Been done your way since there have been headlights, I'm sure.  I've
done it myself, without duct tape, just with marks I put on the wall
using a vehicle I thought was properly aimed.  But, the inspection
stations in Texas used to have a device consisting of a bullet shaped
capsule (pointed end truncated), 18 inches or so long, about a foot in
diameter, on a track.  The thing was positioned in front of the vehicle
with the vehicle parked a measured distance from it, and the lamp being
aimed was turned on, shining into the device.  It had a cross hairs and
a circular target on a screen that could be seen from behind.  The light
had to hit the target, centered on the cross hairs.  Been a while since
I've seen one of these gadgets, but I think it had two levels to which
it could be adjusted, for high and low beam.

David Mc

On Fri, Nov 13, 2009 at 7:07 PM, Robert Fisher wrote:

> Why would you need a machine for that? I used some duct tape and a
> brick wall.
>
> Cya,
> Robert
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> Behalf Of Dave Mcneely
> Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 4:50 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: FRIDAY OT - Headlight aimage
>
> I no longer live in Texas.  When I did, the headlight aiming involved
> a
> machine that was set in front of each headlamp, and the light was
> adjusted to a target (crosshairs) in the machine.  Thought that was
> how
> it was done everywhere.  David
>
>
> On Fri, Nov 13, 2009 at 5:37 PM, Chris S wrote:
>
>> Next time you're at a car dealer or a car service center please ask
>> them
>> about their procedures to aim headlights.  You may be surprised what
>> you
>> hear.
>>
>> Anyone willing to post their findings, especially if you live in a
>> state
>> that does not require inspections?
>>
>> --
>> Chris S.
>> Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"