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Topic: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement (Read 4237 times) previous topic - next topic

Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

As reported earlier in another thread, I ordered some new (reproduction) headlight units for our '93 GV U280.  The original units were faded, fogged and cracked, which allowed moisture to accumulate inside the lens.  In other words, totally shot.

I ordered the replacements on eBay.  They arrived quickly (free shipping) in perfect shape.  Based on my experience, I recommend this vendor.  The lights appear to be excellent reproductions of the OEM Ford units, made in Taiwan by Eagle Eyes.

Headlights Headlamps w/ Chrome Trim Pair Set for 87-91 Bronco F-Series Truck...

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #1 –
Installation is fairly simple.  Remove the wiring plug from the headlight, and the bulb holder from the turn signal.  My lights were held in by 4 screws - 2 big ones above and below the turn signal socket and two small ones on the other end of the unit.  BEFORE you remove the retaining screws, make careful visual note (or take photos) of how the light units are positioned, in relation to the mounting brackets.  This will help you get the new ones back in the same correct position.

The light unit comes out the front of the mounting hole.  You need to turn it sideways and kind of twist it as it comes out the hole.  Take the unit to your bench, and compare it to the new ones.  My old lights had been "trimmed".  Part of the mounting tabs had been cut off - but I'm not sure why.  I tried the new lights with all mounting tabs intact, and they go into place and fit fine, so I did not cut anything off.  I did need to remove the two mounting studs from above and below the turn signal socket.  They are too short to work in this application.  The large retaining screws used by Foretravel utilize the holes left when you remove the studs.

The new lights go back into the mounting holes pretty easily.  Take your time finding the correct angle to twist and turn going in the opening - don't scratch your new lenses!  Once in place, you can look at how the retaining screws fit, and what adjustment might be needed to get the units straight in the hole.  You will have drill the holes for the small screws once you have the units square in the hole.  Mine lined up pretty well - only needed a couple extra washers on the small screws to get everything straight.  The turn signal bulb and the wiring harness fit back on the new unit perfectly.

As you can see, the new lights look a lot better than the old ones.  As soon as I get them aimed, I will report on what the beam pattern looks like.  I know they will be a lot brighter.

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #2 –
When I removed my old lights, I found there were white plastic spacers on the large retaining screws.  It is important to put these back where you found them when securing the new lights.  The spacers are vital to holding the light square in the mounting hole.  I recommend putting the large screws (with spacers and washers, if any) in place first, and snug them down.  Then stand out in front of the coach and make sure the units are sitting straight in the hole.  Then drill the holes for the small screws (I used a Dremel tool) and put them in.  (see photos of white spacers)

While inspecting the old lights, I discovered that the turn signals are separate pieces bolted to the headlight housing.  Since mine were still in good shape, I took them off and will keep them for spares in case the new ones ever get damaged.

I was surprised to find bulbs in the new headlight units.  They are standard wattage HB1 9004 bulbs - nothing special.  I removed them and will keep them for spares.  In their place, I installed a set of Hella 100/80W "off-road" bulbs that I had been using in the old light units.  They add a bit of extra illuminating power to the headlights, and do not seem to bother other drivers.  May not be technically legal, though, so it might be safer to just use the standard bulb.

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #3 –
Excellent documentation from Chuck, as usual. I replaced the lights in my 95; paid quite a bit more though. Really improved the look. Nice job.
jor

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #4 –
Thanks for writing this up Chuck. It's on my project list.

Went to add this listing to my wish list on ebay and it wouldn't take. Took a while to figure out I already had them on my wish list! :)

see ya
ken

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #5 –
Nice job Chuck, thanks for your excellent instructions makes the job simple.

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #6 –
Great job....as you stated defiantly make sure you put the white spacer in correctly.  When I did mine I put the wrong spacer in the wrong hole and then realized my headlight were WAY OFF.  A quick swap back and the headlights no longer pointed at the ground 4 feet in front of the coach lol

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #7 –
Looks great,I am looking forward to making this upgrade!

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #8 –
I have used Eagle Eyes as replacements for OEM on a few occasions and been extremely satisfied with their quality and price.

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #9 –
That really helped out the front look. I'll put that on my Too Do list.

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #10 –
The '99 U320 of mine uses the same lights, only 4 of them and it appears much harder to work on them. I will find out when I change them. If it improves the looks as much as your GV I will be happy.

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #11 –
That is sweet! We needed a turn signal fitting last year and the junkyard only sold the whole fitting; the lenses were more trashed than ours. I may have missed something, do the new ones come with fresh electrical harnesses?

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #12 –
Yippee!
I have a '87 F250 and the headlights are trashed.... THANKYOU!

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #13 –
Quote from: mike leary –
I may have missed something, do the new ones come with fresh electrical harnesses?
No.  What you see in the photos in the 1st post is all you get.  Your existing wiring harness will hook right up to the new light units.

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #14 –
Just like Christmas....Two(2) pair of Eagle Eyes arrived today.

John

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #15 –
Doing mine tomorrow........stand by!

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #16 –
I did mine last year and the work great, just make sure you adjust them. I was amazed by n how well the new adjustment help 👍😎

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #17 –
Here's how I did mine. The headlight housings came from eBay, everything else from Amazon. The headlight bulbs are led with cooling fans on them. Sure look cool, I try not to drive at night. We will see how they do.

Re: Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

Reply #18 –
Quote from: MT Ted –
Here's how I did mine. The headlight housings came from eBay, everything else from Amazon. The headlight bulbs are led with cooling fans on them. Sure look cool, I try not to drive at night. We will see how they do.
Headlights look terrific. So do the bottom fog lights. Where did you get them? Part number? Cost? Installation tips? Our fog lights need work. Yours are really bright.

Thanks,

Pierce