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Ford headlights on our '89

August 07, 2017, 01:25:23 pm

Our GV has the Ford plastic headlight lenses that are now nice and almost bug light yellow.
Looking at rehabbing them but wonder what the function of the three little nibs sticking out are/were for?
Molding feature? Or used for assembly? Or used for alignment?
Sand them down to nuthin?

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Re: Ford headlights on our '89

Reply #1 – August 07, 2017, 01:27:29 pm

Alignment

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Re: Ford headlights on our '89

Reply #2 – August 07, 2017, 03:55:45 pm

Unless you are really being frugal, I would recommend replacing the old light assemblies.  You can try to polish/refurbish the faded out lenses, but any improvement in appearance/function will be only temporary at best.  I found some good ones on eBay.  Link below to my "how-to" thread:

Grand Villa Headlight Replacement

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Re: Ford headlights on our '89

Reply #3 – August 07, 2017, 04:01:19 pm

Read Chuck's post and ordered , got them in two days and were as nice as advertised. Took me about 30 min or so and done. Look Great . Still have to play with adjustment.

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Re: Ford headlights on our '89

Reply #4 – August 07, 2017, 04:36:57 pm

I am installing my new (purchased two years ago) headlights now.  Look so much better.

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Re: Ford headlights on our '89

Reply #5 – August 07, 2017, 05:59:54 pm

DW says new headlights---or south for the winter (and I know what I want!) So, after all my latest purchases for the coach I am going to try 300, 600, 2000 grades wet sand and then clear coat 3 times. We don't drive at night anyway so going to give the rehab a shot, at least.

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Re: Ford headlights on our '89

Reply #6 – August 07, 2017, 06:30:16 pm

NH,

I go from 600  to 1000 then 3000.  Finish with a wool buffing pad with Meguiar's  finishing polish.  Make sure you clean the lens a couple of times with a glass cleaner prior to putting on your sealer. Yes I would grind off those little teets prior to starting.  Our headlight line up machine don't need them any way.

Pamela & Mike

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Re: Ford headlights on our '89

Reply #7 – August 07, 2017, 07:28:50 pm

New headlight alignment tool does not use the nubs. The tool is on a stand that sits on the floor. You put the lens in front and it downs you where the beam is pointed. It works like an old film negative so don't leave the light on and walk away for a while as it marks the screen permanently.

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Re: Ford headlights on our '89

Reply #8 – August 07, 2017, 11:32:14 pm

Took both headlight assemblies out after supper. Driver's side gets water in it and passenger side was apparently damaged at one time--has foam holding it together in places.
Real PITA getting them out. I plan on trimming the bottom fiberglass lip on each body opening to facilitate reassembly. The lip is way too big and serves no function so If I trim it back I can get the lights back in easier.
Will take pics before & after I get done rehabbing them.---Later.

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Re: Ford headlights on our '89

Reply #9 – August 15, 2017, 01:17:41 pm

B4 and after,
Still got to fix scratches on pass side light

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Re: Ford headlights on our '89

Reply #10 – August 15, 2017, 03:10:55 pm

DW stood in front of the coach yesterday afternoon (about 4:00 PM) and said the lights almost blinded her compared to before. Then I switched the high beams on and she couldn't believe how bright they were!!

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Re: Ford headlights on our '89

Reply #11 – August 15, 2017, 05:51:31 pm

Our turn signal went bad, figured it was just a bulb. Pain to remove, found the harness had gone bad. Most re-cycle yards have them, but we had to get the whole module! Very common. Not fun!

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Re: Ford headlights on our '89

Reply #12 – August 30, 2017, 08:26:04 pm

Check rockauto.com. I bought some new light assemblies for my truck, they were cheap...

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