1997 Headlights

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Dec 29, 2004 | 05:28 AM

#16

Fordtrucktexan

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 276

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From: Texas

Quote:

The headlights are interchangable, they just use different types of clips to hold them in.

They're not. I did this swap on my old '97. It was built Feb. 96. I installed 2002 Lightning heads and corners. I tried taking out the old headlight and mounting the new one in the stock black plastic bracket, and technically it does fit, but the bulb opening doesn't center up in the back. Plus the Lightning corner light doesn't fit the bracket at all. I had to swap out the entire header panel. Still a very easy job.

You will also need the small plastic inserts that go in each corner to keep the corner lights from wiggling around.

Dealership parts will run you close to $160 for everything. Definitly worth checking the salvage yards, online auctions, for sale forums, etc. I have one I could sell but shipping would run close to $100.

If you're looking for cheap OEM headlights, you can usually find them used for around $10-$20 a set in the "For sale" forums at most Ford/F-150 sites.

Dec 29, 2004 | 12:48 PM

#17

Smaug

Posting Guru

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 1,570

Likes: 1

From: Appling, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordtrucktexan

I put plain headlights from a 2000 in mine and they fit w/ no problem once the clips were swapped. I didn't run into problems until I tried to put some 'L" style lights in. The light socket is about 2in closer to the outside which is right where the metal tab goes in to lock the basket in place. So the factory opaque lights will swap but the "L' style will not.
I going to take some pics and post in my gallery when I get the parts and swap them out.

Dec 29, 2004 | 10:39 PM

#18

zman764

Thread Starter

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Joined: Nov 2003

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It feels hopeless... I want a good quality replacement headlight for my 97f150, ive looked all over the internet and the only places i can find anything are at really poorley designed websites, and i never trust ordering anything from them. Does any one know of a reputible (pardon my spelling) website to order oem headlights that are cheap
As a side note, is there any way to get a replacement headlight with the lens being made out of actual glass instead of plastic??

Dec 29, 2004 | 11:46 PM

#19

97Centurion

Rub my Belly

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 3,093

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From: Lawrence, KS

Might try these guys. They are an FTE Sponser. http://www.1aauto.com/ Competitive prices.

I have used Parts Train before with good luck on OEM replacement parts.

E-bay?

Sometimes when the guys replace their headlights with lightning style or other kinds they are looking to get rid of the old ones. Might be able to find a decent used set by placing an ad in the wanted section. Maybe $50 a pair or less.

If you go with new cheap ones, you usually get what you pay for. Stay away from APC. IMO

I haven't seen any that have real glass in them.

Jan 20, 2005 | 02:17 PM

#20

gkim

Freshman User

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 31

Likes: 1

From: Yuba City, CA

Changing headlight bulbs in 97 F-150

I want to replace the stock headlight bulbs with SilverStars, but am perplexed as to how to get t the let headlight. The black plasitc cover in front of the radiator covers a bolt that holds the washer fluid resevoir are in the way. Is there an easier way, and if not, how do you get the black phillips heads plastic screws out of the cover without damaging them?

Thanks

Gary

Jan 20, 2005 | 02:38 PM

#21

DoofusOfTheDay

Mountain Pass

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 156

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FWIW, I have 1998 F-150 that had pretty scratched up plastic lenses, being a woodworker type guy, I knew where to get some sandpaper, and just wet sanded from coarsest to finest, looks pretty super-dee-duper.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx...&FamilyID=5232

Jan 20, 2005 | 02:54 PM

#22

97Centurion

Rub my Belly

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 3,093

Likes: 1

From: Lawrence, KS

Sometimes it helps to stick a flatbladed screwdriver under the flat washer part as you are turning the screw. They are a pain in the but to get out. Ford does sell the replacement screws. I've heard of a few people finding them at hardware stores but I have yet to see any there.

Jan 20, 2005 | 03:43 PM

#23

Fordtrucktexan

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Posts: 276

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From: Texas

You don't unscrew anything. There's two black metal tabs on "top'' of the headlight, they should be level with the black plastic radiator core cover. Pull up on them and the headlight should come out. If yours was made before 7/96, the metal tabs need to pull all the way out. After 7/96, pull up about 1/2 way, and then the headlight comes out.