I know this goes completely against the grain of everything this forum stands for, but is there a headlight "downgrade" kit from the yellowed plastic Ford pickup headlights to ordinary glass sealed beam headlights? I often read about folks on this forum installing headlight upgrade kits. I'd really really love to get rid of the Ford headlights. They're probably the part of my Foretravel I'm least satisfied with. I did a brief Google search but all I found was HID upgrade kits, which I really don't want either. I like ordinary glass sealed beam headlights like cars have had ever since the world was young. :) If all else fails I'll buy one of those plastic polishing kits and try to at least get the Ford headlights to work decently.
Those polishing kits - They remove the UV protective coating on the plastic lens. And tooth paste works well.
If I remember correctly, someone made a housing with a glass lens for the old Fords. That would be the ticket. Take a look at these: http://www.autoanything.com/lights/74A5157A0A0.aspx (http://www.autoanything.com/lights/74A5157A0A0.aspx) Sealed beam replacements that use a H4 bulb!!! I think there are cheaper replacements out there. And the yellow lens are not so bad, but I think some states frown on them.
Ford lenses made out of glass instead of plastic should work a lot better. As for yellow lenses, that's exactly what I want to get rid of. I'd like to be able to see where I'm going at night! hahaha
So toothpaste works better than the plastic polishing kit? Should I use an old toothbrush to polish the lenses or a wet rag or how should I do this? If the UV coating is removed will I have to polish the plastic lenses constantly or will they turn completely brown or what will happen? ...I really miss the old days when headlights were made of glass... (sigh)
After a bit more Googling I discovered that the Australian Ford F150 "Bricknose" had sealed beam headlights, and those headlight buckets might fit in the same mounts as the US Bricknose F150 lights... hmmm... Don't we have a forum member down under?
Just cleaned up the plastic lense on my friends C Coach and they have come up almost like new. Also did their Honda Odessy. I used all the stages as mentioned.It does work.
JohnH
@Scott I hear where you are coming from but the originals lasted a pretty long time. You can replace them pretty cheaply (compared to an upgrade). Here are some for sale on Amazon. Amazon.com: 1987-1991 Ford Bronco & F150 F250 F350 F450 Pickup Truck (1988-91 F (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004DRPTOS/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2ZZG55ZG2UNK8)
I've done the polishing and they looked and worked great for a while but after about a year they were cloudy again. :(
see ya
ken
I saw these and can say I have considered them but have not done. It may be worth the cost for the new ones (though I haven't done it yet). I did do some polishing on mine once but was not satisfied. Perhaps I just did not do it enough. That is why I have considered changing them out.
Link on Ebay
87 91 Ford Bronco Pickup Truck F150 F250 Headlights Headlamps Pair Set | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/87-91-Ford-Bronco-Pickup-Truck-F150-F250-Headlights-Headlamps-Pair-Set-/310903088135?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1987%7CMake%3AFord%7CModel%3ABronco&hash=item486344a407&vxp=mtr)
I have replace the cloudy lens on my ford pickup and now my honda accord tow car with aftermarket lens similar to these. Extremely clear. For me I will replace mine not rub them out.
Took 10-15 years to yellow. If the replacements last that long I will be pleased
I have used the 3m polishing kit but it did not last too long. I recently used this one from Phillips. Amazon.com: Philips HRK00XM Headlight Restoration Kit with UV Protection: (http://www.amazon.com/Philips-HRK00XM-Headlight-Restoration-Protection/dp/B009NOZ5B8) It is supposed to last two years. It has a uv coating that you apply. Time will tell.
Mark
And then put in some decent high output bulbs then you will be OK.
Easy option: https://www.sylvania.com/en-us/products/automotive/Pages/silverstar-ultra.aspx (https://www.sylvania.com/en-us/products/automotive/Pages/silverstar-ultra.aspx)
Better: http://www.piaa.com/store/c/21-Automotive-Bulbs.aspx (http://www.piaa.com/store/c/21-Automotive-Bulbs.aspx)
Keith
Maybe I should leave the Ford headlights alone and concentrate on the auxiliary lights for seeing at night. The aux lights have glass lenses but they appear to be fog lights instead of driving lights. I could probably replace them with glass driving lights of the same size for a lot less than replacing the plastic Ford headlights.
Here's an interesting aside on this headlight replacement thread. Last time I was at Foretravel I bought new tail light assemblies as the gasket on one of mine was torn. Anyhow, I opened the boxes while still in the lot and noted that Parts had given me headlight assemblies by mistake. I exchanged them for the correct parts and, out of curiosity, asked the price of the headlights. Hold onto your hats: $650!
jor
but they do not work in sealed beams.
The reason I wanted to convert to sealed beams is because they're glass and they don't turn yellow / brown, and they're inexpensive and easily available. I don't really need high powered bulbs if the lenses are clear. The more they change stuff the more difficult and expensive it gets. Sealed beam bulbs worked great for generations but now we've got these cheap plastic headlights that cost a fortune and barely work.