NEW HEADLIGHT INSTALL
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 224
Likes: 27
From: Port Charlotte
NEW HEADLIGHT INSTALL
I have a set of new OEM headlights that I have delayed in installing in my current 92 F 250. The current headlights are full of moisture.
I’m afraid that once the current headlights are removed, that the current beam projection which is perfect on the old headlights will be off on the new headlights. Is it as simple as taking out the old ones plugging in the new ones and they stay in the same position with the same beam projection?
Obviously you can tell I’m not experienced at this and if the new headlights need to be realigned, I don’t know if shops have the techniques or expertise to realign it correctly as in the old days.
don
I’m afraid that once the current headlights are removed, that the current beam projection which is perfect on the old headlights will be off on the new headlights. Is it as simple as taking out the old ones plugging in the new ones and they stay in the same position with the same beam projection?
Obviously you can tell I’m not experienced at this and if the new headlights need to be realigned, I don’t know if shops have the techniques or expertise to realign it correctly as in the old days.
don
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 4,281
Likes: 2,415
From: Everywhere and nowhere
You will have to adjust the new ones. Best thing you can do is Park in front of a wall or garage door with your current lights and measure the distance away you are and turn-out lights on. You can mark the aim point with tape by putting an X in the middle of the beam. Change headlights and turn them on. Adjust to your old beam focus point.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 224
Likes: 27
From: Port Charlotte
You will have to adjust the new ones. Best thing you can do is Park in front of a wall or garage door with your current lights and measure the distance away you are and turn-out lights on. You can mark the aim point with tape by putting an X in the middle of the beam. Change headlights and turn them on. Adjust to your old beam focus point.
thank you for the response. Yeah that’s what I was afraid of. Just bite the bullet and do it
don
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 4,281
Likes: 2,415
From: Everywhere and nowhere
https://cpaddict.com/complete-perfor...etainer-clips/
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 224
Likes: 27
From: Port Charlotte
I replaced mine 2 summers ago and it was not the simplest job. Be careful of the metal clips they break really easily but CP addict and other places sell replacements. Mine were extremely brittle and because I bought new ones I didn't care when I was taking them out and I broke one.
https://cpaddict.com/complete-perfor...etainer-clips/
https://cpaddict.com/complete-perfor...etainer-clips/
Thank you for the link. Just ordered a set and will do it myself
don
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 142
Likes: 64
From: Wyoming
I did mine a year ago. Yes get the clips and you can remove the adjusters from your old ones and put on the new ones if they aren't broken. Otherwise just match up the adjusters yo get you close. I reused my old ones and it was still spot on.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 224
Likes: 27
From: Port Charlotte
Also just ordered a new front grill and chrome headlight covers. Will replace the old ones.
‘’don
Trending Topics
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 142
Likes: 64
From: Wyoming
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
I always just remove the grille and header panel like the Mikes' Garage video since it is much easier. But you can try to do it like the 1A Auto video. Get 6 new retainer clips.
I adjust the headlights as close as possible to the original ones before installing. Then I fine adjust them to match the profile of the bezel a few times. Then I adjust the vertical adjustment against a wall first and then fine tune that out on a dark road if it doesn't look right.
If they have plastic wrap protecting them leave that on until mounted.
I adjust the headlights as close as possible to the original ones before installing. Then I fine adjust them to match the profile of the bezel a few times. Then I adjust the vertical adjustment against a wall first and then fine tune that out on a dark road if it doesn't look right.
If they have plastic wrap protecting them leave that on until mounted.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 224
Likes: 27
From: Port Charlotte
don
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
The TYC are the best replacements aside from OEM Ford ones.
I"ve changed the headlights almost a dozen times on these trucks. They could have made them easier to remove, but it really isn't that bad. At least you don't have to remove the bumper like on may of the stupid modern cars.
They should all be like this General Motors design.
I"ve changed the headlights almost a dozen times on these trucks. They could have made them easier to remove, but it really isn't that bad. At least you don't have to remove the bumper like on may of the stupid modern cars.
They should all be like this General Motors design.
