Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Need New Headlights

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 3, 2016 | 05:13 PM
  #1  
SHOpar's Avatar
SHOpar
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
From: Aloha (Portland), OR USA
Need New Headlights

Hey Guys,

I think my '96 isn't too happy with me giving all the attention to the '16 lately and is getting back at me by fogging up the right headlight and blowing the seal on the right front Bilstein, leaking all the fluid out. My plan is to warranty out the Bilstein or just buy a new set of front shocks, but I'm not sure what to do on the headlights.

The headlights are original and were in surprisingly good shape until the seal gave out on the driver's side while it's been parked. Even though the passenger headlight is still okay, I know I'm going to have to replace both for it to look right. I want to keep with the OEM look, but I don't necessarily want to pay Ford's asking price for OEM housings if there's a comparable option available. Anyone have good luck with aftermarket housings?

1A Auto has a generic headlight, parking light, and turn signal kit for $80.95 linked here.

They also have a full Motorcraft replacement kit for $517.95 that's here.

As you can see, the generic housings are a substantial cost savings, but I don't want to buy them only to end up with junk. Any input would be appreciated!
 
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2016 | 05:29 PM
  #2  
z31freakify's Avatar
z31freakify
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,266
Likes: 1,649
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
Better than OEM there's none, I say try to reseal the headlight and restore the lenses by sanding buffing and waxing them to show room condition.
 
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2016 | 08:48 PM
  #3  
whynot95's Avatar
whynot95
New User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
I bought the generic lights off eBay and wish I hadn't. The fit just isn't right. I made it work but plan to cleanup the old ones and run them a while longer.
 
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2016 | 01:52 AM
  #4  
Bob_T's Avatar
Bob_T
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 774
Likes: 25
From: Reno, Nevada
I just tried the trick someone recommended, sanded the dull lenses and gave them a coat of rattle can clearcoat. They look like new. Not sure how long it will be before the clearcoat dulls but I can just re-sand and re-spray.
 
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2016 | 01:57 PM
  #5  
SHOpar's Avatar
SHOpar
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
From: Aloha (Portland), OR USA
Thanks for the input guys. Like I said in my original post, the lenses themselves still somehow look great after all these years, so I may just try pulling apart and resealing the driver's side light. Are there any good instructions on how to do this?

Worse case is I'll bite the bullet and buy two new Motorcraft headlights and not bother with the turn signals or side markers since they are still in good shape, too.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ZackYoung
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
10
Mar 15, 2015 06:23 AM
mckspade
1997 - 2003 F150
11
Nov 14, 2014 09:04 AM
Ryan50hrl
2004 - 2008 F150
18
Nov 10, 2009 02:45 AM
david350
1997 - 2003 F150
8
Oct 26, 2009 07:32 PM
Nightrain
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
7
Jan 22, 2004 08:55 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:48 PM.

story-0
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

Slideshow: Ranking the 5 things owners love about their Super Duty and 5 things they don't

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:36:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

Slideshow: Ranking all 12 Ford truck engines available in 2026.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 13:32:20


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

Slideshow: The best Ford F-150 deal for every trim level (XL through Raptor)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 15:59:01


VIEW MORE