Tools You’ll Need
Phillips or flathead screwdriver (depending on your adjustment screws)
A flat wall (like a garage door)
A level surface, about 25 feet long
Measuring tape
Masking tape
A helper (optional but useful)
Step-by-Step Guide to Aiming Late Model Corvair Headlights
1. Prepare the Car
Park your Corvair on a level surface facing a flat wall or garage door, 25 feet away.
Make sure the tires are properly inflated and the car is at normal driving weight (no unusual loads in the trunk).
Bounce the car a few times to settle the suspension.
2. Mark the Wall
Measure from the ground up to the center of the headlight bulb (usually around 24–26 inches).
Use masking tape to make a horizontal line on the wall at that height.
Make vertical tape lines corresponding to the center of each headlight.
3. Understand the Adjusters
Each headlight has two adjustment screws:
Top screw: Adjusts the beam up and down (vertical aim)
Side screw: Adjusts the beam left and right (horizontal aim)
🔧 You'll find these behind the headlight trim (you will need to remove it). The screws are mounted in a bracket holding the sealed-beam unit.
4. Turn On Low Beams
Do the aiming with low beams only.
The top edge of the beam pattern should be just below the horizontal tape line.
The beam center should be slightly to the right of the vertical line for each light (for U.S. right-hand driving).
5. Adjust Carefully
Turn screws in small increments.
Vertical aim: Ensure the beam doesn’t shine too high (blinding to others) or too low (reduces visibility).
Horizontal aim: Ensure it illuminates straight ahead or slightly to the right—not left into oncoming traffic.
6. Check High Beams
Turn on high beams and ensure they align vertically but center straight ahead.
Notes for Late Model Corvair (1965–1969)
Each side has two sealed-beam headlights: inner are high beam, outer are low/high combo.
If any beam appears “off” or dim, check for a bad ground, corroded socket, or worn bulb.
Bonus Tip
If you're customizing your Corvair, consider upgrading to halogen sealed beams or LED retrofits—they fit the same housings but improve light output significantly.
If you need to replace missing or broken parts for your headlight assemblies, you can find them at Clark's Corvair Parts.
