Composite headlight conversion
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Composite headlight conversion
I've searched this forum and this question has been asked before, but I have never seen a definitive answer. I just finished this conversion and here's what is needed:
The headlights themselves - widely available on Ebay and elswhere, complete with bulbs and adjusters.
Headlight retention bars - this metal bars slide into grooves on the rear of the header panel and lock the headlight assemby in place. Available in junk yards for almost nothing. 2 on each side for a total of 4.
Wiring harness - The headlight wiring harness connects to the main harness behind the passenger side headlight. The harness for the composite lights have different connectors to the headlights than the sealed beam harness. I suppose you could cut the connectors, but the harness is cheap, easy to remove, and gives a nice OEM result. The wiring harness on early models is slightly different. I know '98 and up are the same. I'm just not exactly certain which year the transition was made ('97 or earlier).
It ended up be a very easy conversion and costs less than $100, including shiny new headlights.
The headlights themselves - widely available on Ebay and elswhere, complete with bulbs and adjusters.
Headlight retention bars - this metal bars slide into grooves on the rear of the header panel and lock the headlight assemby in place. Available in junk yards for almost nothing. 2 on each side for a total of 4.
Wiring harness - The headlight wiring harness connects to the main harness behind the passenger side headlight. The harness for the composite lights have different connectors to the headlights than the sealed beam harness. I suppose you could cut the connectors, but the harness is cheap, easy to remove, and gives a nice OEM result. The wiring harness on early models is slightly different. I know '98 and up are the same. I'm just not exactly certain which year the transition was made ('97 or earlier).
It ended up be a very easy conversion and costs less than $100, including shiny new headlights.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,254
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I've often thought of making this conversion myself----was under the impression the radiator support, headlight bezels and center grill section also had to be changed?
I like the idea of the HID bulbs but have become wary of the discoloration and clouding I see on the housings shortly after being put into service. Some have degraded so badly they're yellow, almost brown which has to reduce the light cast forward. There are kits to restore the lenses but still seems a hassle. With sealed beams they can be cleaned and changed quite easily if necesssary.
I'll have to reconsider this now---seems a bit more simple so thanks VanDiesel!
I like the idea of the HID bulbs but have become wary of the discoloration and clouding I see on the housings shortly after being put into service. Some have degraded so badly they're yellow, almost brown which has to reduce the light cast forward. There are kits to restore the lenses but still seems a hassle. With sealed beams they can be cleaned and changed quite easily if necesssary.
I'll have to reconsider this now---seems a bit more simple so thanks VanDiesel!
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