I have an old 1987 f-150. It has the usual "less than clear" lenses. the bulbs in it now are just your usuall cheapies. I have read the many comments on this board about the sylvania bulbs, the extravision and the silver star. Anybody with these foggy lenses tried any of these bulbs? Is it going to help any at all? If there is a chance i might try some because these are pathatic that i have now.. So whats the scoop? these a gimmic or do they actually do better?


Later chris

 

I would try cleaning your lenses first. A buffer and some metal polish should clear them up reasonably well. You'll end up doing this every year if not sooner, but I've had good results on my sons car.

 

I agree, clean the lenses first. There are all sorts of cleaners that will remove the "oxidation" from the plastic. I've never tried metal polish, I'll have to give it a shot.

After cleaning your bulbs, rewire your headlights to run directly off the battery. To do this, use a standard automotive relay; use the current wires running to the headlights to trigger the relay, not to power the actual lights anymore. This makes a big difference as well.
Good Luck.

 

its all I had handy and it did work well. he was suitably impressed

 

whats the difference in 9004 bulbs and 9007 bulbs? They looked similiar so was just wondering. Actually me and a buddy did try to buff them, it helped some but still not what i want. so any ideas if these bulbs help any??

later chris

 

i believe the difference is the filaments one has axial based filaments and the other has transverse filaments. im not 100% on which our trucks use but i think its 9004
if someone could back me on this please?

 

Can you please expand a bit on that, what's the difference between the axial and transverse filaments?

Also, I'm pretty sure the 9004 and the 9007 bulbs have the locating notches in their plastic housings clocked differently, so if you wanna use one in place that calls for the other you'll have to find which of the three tabs/notches is moved (two are in identical locations, one is 1/4" off IIRC) and grind it off the headlight hosing.

 

Popa Tim, after using the metal polish, use some regular plastic polish. This is how I do it. The metal polish does good as a first cut, but the plastic polish is finer and helps to "seal" the plastic to keep the oxidation from coming back as quick.

Goodwrench, I am using the Silverstars in my 93 and they do put out a whiter light than the standard bulbs. I am using them in a set of Euro housing though so I can't say how the will work with the stock housings. I will say that oncoming traffic will sometimes flash their lights thinking I have the high beams on.

 

around here you can go to the auto parts store and get a kit that is made for polishing up cloudy lenses... im not sure if you can ever get back to factory fresh or not though....
i cant remember the name of the kit, but if you want i will find out and post

can you buy NOS from the dealer maybe ?

 

3M has a very nice kit for 20 bucks. You need a drill for it but I have done multiple cars with it. They dont come out factory clear but it makes a huge difference. Florida sun takes a toll on headlight lenses and this stuff made it look nice. It would look better but another problem is all the reflective coating inside my right headlight has come off or dulled.

 

Best off to just replace the housings then.

 

Your best bet is to use something like this first. Even if the bulbs are better the illumination will still be poor if the lense is cloudy or fogged up.

Headlight Restoration

As far as bulbs do not waste your money on any of the tinted or blue bulbs. Stick with clear only. I recommend Xtravision, GE Nighthawk (not sport), Phillips Vision Plus, etc.

Also a pair of headlight relays like LMC sells will provide more power to the bulbs.

By the way, don't get overwattage bulbs either.

 

what's an "overwattage" bulb?

 

haha idk i kinda figured they could only burn as hot has the power it could draw

but i used the cv headlight restorer/ defogger and it works great
just rub like hell and when u think its good enough rub a little more

 

The bulb wattage should be 55w/65w. There are some that are like 80/100. It will run too hot and melt the headlight housing, or draw too much current and melt connetors, wiring, and switches.

Its the same principle as using a 100 watt bulb in the house in a lamp thats rated for 60 max.