1997 Golf GL... Headlight Question

[interex]

Hey guys, I'm new here and did a quick search but not finding exactly what I'm looking for.

I have a 4 door 97 GL with a 2.0L and 5 speed.

I hit a deer a while back and ordered a new fender, hood, and grille with no problems at all.

I ordered a set of headlights and when they arrived they looked identical to my headlights except one thing...  The mounting tabs didn't line up.  I've looked at several different generic headlights on Ebay and all of them have the top mounting tab bent downward, where mine are suppose to be upward.   I don't understand this at all.

How do I get different headlights if none of them look like they will fit?   Everyone says they will fit all 93-98 Golf/GTI but in my case, they don't.

Any insight?

[Wayne]

They should be bent downward.

[Mikester]

As far as im aware all golfs, be it gti or not gti, all used the same slam panel, and also the ventos.

I have had brand new, and old, gti and non gti headlights, and never had a problem fitted them. The mounting tabs are just horizontal/downwards and slot into the slam panel.

Have you got pics of what your problem is? As its sounds odd.

[interex]

Look at this for example...  Look at the passenger side mounting tab, it's not at the right angle to be bolted in, this is what I'm talking about.  I bought a set just like these and they wouldn't even align all the other holes, just the top inner holes.   And the bottom pic is OEM/Fatory, the tab is upward like on my car.   

[Wayne]

That is correct.

[VR6-Joe]

I'm guessing your car is probably L/H/D?

[boneybradley]

I'm guessing your car is probably L/H/D?

still the same....

[VR6-Joe]

I'm guessing your car is probably L/H/D?

still the same....

Hmm that's really odd then

Seems like something you'd find on an import model..

[interex]

I am American, my wheel is on the standard side for American cars, not sure if import or not does have a difference...

Well, it doesnt make sense.  Whether or not there was any specific model difference, my headlights from my car bolt on just right, the replacements I bought which look exactly the same, do NOT bolt up.

That specific upper far outer side mounting tab is curved downward on the aftermarkets, mostly all of the ones I've seen and my car has that same tab except moved forward a little, and it is curved upward, making it bolt on from the front, not the top like the aftermarket suggests.   The lights absolutely did NOT fit, and I don't know why.   I'm really starting to be annoyed by the entire thing cause I really need to get my car fixed so I can start driving it again.

I just want to know why all the ones I find, even that on ebay... have the mounting tab on top, curved downward, and my car has them upward like the picture I posted above.

[VR6-Joe]

Do all the other 3 mounting tabs line up?

If so, just cut that odd one off, the other 3 bolts will keep it secure