Need new headlights!!!

[SHOpar]

My headlights are finally so clouded up that it's time to buy new ones. I'd like to get them installed before the convention (filling out the registration right now), but I don't want to spend a fortune.

The cheapest place I've found them is on First Ford Parts, but they still seem pretty steep - about $390 +shipping for new lenses, fishtanks, and side markers. Is there anywhere else I can get good quality replacements for a better price?

Also, is there anything special I should know before installing them? Are there any additional parts/fasteners that I should buy before replacing them?

Thanks!!!

 

[SHO--ripper]

Try posting a wanted to buy ad. You'll be able to find a used pair for a lot less than $400

 

[DJ LYX]

hi, when i was in need of parts I found a link here on the forum and ordered a passenger headlight and headlight panel from these guys. www.autopartsreplacement.com

about 80 bucks per headlight plus shipping (parts are not made by ford tho)

Turned out that my old passenger headlight wasnt broken, it was just one of those little rods in the back that snapped. I replaced the broken rod thingy with the one from the headlight i got from the website.

To replace the headlight aint that bad. I'd suggest shooting the metal clips that hold the headlights with wd-40 and leave it for a while. You have to kinda bend the metal clips from outta the grooves on the rubber grommet before you pull them up. Use a needle nose or some other kinda pliers to pull the clips up-words.

Personally speaking- For one of my clips I actually used a wire clothes hanger (ghetto.)

I suggest you get clean corners, i like mine... dont get them off ebay tho... when you get them directly from the website they are a little cheaper... I cant remember what's the link to the website but do a quick search on the forum and you'll find it. Hold on to your old corners tho just in case you have a prob during inspection time.

I know this is stupid, dont forget to remove the bulbs before you take out the headlight assembly

Hope this helps...

 

[SHOpar]

Thanks for the info on the website! What did you think of the quality of their headlights?

It looks like they run about the same for the whole assembly as OEM would be for just the housing and lens (no bulbs, etc.). Kind of a toss up...

 

[V6&V8SHO]

Hey SHOPAR, do your current headlights have any condensation in them? If not then you could try giving them a good buff with a polishing compound on the headlight.

 

[DJ LYX]

they come with the headlight bulbs, but not the orange signals...

 

[SHOMA]

I have a set of headlights that were pulled off a car that was just replaced last year. THe lights looks very nice IMHO, I can get a pic within the next few days if you want. If I dont sell them, I'l put them on my 92, they look new, and were just replaced last year when the front end was in an accident. The markers may also be in the same condition, I'l have to check... Email me at [email protected] if interested.
Kevin

 

[SHOpar]

Thanks for the info everyone!

I tried the Meguiar's plastic cleaner and a rotary buffer on one of my headlights this weekend, and it really helped!

I already have access to a heat gun, so next weekend I am going to completely disassemble them and clean them up really good instead of spending a ton on new headlights (I used that money for a new set of Kumho Ecsta MXs for the convention!).

Anyone have any hints/warnings about disassembling the headlights? This will be the first time I've attempted taking a headlight apart... Any special silicone I should use to reseal it?

Thanks again!

 

[SHOpar]

I just thought I'd give you all an update on my headlight cleaning attempts:

I worked on them this weekend quite a bit, trying a variety of methods that were suggested, including 1000- and 2000-grit sandpaper, plastic polish, and rubbing compound. In the end, the method I used that worked the best was to use extra-fine steel wool and water to get all of the discoloration off of the lens, then I used plastic polish to clean up the haze from the steel wool.

The lights look REALLY good now. Still not new, but I can't beat a couple hours of my time and a few bucks supplies, considering how much new headlights cost.

The sandpaper route was a real PITA, as it scratched the lens too much for my taste, requiring several applications of polish to remove the scratches it left. In the end, I had the same results as the steel wool, but it took more than double the time to do it that way.

 

[Vitamin G]

SHOpar: Did you end up removing the lens from the body and cleaning the inside? I've been thinking of doing that (was going to this weekend, but ended up cleaning seats instead), but wasn't sure how easy it would be to put it all back together.

I bought a pristine DS headlamp from jelloslug, so I'm free to experiment on my current DS lenses.

 

[SHOpar]

SHOpar: Did you end up removing the lens from the body and cleaning the inside?

I was going to try that, but the insides of my headlights looked pretty clean, and after almost ruining one of my fish tanks taking it apart to get some condensation out, I decided not to push my luck. I'm sure it's possible, but not worth the risk to me.

For the sidemarkers, I was able to get some long detailing Q-tips and clean out the inside pretty well.