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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Headlights and Retainer Clips

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Old Dec 16, 2010 | 12:54 AM
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Headlights and Retainer Clips

I tried pulling the headlights out of my 92 F150 with no luck. The stock metal clips broke and I cannot find any new ones locally and have got to get these put in by tomorrow afternoon. Does anyone here have any tips on getting these things off, where to buy new ones and what tool I need to take them off? I know that on each side they need to be pulled out and then up but I tried and they just snap. I am trying to pull the entire headlamp assembly out to replace with new lenses since the stock ones are badly pitted and yellowed beyond repair.
What is the correct name for these little metal clips as well? I am hoping that the stealership has them in stock because no local auto parts places do. From what I hear, the only place to find them are at the junk yard... I sure wish there was a different style clip that would work just as well because these things are a pain in the butt!!!

Thanks in advance for ANY info or help at all!!!
 
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Old Dec 16, 2010 | 09:06 AM
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I used needle nose pliers when I removed mine. Have to asked the local Ford dealer? Its worth a shot if you need them fast. Otherwise I would guess a salvage yard. If all else fails, you'll have to order them and wait, but I bet NPD or LMC or Bronco Graveyard has them or maybe JCW or Ebay.
 
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Old Dec 16, 2010 | 11:29 PM
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Thanks. I got it taken care of today. They were a total pain to replace but I got the job done finally. Broke most clips, dealership had them though so I bought all they had. The cheap aftermarket lights sucked and weren't sealed nicely so I took tape and outlined the seal all around the lens and used silicone to seal them up nicely. One of the plastic pieces that holds the clips on and is used for adjustment for aiming the headlights broke so I had to use a nut to hold it on. All it in, I made it work, fixed the clips and cleaned things up while the grill and everything was off.

Took a long time to do but I know what needs to be done next time, it's just not fun. For anyone here who needs to tackle this job soon, buy clips before starting and pull the washer fluid bottle out along with the battery and battery tray. You dont absolutely have to remove these items but it greatly helps.
 
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Old Dec 16, 2010 | 11:43 PM
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You don't have to break/buy new clips, you have to take down the front of the truck (all the way almost up to the rad.) in order to access them correctly, that and using the needle nose pliers.
 
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Old Dec 16, 2010 | 11:53 PM
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I did pull the entire header off. The clips were brittle and some were rusted and just snapped very easily.
 
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Old Dec 17, 2010 | 01:50 AM
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I guess the weather made quite a difference in my case, i did it about 1 1/2 years ago... I had a lot of trouble until i found out how to do it the proper way, but all the original clips stayed.
 
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