Looking for a headlight suggestion
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 461
Likes: 1
Looking for a headlight suggestion
I have an early '99 with the frosted headlights. I'd like to replace them with the clear lens version as is on my wife's 2004 Excursion. I figured I'd go to a web site for Ford parts for a pair of OEM lights. It appears that the Ford parts sites are selling all of the individual parts that go into making the complete light fixture but not a unit that can be simply swapped out.
Am I missing something? Any recommendations of where to get a fair price on a pair of new OEM clear lens lights? I am reluctant to go with aftermarket lights not knowing if I'll be getting some Chinese crap. I want to do this just once with quality product.
I'm sure some will suggest that I upgrade to the 2005 or even the 2008 lights, but I don't want to do those modifications to the truck.
Please, give me some links of where to get a fair price on a pair of new OEM clear lens lights.
Am I missing something? Any recommendations of where to get a fair price on a pair of new OEM clear lens lights? I am reluctant to go with aftermarket lights not knowing if I'll be getting some Chinese crap. I want to do this just once with quality product.
I'm sure some will suggest that I upgrade to the 2005 or even the 2008 lights, but I don't want to do those modifications to the truck.
Please, give me some links of where to get a fair price on a pair of new OEM clear lens lights.
New User
Joined: Jul 2014
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https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=954231 this is the thread I found regarding your question. I got it from a link page of other mods and fixes, but the site listed in thread (rock auto I think) seemed to be the best price on those lights that I could find.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Not sure on the early 99 lights. Were they different? Got a picture? I was under the impression that all headlights from early 99 - 04 were interchangeable.
I know for a fact that late 99 and 01 headlights are a direct swap for the 02-04 lights. No kits or other junk to buy except for the horseshoe shaped clip that holds the adjuster in. I always seem to break one of those.
I recently replaced the clear headlights with aftermarket, new clear headlights (chinese crap) from Rock Auto. My factory lights were sandblasted from the miles and the headlights seemed dimmer (probably like your 99). The new headlights make a world of difference in the headlight beam. Less than $30 a piece.
It should be noted I do a bit of driving in the dark out in the country, miles from any light pole, so headlights are all I've got. In town under the lights, I don't notice any difference, so keep that in mind if that's where you drive.
I know for a fact that late 99 and 01 headlights are a direct swap for the 02-04 lights. No kits or other junk to buy except for the horseshoe shaped clip that holds the adjuster in. I always seem to break one of those.
I recently replaced the clear headlights with aftermarket, new clear headlights (chinese crap) from Rock Auto. My factory lights were sandblasted from the miles and the headlights seemed dimmer (probably like your 99). The new headlights make a world of difference in the headlight beam. Less than $30 a piece.
It should be noted I do a bit of driving in the dark out in the country, miles from any light pole, so headlights are all I've got. In town under the lights, I don't notice any difference, so keep that in mind if that's where you drive.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 46
From: Palm Bay, Florida
Eric, Long time!! I swapped the clear (oem) '02-'04 into my '99 w/o issue.....direct swap.....I am also running Silverstar bulbs.....plenty of light. I can drop by your station some time and show you if ya like -Rick
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 461
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He has more patience with these types of projects than I do.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 461
Likes: 1
Not sure on the early 99 lights. Were they different? Got a picture? I was under the impression that all headlights from early 99 - 04 were interchangeable.
I know for a fact that late 99 and 01 headlights are a direct swap for the 02-04 lights. No kits or other junk to buy except for the horseshoe shaped clip that holds the adjuster in. I always seem to break one of those.
I know for a fact that late 99 and 01 headlights are a direct swap for the 02-04 lights. No kits or other junk to buy except for the horseshoe shaped clip that holds the adjuster in. I always seem to break one of those.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
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From: AZ
I know you plan on changing out the lenses, but I thought I would throw this in the mix. I wet sanded mine with 1000 grit, then with 3000 grit, and finally buffed out using Mequiars Polish & Wax. They look as good as new and that was over a year ago...plus I live at 5000' elevation so the UV is very intense. Took about an hour to do.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
Neal, from my experience, the polish make them look good as new, but not function good as new. I don't know, maybe the mirror surface inside is what fades out and lowers the effectiveness. I polished one of mine and left the other alone to try and compare.
I drive my truck more than you, but the polish didn't last a year for me, and after cleaning it up, I didn't notice as significant an improvement in the light beam as I did with the new lights. I did notice some improvement because I wondered if one of my bulbs was going out since it seemed a little dimmer. Then I remembered what I had done and ignored the difference.
I drive my truck more than you, but the polish didn't last a year for me, and after cleaning it up, I didn't notice as significant an improvement in the light beam as I did with the new lights. I did notice some improvement because I wondered if one of my bulbs was going out since it seemed a little dimmer. Then I remembered what I had done and ignored the difference.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Elk Grove, CA
I got the $32 cheapies off the internet, light pattern is definitely not as good as OEM, but serviceable. One was Depot brand, the other TYC. Depot is better quality. Two good strong hook picks are handy to get off the horseshoe clips.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
Neal, from my experience, the polish make them look good as new, but not function good as new. I don't know, maybe the mirror surface inside is what fades out and lowers the effectiveness. I polished one of mine and left the other alone to try and compare.
I drive my truck more than you, but the polish didn't last a year for me, and after cleaning it up, I didn't notice as significant an improvement in the light beam as I did with the new lights. I did notice some improvement because I wondered if one of my bulbs was going out since it seemed a little dimmer. Then I remembered what I had done and ignored the difference.
I drive my truck more than you, but the polish didn't last a year for me, and after cleaning it up, I didn't notice as significant an improvement in the light beam as I did with the new lights. I did notice some improvement because I wondered if one of my bulbs was going out since it seemed a little dimmer. Then I remembered what I had done and ignored the difference.
. They do look like new...to me (Mr. Magoo).
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