Upgrading headlights
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 71
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Upgrading headlights
The headlights on my 97 Expy are starting to yellow. I am trying to decide between cleaning them up and replacing them.
I am leaning towards replacing them with ones similar to what the Lightning had since I figure that the clear lenses would kick out more light.
Does anyone have any experience with lights similar to these?
Spec D Headlights for 97-03 Ford F150 at Andy's Auto Sport
Or these
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Truck-Expedition-Headlights-Corner-Parking-Lights-LH-RH-Set-Kit-UPGRADE-/130574049621?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Make%3AFord|Model%3AExpedition|Year%3A1997&h ash=item1e66d1e155
I am looking to boost the light output as much as possible without going to HID lights. Better headlights are a plus as winter approaches.
Thanks
I am leaning towards replacing them with ones similar to what the Lightning had since I figure that the clear lenses would kick out more light.
Does anyone have any experience with lights similar to these?
Spec D Headlights for 97-03 Ford F150 at Andy's Auto Sport
Or these
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Truck-Expedition-Headlights-Corner-Parking-Lights-LH-RH-Set-Kit-UPGRADE-/130574049621?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Make%3AFord|Model%3AExpedition|Year%3A1997&h ash=item1e66d1e155
I am looking to boost the light output as much as possible without going to HID lights. Better headlights are a plus as winter approaches.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: location, location
If it were me I'd try cleaning them first, even if you only try using toothpaste. My '98's were pretty yellow when i got it, and was considering replacing them. Then i just hand buffed them with some $10 paste i bought at the auto store ( windsheild cleaning compound). Took about 15 minutes and it made a huge difference. You have nothing to lose trying a cheap clean first since if you're not happy with the results, you simply buy the new lights.
you can also wire the lights straight from your battery using relays from the switch, which is supposed to give you a lot more output also. You can buy the premade harness on ebay or even LMC Truck for $20-30. I've been thinking about trying this one myself, just haven't gotten around to it
you can also wire the lights straight from your battery using relays from the switch, which is supposed to give you a lot more output also. You can buy the premade harness on ebay or even LMC Truck for $20-30. I've been thinking about trying this one myself, just haven't gotten around to it
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From: location, location
LMC has those LMC Truck Parts - Page 40
a lot cheaper on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SONAR...item1e6420ec9f
a lot cheaper on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SONAR...item1e6420ec9f
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 71
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How is the light output on them? They look like they should make it look like daylight, but I wonder how well they would really work.
LMC has those LMC Truck Parts - Page 40
a lot cheaper on ebay SONAR 97-03 FORD F150 LED HALO PROJECTOR HEADLIGHTS | eBay
a lot cheaper on ebay SONAR 97-03 FORD F150 LED HALO PROJECTOR HEADLIGHTS | eBay
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 491
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From: Southern Illinois
First, I would try a commercially available headlight restore kit such as Mothers, etc. If your headlights are very yellow, I would use the sandpaper method (look on youtube). I have a Mazda Protege that had slightly yellowed lights, used the sandpaper method and plastic polish and they look pretty good (nice and clear). However, you will need a high speed drill or a buffer to be able to use the polish to its full extent.
The second method as you suggested is to purchase a new set of clear headlights off ebay or where ever and install. I would second that motion, but I'd also be aware that all of these products (more than likely) come from China and the quality might be so-so. I have read that the lenses might not be sealed to the housing as good as they can be and will let in moisture over time. I also read somewhere that if you go this route, running a bead a clear silicone around the outside might help.
With that said, for optimum light output, using the clear headlight lenses, coupled with rewiring the headlights with relays, and new bulbs will give you the best output possible.
The second method as you suggested is to purchase a new set of clear headlights off ebay or where ever and install. I would second that motion, but I'd also be aware that all of these products (more than likely) come from China and the quality might be so-so. I have read that the lenses might not be sealed to the housing as good as they can be and will let in moisture over time. I also read somewhere that if you go this route, running a bead a clear silicone around the outside might help.
With that said, for optimum light output, using the clear headlight lenses, coupled with rewiring the headlights with relays, and new bulbs will give you the best output possible.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2009
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The second method as you suggested is to purchase a new set of clear headlights off ebay or where ever and install. I would second that motion, but I'd also be aware that all of these products (more than likely) come from China and the quality might be so-so. I have read that the lenses might not be sealed to the housing as good as they can be and will let in moisture over time. I also read somewhere that if you go this route, running a bead a clear silicone around the outside might help.
They have other choices too.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
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From: Rochdale MA
I bought the 05 Harley Style lights for my dually from Headlight Depot on Ebay, that was 3 years ago and they are holding up great. When the time comes to change them on the Expy I will get them from the same place.
I made my own relay harness as well I can post the diagram with a list of materials if anyone is intrested.
I made my own relay harness as well I can post the diagram with a list of materials if anyone is intrested.
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From: location, location
i think i have it figured out (can't be too complicated ), but if you have that info handy i'd love to see if i'm missing anything. Did you splice your harness or put a male plug between harness and relays? and more importantly, did the relay harness make a noticable differance in light output?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,023
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From: New Castle, Delaware
I have been thinking about getting these off ebay but not too sure if I should. Is there really any functionality of the small led's on the bottom of the headlights?
ralf12 - why don't you want to make the switch to HIDs?
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98 5.4 Eddie 4x4 176K
88 Stang 5.0 HO (stock for now)
95 Mazda Protege Dx 1.5L Rotory 5spd 222,252 miles (wrecked - gone but not forgotten)
Postmaster
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
The relays will help a lot on older cars and trucks that do not have the GEM and the newer electrical systems. I believe the GEM eliminates the need for a seperate relay system. I use relays for my auxillary driving lights on my Navigator, and I installed them on my Mark VIII when I upgraded to HIDs and again for my driving lights. I did it because the higher amperage draw might overload the GEM or the circut.
I might have been overly cautious.
I might have been overly cautious.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 1
From: New Castle, Delaware
The relays will help a lot on older cars and trucks that do not have the GEM and the newer electrical systems. I believe the GEM eliminates the need for a seperate relay system. I use relays for my auxillary driving lights on my Navigator, and I installed them on my Mark VIII when I upgraded to HIDs and again for my driving lights. I did it because the higher amperage draw might overload the GEM or the circut.
I might have been overly cautious.
I might have been overly cautious.
That sounds like me right there. I a m typically overly cautious and I over analyze everything darn near. That doesn't sound like a bad I idea. I been thinking about getting everything for my 98 Eddie so when it comes out the shop. I can just start doing the upgrades on her and keep it moving from there.
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98 5.4 Eddie 4x4 176K
88 Stang 5.0 HO (stock for now)
95 Mazda Protege Dx 1.5L Rotory 5spd 222,252 miles (wrecked - gone but not forgotten)
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can anyone recommend me any bright white lights? like what the new navigator have? Because i have HID's but the navigator has some little thing inside to make it reflect back anyways my HID's dont work good because of this(my fog lights work better)