Update Headlights and Grill
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Twin Falls, Idaho
I did a similar thing with my van, put a newer grille on it, now if the new headlights are aeros, you may need to splice some wiring, shouldnt be to hard 
pic
only issue was the leftover hood emblem spot, but you could just use the 05's hood if it bothers ya. Also the grille mounts aren't exact, will take some slight fiddling, but the top 3 mount screws line up at least
pic
only issue was the leftover hood emblem spot, but you could just use the 05's hood if it bothers ya. Also the grille mounts aren't exact, will take some slight fiddling, but the top 3 mount screws line up at least
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
In theory composite H/L's are a great idea but in practice they leave a lot to be desired. Factory parts are decent quality but very expensive, aftermarket imported junk degrades very quickly.
Some of this can be attributed to weather conditions but any extended night time driving affects any composite H/L assembly. Cold weather road treatments might hasten the deterioration but when it happens primarily on the inside that's more a function of usage rather than environmental conditions.
While seal-beams seem to have a lot of draw backs and downsides the fact is they're relatively cheap, have glass enclosures and have worked well for many many years. Today's higher output halogen versions are great for most city and highway driving IMHO.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Kountze, Texas
I may go with the Hella E-code sealed beam conversions. I have had very good luck with these in the past and the H4 bulbs are easy to come by.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
For the retainers I'd use the OEM number and check with one of the new parts sellers. Typically Dorman will have them under their own number.
If its a dealer only part I'd suggest the site Clips and Fasterners.com--they'll have most everything in the AuVeCo catalog but they do assume you know what you need---they're more of a supply house and not consumer based with help desk to select the correct part.
HTH
If its a dealer only part I'd suggest the site Clips and Fasterners.com--they'll have most everything in the AuVeCo catalog but they do assume you know what you need---they're more of a supply house and not consumer based with help desk to select the correct part.
HTH
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,015
Likes: 131
From: Maryville
God help me, but GM got it right on the 1990 Caprice, they had composite bulbs, but the housing was glass, the reason this was discontinued it plastic forms easy, and is cheaper, no one builds anything to last anymore, just until it's paid for.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Kountze, Texas
Wasn't happy with the headlight retainers I made for the composite headlights, so I ordered a set of E-Code rectangular replacements with 55/60 Halogen bulbs for the sealed beams. Light output now is very good so the composite lights were put back in the boxes and on the top shelf for another day.