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What’s the appeal of the sealed beam headlights? I'm guessing cost because there are plenty of other options for more/ better light output over stock (LED, HID, Projector, etc.) . I suppose looks are subjective (the ole “eye of the beholder" type thing), but IMHO, the stock headlights look a lot better then the square sealed beam units.
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When it comes to replacement housings and bulbs, I feel there is a lot to consider. The quality of the reflector housing, the overall fit, their performance, and their cost. The original lamps made by Ford go through many channels of safety inspections, certifications, and government approval (not always a good thing). You're not going to find much of that from the online retailers, especially on a 23 year old vehicle. And that's where their price point comes in. In my original post the reason I went with what I did was price and appearance. I do prefer the sealed beams because of their look and performance. I could get a quality replacement almost anywhere and know they will have a perfect light output and pattern, and not melt my harness. You can't say that about aftermarket LED's and bulbs. The car has 9007/HB5 bulbs, changing that to a different bulb other than what came with the car can be asking for problems. It came down to the sealed beam swap was more than I could justify to spend. My lenses were so bad, though I rarely drive at night, I wanted to clean up the look. I still drive my wife and kids around in it occasionally, and wash it occasionally, and may even get a paint job. My family deserves it!
The OE headlight housings can be repaired in about two hours for cheap. I used a 3M kit , it requires a lot of sanding and polishing ,but the results are freaking amazing.
Here was after the first round of sanding (forgot to take a true before picture, but they were yellowed and nasty like you normally see)
And a little while later they looked like this.
Now every year when I renew the registration, I go over the headlights with one of these ( bought a box of these wipes off Amazon, enough to last a lifetime). They've stayed looking like new for the past three years or so parked outside in the Texas sun (dang excursion won't fit in the garge, so it lives outside all the time).
The OE headlight housings can be repaired in about two hours for cheap. I used a 3M kit , it requires a lot of sanding and polishing ,but the results are freaking amazing.
Here was after the first round of sanding (forgot to take a true before picture, but they were yellowed and nasty like you normally see)
And a little while later they looked like this.
Now every year when I renew the registration, I go over the headlights with one of these ( bought a box of these wipes off Amazon, enough to last a lifetime). They've stayed looking like new for the past three years or so parked outside in the Texas sun (dang excursion won't fit in the garge, so it lives outside all the time).
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That's cool! I haven't seen those wipes before. thanks for the tip!
After two weeks of general maintenance which included oil change, new radiator/ hoses/ thermostat/ coolant, new transmission lines ( old ones were not leaking but severely corroded ) new power steering lines ( also corroded) air filter , cleaned the MAF sensor, changed the belt and replaced the idler pulley and replaced the rear bump stops.I also fixed the rear entertainment system so that the radio works in dual play again and the headphones are once again operational (Thank God) my wife and I headed down to Disney with the grandchildren.
It's summer, it's sunny, it's hay-making season.
This load was not balanced well. Trailer is tall and heavy. With the bales on the tail, it started swaying badly. (The next load will have a ninth bale up front.)
Total weight with truck, trailer and load was 17,100.
Installed the Sleepy Pirate Design 2nd, 3rd, and cargo LED upgrade. It's like daytime in there now. Had to solder on the cargo and 3rd row center light due to the old festoon mounts breaking with the old lights. Easy install and fantastic output.
Installed the Sleepy Pirate Design 2nd, 3rd, and cargo LED upgrade. It's like daytime in there now. Had to solder on the cargo and 3rd row center light due to the old festoon mounts breaking with the old lights. Easy install and fantastic output.
Where did you get the LED upgrade from? Looks impressive!
Been messing with AC stuff on my X. Already replaced the dryer/accumulator, orifice tube, rear filter, expansion valve, vacuum pump, and heater bypass but wanted something to assist with the slow speeds. - this fan seems to help. And at only $50 and some time, I gave it a shot:
Just letting you know I'm still alive. I can't believe it's been 18 years with the EX and FTE, and FTE Excursion is STILL my home page.
Still maintaining my Excursion. I had to slow down for several months after I broke my back last year. But I'm finally back together and basically the same as before.
Been messing with AC stuff on my X. Already replaced the dryer/accumulator, orifice tube, rear filter, expansion valve, vacuum pump, and heater bypass but wanted something to assist with the slow speeds. - this fan seems to help. And at only $50 and some time, I gave it a shot:
One thing I found is that the evaporator gets clogged with dust and dirt after a few years and it just won't flow well. I know mine has this problem, but I've been too lazy to take the dash off and clean it out. i really wishh they had designed the EX with cabin filters.
07-28-2023, 07:19 PM
