Headlight mounting with fenders, Gen 1 if it matters

[JimLev]

Did you just mount the headlight to the engine side cover, maybe use a piece of metal for a backing plate?
I spoke with FF today, they said to use the top hole in the bracket, however that's still too low, the headlight will not clear the fender which is mounted 2.5" above the top of the tire like the manual says for suspension travel. The front tires are 245/45ZR17's, not that big of a tire.

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[JimLev]

Spoke with Tony Z the other day, he confirmed the headlights would not mount in the top hole and clear the fenders.
Only options were to mount them in the side panel or the fender. I picked the side panels.

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[Kamp]

Jim, thanks to your post I tried the front fenders with the headights that I had already mounted and wired. Surprise, there is no way, even with the fender setting on the tire almost no clearance to the headlight. This is a real bummer and though I think FFR has done a good job with manual there is no mention as far as I know about the headlight location in the manual or supplemental fender directions about this. If you have already cut the engine side panels now there are holes to fill.

I wonder where you located your headlights do you have the clearance for the hood hinge and rising cylinder?

[JimLev]

I wonder where you located your headlights do you have the clearance for the hood hinge and rising cylinder?

I have them mounted in the side panels for now, hope I don't have to change the location.
The hood isn't mounted yet.
Better pics in post 351....
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?26821-JimLev-s-Build/page9

[Kamp]

I have my hood on and functional and will look tomorrow to see what if any clearance issues present themselves. I wonder if this situation deserves a sticky or something?

[wrp]

I would encourage you to consider prior to finishing the body that with the lights on the side panel, unless you have electrical disconnects, you will have to remove the lights to remove the side panels. Now you may not intend to remove the side panels however, it is an extra level of stress, further, if you remove the panels then you have nothing to mount the lights to. Many of us have cut off a forward section of the panel and mounted it more or less permanently with the bulk of the remainder being semi permanently attached or removable like the hood. Just a thought.

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[JimLev]

I mounted terminal strips on both sides of the fan shroud so I can disconnect the wires when I want to remove the side panels, the only time I think I'll need to do that is if I need to do any engine or AC work.