I was looking at my new (to me) Shay tonight and noticed that the passenger's side headlight was much closer to the grille than the driver's side. Took out my measuring tape and find out that from the fender to the headlight bolt on the passenger's side is 7 inches and on the driver's side is only 6 inches! Right now the only cure I can see for this is a new headlight bar, but it's kind of strange that such a large error would get by. Has anybody else observed this?
thanks/Chris

Chris,
Everyone has "noticed". It isn't a defect it's part of the character of the Shay. It has something to do with the way the engine and hood fit the chassis. The Shay has a great deal of CHARACTER.

NY - RON

You can try switch it [headlight bar] end for end and see if it helps centering them.

Gary M Wood
Webmaster
Shay Model A Website
www.geocities.com/shaymodela/
SOCI Membership Chairman

Chris,
Do you have the original Shay headlights or have they been replaced with 29 Model A headlights and headlight bar? When I put the 29 headlights and bar on my Shay I immediately saw that they were off center. I personally think it is because the driver's front fender is lower than the passenger front fender. That throws the bar off center. After checking with this forum I decided it was a Shay thing and not much could be done about it. The best advise I got was to face the lights, take ten steps back and then two steps to the right. Now when you look, they look straight. Seriously, I belong to a Model A club and go with them on a run every couple of months. Not one person has ever noticed the lights being off centered. So, I just forgot it and enjoy my Shay.

Ray - FL

I have had a Model Headlight bar and headlights on my Shay for 3 or 4 years and also belong to a Model A club. No one has ever noticed.

NY - RON

Just so you know you are not alone, I was looking at this Shay on ebay. Notice the 3rd picture from the left on the top row. The lights look just like mine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Replica-Kit-Makes-A-1929-SHAY-MODEL-A-SUPER-DELUXE-VERY-GOOD-COND-12000-MLS_W0QQitemZ260493282711QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item3ca69c0d97

Ray - FL

Mine too....But, like was said, stand back and off to the right and it is not noticeable....

Good luck....
Mike

Mike Ross
San Antonio, Texas
www.TheHappiestMusicOnEarth.com

Yes, it is definitely a Shay thing..... every Shay I have seen have the same off center. It is a special car so I consider that to be a special feature not a defect ......