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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.