Dim headlights!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
01 had the hard to see through plastic to begin with. Starting in 02 they switched to a clear lens on the headlight that helped some.
Of course we're dealing with an old headlight. Replacing the sandblasted old one with a newer one, especially an upgrade like the 02 will help. Switching to brighter bulbs like the Silverstar Ultra will help.
You can also go to the newer style euro type headlights that I have never been a fan of, but the wife and kid both put them on (well I put them on for them) and the LED headlights in those are a great improvement over stock headlights.
The other option is the old school upgrade and go HID lighting.
Of course we're dealing with an old headlight. Replacing the sandblasted old one with a newer one, especially an upgrade like the 02 will help. Switching to brighter bulbs like the Silverstar Ultra will help.
You can also go to the newer style euro type headlights that I have never been a fan of, but the wife and kid both put them on (well I put them on for them) and the LED headlights in those are a great improvement over stock headlights.
The other option is the old school upgrade and go HID lighting.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Are your lens cloudy ? Have you put new bulbs in the lamp assembly ?
Be wary of aftermarket headlamps as the vast majority are poorly made and the light pattern they produce sucks on them.
At a minimum I would get CAPA or NSF certified replacements.
TYC is the OEM supplier and rockauto sells them
For bulbs, I'd stick with the German made Phillips.
Be wary of aftermarket headlamps as the vast majority are poorly made and the light pattern they produce sucks on them.
At a minimum I would get CAPA or NSF certified replacements.
TYC is the OEM supplier and rockauto sells them
For bulbs, I'd stick with the German made Phillips.
FTE-Spread The Knowledge
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,284
Likes: 240
Like F-350 said, Silverstar's are a good bulb! "I think" they even make an Ultra now.
FTE-Spread The Knowledge
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,284
Likes: 240
The 3M kits do! The kit that hooks into a cordless drill makes the job easy.
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 717
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Any Insect Repellent with 40% or more Deet (the more the merrier) will clean them easilly without the expense or time. Mine look brand new! I tried the OTC Kits and they did work. But, none as good as the Deet. And, apply a Wax afterwards and they'll be good for a year or more. Atleast mine are.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
Just use a couple of relays and some heavy wire direct from the batteries. Use the wire coming from the headlight switch as the trigger wire for the relays...you WILL have bright lights. The problem with the stock headlight harness is the wires are too small gauge to carry the amperage needed for the bulbs.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 87
From: North Carolina, Raleigh
I used the wipe new headlight restoration kit on several units and over a year they still look like new. It does depend on how bad they are to start with. If you can not see the bulb inside when dry it will be hard to get them better with out a LOT of work. I used a lot of rubbing compound and a small angle grinder with a cloth wheel.. keep it wet and moving to avoid issues.
after you get it looking use the wipe new cloth, they do include gloves and a small two sided sanding pad if the light are not real bad.
I was able to do almost 3 units with the cloth.. get them all ready at same time, make sure the lens are super dry and start wiping on the stuff.
there is also the wiring kit some are using to supply more power to the bulbs as well. found mind on ebay, 9007 Heavy Duty Headlight Harness USA Wire Seller | eBay
after you get it looking use the wipe new cloth, they do include gloves and a small two sided sanding pad if the light are not real bad.
I was able to do almost 3 units with the cloth.. get them all ready at same time, make sure the lens are super dry and start wiping on the stuff.
there is also the wiring kit some are using to supply more power to the bulbs as well. found mind on ebay, 9007 Heavy Duty Headlight Harness USA Wire Seller | eBay
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 145
From: San Diego, CA
This did the trick to get rid of my yellow lenses. Make sure you are ready with the soap and water. If you let it dry at all you will have some streaks that may not come out.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 156
Likes: 14
From: CA
Beamtech LED swap on my truck and am extremely happy with the results. I adjusted my headlights down just a touch and have never been flashed since adjustment. And the dark, two lane roads I drive at night are illuminated perfectly.