05 headlight grille conversion
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 210
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From: Long Island NY
05 headlight grille conversion
Im looking to 05 upgrade my ex and have 2 questions:
1) I see on ebay they have 05 looking headlights that swap right in but the edge between the light and grille is curved so i want to use actual 05 lights with the straight edge along the grille. I know some header panel trimming is involved to mount them but my question is.. are the bulb harnesses the same or do I need some extra parts there?
2) now for the grille... Im keeping my bumper so i have to buy a pretrimmed grille or trim it myself. If I trim it myself is there any mounting problems that Im going to run into?
and 1 more.... I cant decide whether to go with a chrome grille or paint it brown to match truck???? I could also paint both bumpers to match lower cladding.
thanks
1) I see on ebay they have 05 looking headlights that swap right in but the edge between the light and grille is curved so i want to use actual 05 lights with the straight edge along the grille. I know some header panel trimming is involved to mount them but my question is.. are the bulb harnesses the same or do I need some extra parts there?
2) now for the grille... Im keeping my bumper so i have to buy a pretrimmed grille or trim it myself. If I trim it myself is there any mounting problems that Im going to run into?
and 1 more.... I cant decide whether to go with a chrome grille or paint it brown to match truck???? I could also paint both bumpers to match lower cladding.
thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
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From: Rochdale MA
The bulbs are different but an adapter or a conversion harness is readily available too. You do have to cut some of the header panel out but with a roto zip it goes very easily. As far as cutting the grills down it is very easy to do. I used the roto zip with a cutting disc on it. The important thing is to take your time and mask it off very carefully to give you a nice clean cut. I have cut down 4 or 5 of them IIRC.
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From: Hanover,PA
I have the 05 looking headlights. There are nice. The fact that you don't have to cut any of the support for the headlight and you use the factory light bulb makes it very easy to install.
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From: Long Island NY
Also I hope after trimming the bottom of the 05 grille it dont effect any mounting tabs. I still havent gotten an answer on that.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Hattiesburg, MS
I just ordered the 05 grille and the 05 lights which came with the bulbs and harness adapters. you need to be careful some of these lights are curved and some are straight on the sides. It wouldve pissed me off after spending the money and finding the seams were all crooked. Its hard to see but the 05 grille has a straight side and 99-04 grilles are curved. you can see in some photos.
Also I hope after trimming the bottom of the 05 grille it dont effect any mounting tabs. I still havent gotten an answer on that.
Also I hope after trimming the bottom of the 05 grille it dont effect any mounting tabs. I still havent gotten an answer on that.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Stafford, VA
What/where are these 05' "looking" headlights that don't require trimming and take the 9007 bulb? I'm very interested.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
I just ordered the 05 grille and the 05 lights which came with the bulbs and harness adapters. you need to be careful some of these lights are curved and some are straight on the sides. It wouldve pissed me off after spending the money and finding the seams were all crooked. Its hard to see but the 05 grille has a straight side and 99-04 grilles are curved. you can see in some photos.
Also I hope after trimming the bottom of the 05 grille it dont effect any mounting tabs. I still havent gotten an answer on that.
Also I hope after trimming the bottom of the 05 grille it dont effect any mounting tabs. I still havent gotten an answer on that.
Start at post 7 and there are the instructions on how to cut the grill.
New User
Joined: Oct 2008
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i just did the swap on my 2000. i opted to spend some money and get a pre cut grille.. couldnt be happier here is the company i used Chrome Ford Super Duty/Excursion Grille Conversion they actually cnc cut it .. the grille is 100%mint looks great easy install.. as far as the headlights i got the stock brand new 05 headlights.. trimming was really easy like butter with a body saw.. and i optd to go with 6 HIDs so i honestly didnt need a new 9008 plug.. just power ground with some quick connectors for removal