I was all ready to do the DIY blacked out headlights; It was a great write up, but time was of the essence. I found a set of blacked out headlight assemblies on Ebay for $112.00, which I thought was reasonable. The company had a great rating and was awesome to deal with. I then sold my factory assemblies on Ebay for more than I spent on the new ones. I thought I was ahead of the game right???
The problem lies when I got my truck inspected. They failed my truck and explained to me that any after market headlight assembly, If not stamped into the plastic with a D.O.T label, cannot pass inspection. This was a shop I have been using for a while, They know me, My truck, And how maticousely I keep it; The guy was not being a jerk, just following new inspection codes. Luckily a friend of mine that owns a shop, but is out of the way for me; Passed it with no problem. Dont know if this is a scam, but just beware.

 

Maybe get a pair of acceptable used assemblies and just use them for inspection time.

 

If I swap out an OEM part with an aftermarket I always keep the OEM part just in case the aftermarket part breaks. Its always a good idea to be able to return your car to full stock...just in case.

 

ouch man, that sucks


see if you can pick up some used heads on eBay. the silver OEM ones seem to go for under $40 a pop. can't see why you couldn't pick up a used set for under $100

 

Lighting assemblies used in the US have been marked with DOT for decades. This is nothing new, but if they're looking, either the guy doing the inspection or the shop, has been fined for passing non-compliant items.

Heck, I did inspections back in the 70's and 80's. Back then we were pushed to keep an eye out for Grey Market vehicles. Like certain Mercedes and other high end European toys. It was required that these vehicles go thru certain conversions to make them legal for use on US streets. DOT markings on lighting was one.

 

you got any pics of your new headlights

 

get some "D, O, T" metal punch-stamps, heat them up a lil and stamp the headlights yourself

I ran into the same problem with the rear directionals on my bike. Bought some mini's for the rear (that were brighter than the stock) and the inspection guy wouldn't pass it because it didn't say DOT on them.. Told the clown the parts guy inside sold them to me yesterday; he passed the bike....

 

That is a great idea. No I have not taken pics of them yet. I am getting new wheels and tires this weekend; Was waiting for the total package.

 

I hear PA has some really **** inspection reg's. My army buddy has a '94 f150 that passed inspection when we were stationed at fort hood, TX. When he got out and drove it back to PA and had it inspected there, it failed overwhelmingly and need in excess of $1000 worth of stuff LOL!!

Glad your buddy could hook you up though!

 

Do the headlamps have the side reflector? In order to be DOT approved they must have side markers (reflectors). The DPS Department of public safety have been trained to be on the lookout for these type of headlights (without markers). You could be fined if you do not have them ( In Texas).

 

I was pulled over by the boys in blue and checked for that same thing. In Canada the rating is sae so I make sure all my lights have the right markings you just never know when they can get you. I also think the stamping is on the inside of the light and not the outside so restamping yours may not work.

 

Wow, and I thought emissions testing was bad, im glad that they dont submit us to those tests here in illinois. I guess its only a matter of time untill they do!

 

Yes they had the side reflectors, Just like the oem's. They are identical in every way to the factorys except the background is matt black. I wasen't gonna be a dick about it to the guy, or get myself in more trouble but the rear factory tailights dont have a D.O.T stamp on the plastic either. So I dont know what the whole deal is.

 

Thanks all, If I can disconnect the display and use tune with out it I'm going to get a edge to use on tune tow or 1. Just do not like the shift and throttle response and think Ford has really dropped the ball on this driveability issue.

 

That's a reason why I am always nervous about buying stuff for the truck on eBay. I still do though.