Polish or replace headlight?

[David Howe]

Just bought a 2000 XLT that has dull looking headlights. When looking online you are overwhelmed with options at a wide range of prices. What should I buy? Hate to just spend extra hoping to get better quality. Or should I buy the polish kit? Have someone else polish?

 

[Don Hall]

Research: https://www.tooltopia.com/philips-h...MIxPOPz8LQ2wIVmbXACh0RBgcoEAYYAiABEgLW9_D_BwE

 

[Flexpedition]

Replace. Polishing is temporary. Clearcoating after polishing extends the interval, but these are so cheap there is no reason to screw with the old ones. There is a variety of aftermarket as these fit the same era F150. $50 to $100 and you are done. I'd personally avoid the ones with Christmas lights strung along the bottom as they look extremely dim in person, but to each their own.

 

[John Christopher]

Sweet projects cars has a video on youtube about headlights. They us Mothers aluminum polish and a D A buffer. It doesn't work as quick as the video but it works. Much easier than by hand.

 

[Tonyray]

I just bought a set for my 2000 EB from Amazon $25.00 each with free shipping. look and work great. I used a digital caliper to set the adjusters before I installed them. Also a good idea to pick up a Ford headlight adjuster wrench too.

 

[1955moose]

Polishing is as the others say temporary. I have same year Eddie Bauer, and I am constantly rebuffing the lenses. I use a small buffer wheel with the compound in the turtle wax kit for headlights. Works better for awhile. Someday I'll probably pop on a new set of clear coated lenses.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

 

[ExplorerTom]

Get the F-150 Lightning style headlights. They have a better reflector than the Expedition headlights.

 

[grantpa]

I've tried searching but had no luck-does ANYONE make an aftermarket glass replacement headlight??? Or is that verboten???

 

[JExpedition07]

I've tried searching but had no luck-does ANYONE make an aftermarket glass replacement headlight??? Or is that verboten???

Unfortanately you will be hard pressed to find anything glass....Good video here.

 

[jabert]

I've never had much luck polishing weatherworn headlights. As others have said, it looks good for a while, but all too soon you're back where you started. I think replacement is the way to go. Replacement headlights are available from many on-line sources, in the $50-75 price range, and the replacement job is simple. No more than fifteen minutes a side and a minimal number of cuss words.

 

[Bruce Mitchell]

They're on eBay for about $45/pair - free shipping.

 

[swagfu]

Replace.

 

[Adieu]

I've tried searching but had no luck-does ANYONE make an aftermarket glass replacement headlight??? Or is that verboten???

Youve stumbled across one of the great mysteries of the universe


1) why would chinese aftermarket companies give a shit what is or isn't verboten in America?

2) on the off chance that they do, why not slap an "offroad use only" sticker on the box and call it done, regulations what regulations?

 

[briangelc]

REPLACE. they are just going to dull again in a month, every month. Carid.com has loads of choices. i do not recommend going back with the OEM style, as the light directing properties are inferior to some of the other choices. The 1990s was a bad time for headlights as the DOT made them diffuse light into so many directions that they were overall "weak".

 

[Plati]

I just use Seafoam on mine, stuff is incredible
https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/shimmer-floor-wax/n8625

 

[Adieu]

Whaaa?

It's WD40.

How are you getting such Redneck 101 basics wrong????

 

[briangelc]

double bad redneck science!!!
use OFF bug spray for an instant shine!

 

[z168]

Also a good idea to pick up a Ford headlight adjuster wrench too.

There is? Where can I get one??

EDIT: Just did a quick google search. You just need a 4mm socket and a 1/4 drive ratchet.

 

[swagfu]

double bad redneck science!!!
use OFF bug spray for an instant shine!

Make sure it has deet in the ingredient. I did this for an ex girlfriend and it worked great. Might have to keep doing it ever 5 or 6 months, maybe sooner depending on where you live. I still suggest replacement for a permanent fix.

 

[Adieu]

Make sure it has deet in the ingredient. I did this for an ex girlfriend and it worked great. Might have to keep doing it ever 5 or 6 months, maybe sooner depending on where you live. I still suggest replacement for a permanent fix.

Who started shining, the headlight or the ex-GF??

Also, if you were polishing HER with the DEET, is "ex" just short for "former" wherein said former is on account of being untimely deceased??