Mustang headlight question

bcwang · 02-06-04, 07:32

Just wondering if any 99-04 mustang owners out there have taken apart the headlights before? I notice some smudges on the inside of the lens, fingerprints maybe. However I thought headlight assemblies were sealed. So I wonder if anyone knows whether the Mustang headlights can be taken apart easily for cleaning, and put back together again. By easy I mean no oven baking, or need for glue.

Thanks!

btw - do you guys think the headlights on this car aren't very bright? That's why I want to polish the inside and outside to try to get it as clear as possible.

rjstaaf · 02-06-04, 07:52

What year is your 'Stang?? If it is under warranty, get them replaced. I have had the headlights replaced on my 01 GT 3 times under warranty. I just ordered a new set after one of them got hit by a rock but, they were fogging. They also have the fingerprints inside both lenses, it happens during manufacturing.

Here is an article on how to do clear corners on 99+ Mustang headlights. You may not want to do that but, it does go over in detail on how to take the lenses apart and put them back together.

http://www.fnsweet.com/garage/clears.shtml

You can get replacement housings for about $90 a piece so you have to decide if it is worth the trouble to take them apart and fix them or just fork up the bucks and replace them.

Even when each set of lights were new and crystal clear they were NOT bright. It is a common complaint. If you want them brighter you might want to invest in some Sylvania Silverstars. I wasn't that happy with them and am back to stock but, opinions vary

bcwang · 02-07-04, 01:02

I've got a 00 so it's out of warranty already. I'm already running silverstars but they still aren't that bright. I don't know if the 9007 bulb type just isn't that bright or if the reflector design just sucks. But after driving some other cars using H1 and H7 bulbs like the mb e320 or mazda6, I realize how good headlights can be.

The fingerprints on the inside are annoying, you'd think they'd be more careful on clear plastic like that. I don't think I want to take it apart to clean though after reading how much work it is.

rjstaaf,
Since you didn't like the silverstars, what do you use now for headlights? Do you use a relay kit?

rjstaaf · 02-07-04, 08:46

I am back to running the stock bulbs. Nope, no relay kit either. Just hear too many stories of fried wiring to mess with it. They aren't really that bad. One thing you might want to do is make sure they are aimed properly.

Young_Stallion · 02-07-04, 09:05

Here is a pic of my old GT, with cleared amber headlights. It is pretty easy to remove the backing of the headlights. Just get a dremel and starting slicing. That how to from FN Sweet is perfect.

Also, Ford has a TSB on fogging and damaged headlights. Just take them in and say they were getting dusty and foggy and you want new ones.