Brighter headlights?
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2015
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Brighter headlights?
I have an early 1997 f150 (mfg. 3/96). The headlights are the typical yellow/cloudy. I know I can replace these units with new ones. However my wife has a 2014 Ford Escape. This thing has the brightest headlights of any vehicle I've ever driven. Is there some replacement unit out there that will give my truck the same quality of light as the Escape?
Thanks,
Wayne
Thanks,
Wayne
New User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 3
Hi Wayne...I have the same model and early year f150 you have. I just bought it 3 months ago and have been making upgrades like replacing exhaust and removing rust. The headlights used to be yellow and clouding like yours. I looked for replacements lights but the early 97's have a different headlight than the late 97's. I ended up using the "3M 39008 Headlight Lens Restoration System." I was pleasantly surprised. It cleared them up. I can now see the road at night! Now, it will not be as bright as a 2014 Escape. But it does make a huge difference on the original. If I could find a replacement I would probably do that. But right now, I don't see anything out there.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 5
From: Katy, Republic of Texas
Does the Escape have HID headlights?
If so you will never get your trucks headlights that bright unless you do a HID retrofit.
If you want a decent upgrade, you can get some clear lens housings and some decent bulbs, but none are available for your year model. You can get them to work, but you would need to replace the header panel with a later model.
Cheapest option is to get a headlight cleaning kit and see what you can do with your current lights and get some new bulbs. Won't be as bright as the Escape, but will be better.
If so you will never get your trucks headlights that bright unless you do a HID retrofit.
If you want a decent upgrade, you can get some clear lens housings and some decent bulbs, but none are available for your year model. You can get them to work, but you would need to replace the header panel with a later model.
Cheapest option is to get a headlight cleaning kit and see what you can do with your current lights and get some new bulbs. Won't be as bright as the Escape, but will be better.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,489
Likes: 45
From: Central NY
Bought these and the fogs many years ago. Much cheaper now. Work great with the brightest sylvania bulbs. No conversion kits or electrical stuff. Plug and play. Compliments all the time.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/DEPO-330-1115L-AS-Ford-F150-250-Headlight-Assembly-w-Lighting-Model-NEW-s-34-2-/320926598567?nav=SEARCH
http://m.ebay.com/itm/DEPO-330-1115L-AS-Ford-F150-250-Headlight-Assembly-w-Lighting-Model-NEW-s-34-2-/320926598567?nav=SEARCH
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 5
From: Katy, Republic of Texas
Those won't work since his truck is built before 7/96. Those built before that time have a different mounting system and assembly. That is why I mentioned having to replace the header panel if they wanted to get clear headlights.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,489
Likes: 45
From: Central NY
Was wondering. So does he look for 1996 parts or ???
I used Meguirs Scratch x on some headlights. Works well.
I used Meguirs Scratch x on some headlights. Works well.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 5
From: Katy, Republic of Texas
They just need to find lights designed for the pre 7/96 build date, but it is still listed under '97. They are out there, just harder to find.
Only ones are the OEM fluted type housing though, no clear lightning style.
Only ones are the OEM fluted type housing though, no clear lightning style.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
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how is the "they don't fit" fixed ? You say they have a different mounting bracket. Is this something a weekend mechanic could "MODIFY" and make fit or is it really a "DONT FIT" situation... Why would FORD make major changes in a light mount?
I understand you can BUY the header panel, but can yours be modified ??
I understand you can BUY the header panel, but can yours be modified ??
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 5
From: Katy, Republic of Texas
No idea on if the pre 7/96 header can be modified, I just know replacement "fixes" the issue. I have never actually seen an early model headlight housing, so don't know what would be required to modify vs replace the header.
Also no idea why Ford made the change, but would guess it was a cost and/or tooling issue. The lights look the same from the front, use the same bulbs and have similar output (when new) to the newer design, just different mounting.
Also no idea why Ford made the change, but would guess it was a cost and/or tooling issue. The lights look the same from the front, use the same bulbs and have similar output (when new) to the newer design, just different mounting.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
I had a 1978 Supercab that had bucket seats from a 1976 Chrysler and I looked and sat GREAT !!.......... If I had a 1997 F150 and needed LIGHTS, I would buy NEW 1998- 2003 aftermarket and INSTALL them..... cant be that hard.
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