Ford headlights stink - what to do?

[nelstomlinson]

There is one alternative, but you'd better have deep pockets...

http://outlawleds.com/1987-1991-ford-obs-projector-headlights/

https://www.oilburners.net/threads/new-headlights-for-the-logger-custom-brick-nose-projectors/

That's spendy, but not quite out of the question for one vehicle. I definitely wouldn't put it in the whole fleet!

I think my one worry with that - besides the price - would be whether I could dial the low beams down low enough.

I'll have to contact Goose and ask whether he's still happy with them, and whether he's gotten any tickets for illegal headlights.

 

[HammerDown]

"Ford Headlights in the 89 era stink"...seriously???
I clearly remember when I first got my 1988 NEW and driving down to Daytona for Bike Week the Headlights were AMAZING!
Even my GF was blown away how far & wide they projected on the pitch black I-95 and how bright they were...and to on-coming traffic the High-Beams were blinding!
True, 31 years later the plastic Lenses are oxidized/clouded but they still work quite well.

 

[79jasper]

Re-pro buckets means new, clear, factory style light assemblies? That would be easy, but even when they were new, they weren't the brightest. I'd really like to do something better.

You're still missing where everyone is telling you to do the relay mod........

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[catbird7]

Here's some pics of Aussie headlights. Kinda cool however you're limited to the selection of an obsolete old style bulb design. Another alternative is front clip swap to OBS...

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[saburai]

They sure look cool! But I'll stick with buckets, bulbs and the relay mod, works great not too much work or money and everything is easily repairable or replaceable...

 

[catbird7]

Agree!

 

[nelstomlinson]

You're still missing where everyone is telling you to do the relay mod........

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No, I'm not missing that. I've done that to several of my trucks, and will do it to all of them soon. It helps.

 

[79jasper]

No, I'm not missing that. I've done that to several of my trucks, and will do it to all of them soon. It helps.

Ah, gotcha. Didn't seem like you acknowledged it. Lol
You can modify the housings for projectors.

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[laserjock]

"Ford Headlights in the 89 era stink"...seriously???
I clearly remember when I first got my 1988 NEW and driving down to Daytona for Bike Week the Headlights were AMAZING!
Even my GF was blown away how far & wide they projected on the pitch black I-95 and how bright they were...and to on-coming traffic the High-Beams were blinding!
True, 31 years later the plastic Lenses are oxidized/clouded but they still work quite well.

This. ^^^^

I had an 88 f150 back in the day that was hands down better than most other things it’s contemporary.

My lights with fresh lenses aren’t terrible but we have become spoiled with modern headlights.

 

[nelstomlinson]

My lights with fresh lenses aren’t terrible but we have become spoiled with modern headlights.

I like spoiled. If I can find a way to put modern headlights in my old trucks with reasonable cost and effort, I will.

 

[raydav]

The vans kept the 5x7 sealed beam after the F series went to plug in H series bulbs. I went thru a bunch of the 7" H series but where the classic sealed beam focused with a Fresnel lens in front, the H series focused from the back shell and did a poor job; I called it light splatter.

I am now putting lights like this in both 5x7 and 7' round in everything, and they are working well.
https://www.amazon.com/GENSSI-Square-Headlight-Reflector-Replacement/dp/B01M09C7Q8

The Ford 89 F series light appears to have about the same real estate as a 5x7 sealed beam. So possibly swap in a 5x7 bucket?

Be aware. There has been a huge explosion in 5x7 and 7" round sealed LED designs. And the wholesale price is typically about $50 a pair.

 

[nelstomlinson]

Van headlight buckets might be a good way to go. As you say, the 5x7 lights give a lot of options. A little funny looking isn't a show stopper.

 

[mikeboggess]

Replaced my hdlts with after market units that took the standard 1157 bulbs and WOW! The phrase "difference between night and day" was realized when I did this.

 

[nelstomlinson]

Mike, isn't the 1157 the tail light bulb? Do you have a link to what you got?