Seriously?
I know the headlight cover alone can be adjusted on the assembly up and down to align with the fender, hood, and nose. But the cover has virtually no adjustment left and right, due to the placement of its mounting tabs.
What I'm looking to accomplish is to have the same gap between the cover and the fender on both the passenger and drivers side. In order to make this happen there must be a way to make a lateral adjustment to the entire assembly.
Come on Firebird owners. I'm counting on you for this one.
I know the headlight cover alone can be adjusted on the assembly up and down to align with the fender, hood, and nose. But the cover has virtually no adjustment left and right, due to the placement of its mounting tabs.
What I'm looking to accomplish is to have the same gap between the cover and the fender on both the passenger and drivers side. In order to make this happen there must be a way to make a lateral adjustment to the entire assembly.
Come on Firebird owners. I'm counting on you for this one.
Trending Topics
Looks like I'll have to take them apart and see what can be done.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo Okay... I attempted to make some adjustments to my headlight assemblies. I'd have to say Jazz is correct.
There are two 10mm bolts and four 10mm nuts that hold the assembly bracket. After loosening each nut and bolt, I discovered the two bolts hold the bracket which has squared-out holes (which would allow for adjustment), but only three of the four studs the nuts thread on are in slotted holes. What the ****?
Why would GM bother to allow for adjustment on 5 of the 6 mounting points? That makes no ******* sense to me.
To top this all off, I believe the only way to slot out the remaining mounting point would be to completely remove the nose of the car. What a bunch of bullshit.
Anyways, I just wanted to add this to the thread for anyone who may be looking to make adjustments to their headlights. And if you should happen to have the nose off your car I would definitely take the time to slot this particular hole.
Thats all I have for now.
There are two 10mm bolts and four 10mm nuts that hold the assembly bracket. After loosening each nut and bolt, I discovered the two bolts hold the bracket which has squared-out holes (which would allow for adjustment), but only three of the four studs the nuts thread on are in slotted holes. What the ****?
Why would GM bother to allow for adjustment on 5 of the 6 mounting points? That makes no ******* sense to me.
To top this all off, I believe the only way to slot out the remaining mounting point would be to completely remove the nose of the car. What a bunch of bullshit.
Anyways, I just wanted to add this to the thread for anyone who may be looking to make adjustments to their headlights. And if you should happen to have the nose off your car I would definitely take the time to slot this particular hole.
Thats all I have for now.
