Does anyone know what the blackend headlights are called, where I can get them, how much they run and if they're hard to install? Ive seen them on a few trucks new from the dealer.

I think they look pretty cool. Id like the way it would look in contrast of the black grille on my FX4. Ive yet to see them on a 09 or newer F150, only 04-08s.

 

These are the Harley/Raptor headlights. The FX2 headlights are trimming in sterling grey.

 

I guess you don't visit any other F150 forums because several guys have them and showed pics (well maybe not that many but lots have the black tails). They do look best on the FX4 trucks or similar trucks with painted bumpers and black grilles. IMO, they don't look that great at all on trucks with the factory chrome grilles and chrome bumpers.

I think they cost almost $400 shipped and they are easy to install. Just a undo a few bolts and pull out your factory heads and install the new ones.

 

Might also be talking about smoked headlights too. I have smoked a TON of Mustang lights... this is what they look like. As you can see, they are smoked all over, whereas the HD/Raptors are black bezeled lights.

 

You can also get some aftermarket lights that are smoked.



Or headlight covers like this. These are often the least expensive route.

 

Pros and Cons:

Factory lights that have been smoked:
Pros: They are clear coated using automotive clears, which means they will never haze, yellow, or fade. They look the darkest of them all, and can be matched exactly to the taillights and accessory lights, if you chose to have them smoked as well. You also can smoke them as dark as you like.
Cons: They can reduce the headlight output slightly. Also, you will have to be without the headlights for a few days, as they get smoked (down time).

Headlight covers and tints:
Pros: Often the cheapest way to go. Covers can be easily installed, and can be removed fairly easily. Also, they do not have "down time" where the lights will have to be off the vehicle, as with smoking the factory lights.
Cons: They always can be spotted, as they take away some of the lines and contours of the lights. The fact that they are plastic makes the covers easily broken, and can scratch the finish of the truck around the light area. Tint film never really fits right, and installation can be difficult, especially if the lights have the "nipples" as with most vehicles. Light output is also reduced quite a bit with both tint and covers.

Smoked aftermarket lights:
Pros: No down time to paint the lights. Look really nice out of the box.
Cons: Usually the lights are smoked very little. This is good for light output, but often times customers are not happy with the lights as they are not as dark as they prefer. A BIG thing con on aftermarket lights is that they usually will leak in the rain. They can sometimes be sealed successfully, but most aftermarket lights will indeed leak. Also, the quality of aftermarket lights being less than OEM, they often are made of cheaper plastics which can dull or yellow quicker than factory. Lastly, aftermarket lights usually do not ever fit as well as factory lights do.

Factory lights such as Raptor and Harley Davidson:
Pros: They are factory lights, so they carry a full warranty as well as are the highest quality possible (i.e. will not leak or condensate). Since the lenses are not smoked, light output is not affected. Also, factory parts mean factory fitment.
Cons: Cost. They are very expensive compared to the other avenues. They only have black bezels, which do not actually darken the lights themselves. Availability. They are not as easily available as aftermarket lights.

Hope this sheds a little light on the subject for you. Good luck!

 

One other big con for all options except the last one (factory lights) is that they are illegal and subject you to being stopped by the police for equipment violations. Definitely in Michigan (where the OP and I live) they are absolutely illegal.

Smoked tail lights are always dangerous (more so during the day), and if you are rear-ended by someone and have smoked tails, it may revert to being your fault just as if you had no brake lights. There are enough folks out there texting/phoning/scrolling ipod menus while driving that they won't see brake lights at full brightness.

Smoked headlights obviously are gonna be dangerous when it's dark, and if YOU take someone out on a dark rainy night, the law will not go easy on you.

"Looking cool" is not a good excuse to drive a dangerous and illegal vehicle. The judge won't be impressed by the photos...

George

 

I HAVE visited other F150 forums but I dont like them

400 bucks? Sheesh! I thought $200 at the most

 

Very, VERY good answer! lol