change headlights to 93+
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: The Hammer
change headlights to 93+
how hard would it be to change my current headlights (1990) over to the halogen bulbs?
woudl i need the whole new monting frame including turn signal, or would i just need the light and lens itself?
woudl i need the whole new monting frame including turn signal, or would i just need the light and lens itself?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
Yes, you would need all the mounting hardware underneath the flush mount housing of the newer lights, in addition to the lights themselves.
But why would you want to do that? Those light housings are expensive, do not work as well as the standard rectangular sealed beam lights that you can get today, and their plastic lenses will start to fog up and get all hazy after a couple of years of use. Their aerodynamic benefits are questionable.
The glass housings of the standard rectangular lights wll never fog up, and most of the lights that are available today ARE halogens. You just need to find the right models for good illumination. I would start with the Sylvania Extra Vision, at about $12 each in your local auto parts stores. It's what I use right now, and they work much better than the original halogen sealed beams that came with the car. Be aware that they will draw more power in even the low beam, so it is advisable to add some relays in the standard wiring to drive the lights, or you risk overheating the headlight switch.
If you're really itching to spend the kind of money you need for the flush mount conversion, you can get some really good lights from Stern Lighting:
(http://www.danielsternlighting.com/p.../products.html)
He carries some of the finest Euro-spec H4 lighting systems made by companies like Cibie' and Bosch. I don't have any stake in his company, but I was a very happy customer.
But why would you want to do that? Those light housings are expensive, do not work as well as the standard rectangular sealed beam lights that you can get today, and their plastic lenses will start to fog up and get all hazy after a couple of years of use. Their aerodynamic benefits are questionable.
The glass housings of the standard rectangular lights wll never fog up, and most of the lights that are available today ARE halogens. You just need to find the right models for good illumination. I would start with the Sylvania Extra Vision, at about $12 each in your local auto parts stores. It's what I use right now, and they work much better than the original halogen sealed beams that came with the car. Be aware that they will draw more power in even the low beam, so it is advisable to add some relays in the standard wiring to drive the lights, or you risk overheating the headlight switch.
If you're really itching to spend the kind of money you need for the flush mount conversion, you can get some really good lights from Stern Lighting:
(http://www.danielsternlighting.com/p.../products.html)
He carries some of the finest Euro-spec H4 lighting systems made by companies like Cibie' and Bosch. I don't have any stake in his company, but I was a very happy customer.
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 22
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XLT - How much are those Daniel Stern lights that fit the 93 aerostar vans? He doesn't list prices on that site.
Also, how much better would they be over the stock lights?
The lights on the aerostar are 200mm x 142mm (7 5/8" x 5.5") correct?
Also, how much better would they be over the stock lights?
The lights on the aerostar are 200mm x 142mm (7 5/8" x 5.5") correct?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,015
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From: SoCal
Dawid311,
Back in 1998, I bought a pair of Bosch E-code 200 mm rectangular lights for my converted Mustang for about $90 plus shipping. I would have gotten the Cibie' lights, but they were twice that.
You should send email to Daniel Stern to get the latest prices and other products that he may not list.
Back in 1998, I bought a pair of Bosch E-code 200 mm rectangular lights for my converted Mustang for about $90 plus shipping. I would have gotten the Cibie' lights, but they were twice that.
You should send email to Daniel Stern to get the latest prices and other products that he may not list.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 289
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From: The Show Me State
90XLT,
I agree with the opinion that you should stay away from the plastic headlights. The only thing that has consistantly (through eight different Fords that had 'em) irritated me, has been the areo headlamps. They've gotten better (different plastic?), but they still get opaque after a year or two. Go with one of the aftermarket upgrades for your "old" lamps, or go whole-hog and convert 'em to HIDs!
DadVan
I agree with the opinion that you should stay away from the plastic headlights. The only thing that has consistantly (through eight different Fords that had 'em) irritated me, has been the areo headlamps. They've gotten better (different plastic?), but they still get opaque after a year or two. Go with one of the aftermarket upgrades for your "old" lamps, or go whole-hog and convert 'em to HIDs!
DadVan
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
Dadvan,
Please check out my site under the automotive section:
http://geocities.com/eycchu
I started the lights modification on my Mustang with installation of relays to protect the headlight switch and wiring. Then I swapped out the stock headlights with the Bosch housings because I was tired of the lights looking like fishbowls after every rain, and the hazy plastic obscuring the lights. The next modification was a drop-in replacement of the H4 bulbs with HID.
Please check out my site under the automotive section:
http://geocities.com/eycchu
I started the lights modification on my Mustang with installation of relays to protect the headlight switch and wiring. Then I swapped out the stock headlights with the Bosch housings because I was tired of the lights looking like fishbowls after every rain, and the hazy plastic obscuring the lights. The next modification was a drop-in replacement of the H4 bulbs with HID.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 377
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From: CFB Petawawa Canada
Here in Canada, Canadian Tire sells Helogen full size. They go for 24-38$ Cdn. I may change over with parts from the recycler. For all the old parts from a 86-90 is 10$ Cdn. If I have to change the plastic cover.
I pickup some HID bulbs from Ford, here. They are replacements, 100/65 that the dealer will install. Damn they are good, I got them for 20$ a pr.sell dealer price. They were so good I bought a set for my wife's Explorer. With her clear glass cover, they are so bright. She leaves the lows on, even on the hwy.
I pickup some HID bulbs from Ford, here. They are replacements, 100/65 that the dealer will install. Damn they are good, I got them for 20$ a pr.sell dealer price. They were so good I bought a set for my wife's Explorer. With her clear glass cover, they are so bright. She leaves the lows on, even on the hwy.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 289
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From: The Show Me State
xlt4wd90,
You have boldly gone where I've only thought about going! Great page on doing a headlight mod, any headlight mod, and what it might entail.
As to the HID conversions for a standard 9007 bulb, I've looked at dozens and noted that there are "good" ones (those that stress focal pont and quality) and "bad" ones (those that stress that your car will be cool...). If I spend the money, it'll be with a firm that talks the talk AND walks the walk.
All my areo-equipped vehicles (2003 E350, 97 A*, and a 2K Protege) are OK right now, as they go bad I'll be looking at what's available. Probably mid '05...
DadVan
You have boldly gone where I've only thought about going! Great page on doing a headlight mod, any headlight mod, and what it might entail.
As to the HID conversions for a standard 9007 bulb, I've looked at dozens and noted that there are "good" ones (those that stress focal pont and quality) and "bad" ones (those that stress that your car will be cool...). If I spend the money, it'll be with a firm that talks the talk AND walks the walk.
All my areo-equipped vehicles (2003 E350, 97 A*, and a 2K Protege) are OK right now, as they go bad I'll be looking at what's available. Probably mid '05...
DadVan