Light covers or not?

[BRE-240Z]

The factory covers (with the chrome strip) are completely unobtainium. I picked up a set of the aftermarket covers (the same ones that MSA sells, I believe) on eBay for $40. Be patient and you'll find a set at a good price.

[Ravencree]

I had mine for about 2 years now (after market) and so far so good but its a pain when you wash the car and have to take them off to clean, the rubber seal dont work so water sits inside but, does look good! plus when you put them on make sure there is no wax or anything that the tap mounts to or you will have to glue them with a epoxy glue like i had to do!

Raven

[Galaxybj]

On my first '71 240Z I had the clear covers that were available in 71/72, as well as the fibreglass ones used on the racing Z's. They were painted to match the car. There were 3 tabs that required drilling small holes in the headlight bucket, filing the holes out to a slit just right to fit the tabs in the headlight bucket, epoxy glue them from the backside of the bucket and used stainless hex screws to hold the covers on on. Time consuming process to mount, but well worth it in my opinion. They added a bit more sleekness to the front of the car, not to mention a few extra looks. Yes, you had to remove them to dry out the water after washing the car, but to me that was just a bit more of the labor of love for the car. I too am looking for a set to put on my current '71.

[240ZX]

I have a set on my 1970 and have had them on since 1983. I feel the Z looks incomplete without them! Certainly a more finished look IMO. Plus, you get the advantage of the aero effect.....smooth surface as opposed to scoops. Regarding the cleaning hassel.....I think it takes less time to remove them and wipe the scoop area than to clean out all the bugs and crud that will get stuck in and around the headlight, without the covers. But over all, they just look cool!!!!

Tom

[Ksteve]

Does anyone know if the tinted covers are legal in California? I have seen them listed in on ebay as well for around $40. I think they would look good with my 918 orange.

Steve

[Arne]

Does anyone know if the tinted covers are legal in California?

I believe the answer to that is "No." In fact, I'm pretty certain that tinted covers aren't legal much of anywhere.

[rtaylor]

And for your reference:

CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE

SECTION 25950-25952

25950. This section applies to the color of lamps and to any

reflector exhibiting or reflecting perceptible light of 0.05 candela

or more per foot-candle of incident illumination. Unless provided

otherwise, the color of lamps and reflectors upon a vehicle shall be

as follows:

(a) The emitted light from all lamps and the reflected light from

all reflectors, visible from in front of a vehicle, shall be white or

yellow, except as follows:

(1) Rear side marker lamps required by Section 25100 may show red

to the front.

(2) The color of foglamps described in Section 24403 may be in the

color spectrum from white to yellow.

[76Datsun280z]

Thanks for all your responses and opinions guys. I think I will put those on my X-Mas list, the ones that were in the link that I showed you. I agree to that they really spruce up the front. So what all do you have to do when you take them on and off for the reproduction ones? Is there just one screw that you screw on and off? I think If I get them, I'd probably save them for after the car gets painted because I'm not sure how they'd look with just the primer, but maybe I'd be surprised.

[Craig Lovegrove]

I like the look of the head light covers and like someone said they do assist with the aerodynamics. If you are sprinting your car on the track some sort of cover is mandatory in Australia. So that solves the problem.

I have a G-Nose on my car and can't seem to locate any covers for my car. If anyone knows where I can get them from even overseas then please let me know. I have a set of the old style but non that fit my new front.

[76Datsun280z]

So did these cars originally come standard with light covers already installed when they were new, or were they an option?

[Arne]

They were illegal in the USA at that time, so no US cars came with them from the factory, neither standard or as a factory option. Dealer installed at best.

[hls30.com]

I think headlight covers help the look of the car-I believe it was designed for them. I wouldn't use the tinted variety becasue I want as much light as I can get from my headlights. I also prefer britework around the lenses.

Will