Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: Rcarder407 on January 14, 2009, 07:28:21 PM
Post by: Rcarder407 on January 14, 2009, 07:28:21 PM
Idk if this is normal but i have to drive around with my high beams on. I can barely see with low beams. I try buying different bulbs, even the expensive ones, but it doesnt change anything.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: jncocowboyx on January 14, 2009, 07:45:23 PM
Post by: jncocowboyx on January 14, 2009, 07:45:23 PM
welcome to the world of 87-88 thundercats. lol. there's a few headlight polishing kits you can try, but i can't say i've ever had any luck with em.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: 88turbo on January 14, 2009, 07:50:52 PM
Post by: 88turbo on January 14, 2009, 07:50:52 PM
do you have a thunderbird or cougar? if you have an 87-88 thunderbird new lights can be had for about $140 on ebay.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: Rcarder407 on January 14, 2009, 08:05:58 PM
Post by: Rcarder407 on January 14, 2009, 08:05:58 PM
i have a thunderbird. Im waiting til tax time to get new lights, i was just wondering if anyone knew anything that could help til then.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: 88cougar on January 14, 2009, 09:13:08 PM
Post by: 88cougar on January 14, 2009, 09:13:08 PM
I have the same problem & I've tried everything from headlight polishing, better light bulbs to adjusting the headlight. And so far I haven't found anything to work very well. I think it's mostly because (or at least mine does) the headlight assembly gets condensation & water in it. If you find something that works, let me know. Good luck
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: Thunder Chicken on January 14, 2009, 09:51:56 PM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on January 14, 2009, 09:51:56 PM
The reflectors are probably dull. When water gets in it erodes the polished reflectors. Unfortunately the chrome is so thin there's no polishing them. New headlights your only hope.
Also remember that the headlights in these cars aren't particularly well designed to begin with. New ones will make a huge difference, but once you get used to the new brightness you'll start feeling like they should be brighter, especially if you regularly drive a newer car with better lights.
Also remember that the headlights in these cars aren't particularly well designed to begin with. New ones will make a huge difference, but once you get used to the new brightness you'll start feeling like they should be brighter, especially if you regularly drive a newer car with better lights.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: Masejoer on January 14, 2009, 10:19:57 PM
Post by: Masejoer on January 14, 2009, 10:19:57 PM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;251691
Also remember that the headlights in these cars aren't particularly well designed to begin with. New ones will make a huge difference, but once you get used to the new brightness you'll start feeling like they should be brighter, especially if you regularly drive a newer car with better lights.
Oh so true. Stock lights aren't much better than sealed lights - there's a pretty nasty hotspot in front of the car. Foglights help illuminate the road quite a bit when used alongside the stock lights.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: Rcarder407 on January 14, 2009, 10:56:53 PM
Post by: Rcarder407 on January 14, 2009, 10:56:53 PM
Thanks everyone for the advice.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: Turbo 88 on January 15, 2009, 12:33:00 AM
Post by: Turbo 88 on January 15, 2009, 12:33:00 AM
Don't spend $140 on ebay. I just ordered some up from a place online and paid a little over $90 for the pair including shipping.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: vinnietbird on January 15, 2009, 12:49:15 AM
Post by: vinnietbird on January 15, 2009, 12:49:15 AM
Quote from: Turbo 88;251729
Don't spend $140 on ebay. I just ordered some up from a place online and paid a little over $90 for the pair including shipping.
What place is that?
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: jpc647 on January 15, 2009, 03:13:28 PM
Post by: jpc647 on January 15, 2009, 03:13:28 PM
I believe it is
https://www.bowenscarff-fordparts.com/index.html
Type in the part number.
https://www.bowenscarff-fordparts.com/index.html
Type in the part number.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: vinnietbird on January 15, 2009, 03:18:26 PM
Post by: vinnietbird on January 15, 2009, 03:18:26 PM
O.K.,does anyone know the part numbers?
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: V8Demon on January 15, 2009, 03:58:26 PM
Post by: V8Demon on January 15, 2009, 03:58:26 PM
*sigh*
Guys I've posted the link to http://www.newfordparts.com quite a few times..... about $92 for a pair.
Part #'s are as follows....
E7SZ-13007-A & 13008-A
Guys I've posted the link to http://www.newfordparts.com quite a few times..... about $92 for a pair.
Part #'s are as follows....
E7SZ-13007-A & 13008-A
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: Kitz Kat on January 15, 2009, 04:02:30 PM
Post by: Kitz Kat on January 15, 2009, 04:02:30 PM
Hey V-8 is that for us cats to?
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: TheEskimo on January 15, 2009, 06:54:37 PM
Post by: TheEskimo on January 15, 2009, 06:54:37 PM
Quote from: Kitz Kat;251829
Hey V-8 is that for us cats to?
Unfortaunatly no, the Cougar lights for '87-'88 are:
E8OY-13008-A/B for the lamp assembly
E8OY-13007-A/B for the headlamp lens
"A" is the right side and "B" is the left.
I got this from the Cool Cats site, but I am not positive what the diffeance is between the two at this time.
Hope that helps.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: V8Demon on January 15, 2009, 08:26:19 PM
Post by: V8Demon on January 15, 2009, 08:26:19 PM
Different part/molding/shape altogether.....
Good luck finding a NOS 87-88 Cougar light.....I bought one in March of 2008 for the tune of $277 -- BTW this one was the whole assembly. I was unable to locate just a lens assembly....
Good luck finding a NOS 87-88 Cougar light.....I bought one in March of 2008 for the tune of $277 -- BTW this one was the whole assembly. I was unable to locate just a lens assembly....
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: jcassity on January 15, 2009, 10:34:51 PM
Post by: jcassity on January 15, 2009, 10:34:51 PM
Quote from: V8Demon;251827
*sigh*
Guys I've posted the link to http://www.newfordparts.com quite a few times..... about $92 for a pair.
Part #'s are as follows....
E7SZ-13007-A & 13008-A
added to the diy
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: mjbtbrd on January 16, 2009, 12:38:40 AM
Post by: mjbtbrd on January 16, 2009, 12:38:40 AM
Quote from: V8Demon;251827
*sigh*
Guys I've posted the link to http://www.newfordparts.com quite a few times..... about $92 for a pair.
Part #'s are as follows....
E7SZ-13007-A & 13008-A
Looks like you got a typo V-8
correct #'s are E7SZ-13007-A & E7SZ-13007-B
you may find bowenscarf is a few bucks cheaper too
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: V8Demon on January 16, 2009, 06:26:52 AM
Post by: V8Demon on January 16, 2009, 06:26:52 AM
Yup, you're right.
Swapping the 8 for the 7 in both numbers actually gives the part number for the entire assembly complete with the bucket and adjusters.....Sorry.
Swapping the 8 for the 7 in both numbers actually gives the part number for the entire assembly complete with the bucket and adjusters.....Sorry.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: Kitz Kat on January 16, 2009, 06:38:15 AM
Post by: Kitz Kat on January 16, 2009, 06:38:15 AM
Quote from: V8Demon;251886
Different part/molding/shape altogether.....
ood luck finding a NOS 87-88 Cougar light.....I bought one in March of 2008 for the tune of $277
I thought the price was to cheap to fit the cat.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: V8Demon on January 16, 2009, 06:55:21 AM
Post by: V8Demon on January 16, 2009, 06:55:21 AM
Interestingly enough.....both sites currently list it as in stock for less than what I payed.
When I bought, newfordparts had it listed for around $160 IIRC, but they said it was basically unobtanium....The one I got had been sitting on a dealership shelf in Texas from what I understand.
When I bought, newfordparts had it listed for around $160 IIRC, but they said it was basically unobtanium....The one I got had been sitting on a dealership shelf in Texas from what I understand.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on January 16, 2009, 07:49:47 AM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on January 16, 2009, 07:49:47 AM
Quote from: Rcarder407;251673
i have a thunderbird. Im waiting til tax time to get new lights, i was just wondering if anyone knew anything that could help til then.
Use some rubbing compound, will likely need 4-5 applications if they are really bad... When the haze is removed, follow up with with some polishing compound and finally a good waxing...
This should help significantly, but they'll never be like new again...
BTW if they are waxed every couple of months, new ones will likely last forever... This assumes they never get moisture in them, which I have a fix for that as well...
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: mjbtbrd on January 16, 2009, 03:48:09 PM
Post by: mjbtbrd on January 16, 2009, 03:48:09 PM
there is a cougar one on ebay if anyone is looking
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Headlamps-Assembly-cougar-thunderbird-left-1987-1988_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713Q2em153Q2el1262QQcategoryZ33697QQihZ002QQitemZ120355258263QQtcZphoto
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Headlamps-Assembly-cougar-thunderbird-left-1987-1988_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713Q2em153Q2el1262QQcategoryZ33697QQihZ002QQitemZ120355258263QQtcZphoto
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: TheEskimo on January 17, 2009, 09:46:03 AM
Post by: TheEskimo on January 17, 2009, 09:46:03 AM
Just noticed that Green Sales Company shows them as having 10 of the E8OY-13008-B in stock, didn't list a price that I saw though.
http://www.greensalescompany.com
Search for the part number as: E8OY13008B
http://www.greensalescompany.com
Search for the part number as: E8OY13008B
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: 50tbrd88 on January 17, 2009, 04:04:10 PM
Post by: 50tbrd88 on January 17, 2009, 04:04:10 PM
I got mine from some place called thunderbirdranch I found online. But, like turbocoupe50 said it may save you some money to try the rubbing compound/polishing compound/waxing thing 1st. It should do the trick unless you have moisture inside the light itself.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: V8Demon on January 18, 2009, 02:16:45 AM
Post by: V8Demon on January 18, 2009, 02:16:45 AM
Quote from: TheEskimo;252129
Just noticed that Green Sales Company shows them as having 10 of the E8OY-13008-B in stock, didn't list a price that I saw though.
http://www.greensalescompany.com
Search for the part number as: E8OY13008B
Zero balance for the other side though...
Twas a left I purchased last March. Seems they're still scarce.
Oh and just to save some more cash:
Quote
If you have examined the assembly, and noticed that the adjuster screws need replacement, here are the part numbers for those pieces:
(2 for each headlamp)#E7SZ-13032-C ($5.44 ea.)
(1 for each headlamp)#E7SZ-13032-D ($5.41 ea.)
There is no need to buy the whole headlamp assembly since it will end up being far more expensive than purchasing the needed parts separately.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: vinnietbird on January 19, 2009, 06:55:23 PM
Post by: vinnietbird on January 19, 2009, 06:55:23 PM
Greensales sent me a message....$200.00 each for the Cougar lights.....seriously.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: Turbo 88 on January 19, 2009, 11:11:00 PM
Post by: Turbo 88 on January 19, 2009, 11:11:00 PM
Sorry...I haven't logged in lately. Yes, that is the place I got them from. In another thread I had posted the link and a pic of the headlights and the boxes showing the part numbers. They are A & B for right and left.
guess this has all been worked out by this point though
guess this has all been worked out by this point though
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: daddybair7 on February 10, 2009, 08:09:43 PM
Post by: daddybair7 on February 10, 2009, 08:09:43 PM
i bought a headlight restore from advance auto parts heres what they look like one done in the front back one not done
here they both are done
here they both are done
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: daddybair7 on February 10, 2009, 08:11:06 PM
Post by: daddybair7 on February 10, 2009, 08:11:06 PM
the bottom pic is of the stuff i used hope this helps out it cost $20.00
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: vinnietbird on February 10, 2009, 09:05:18 PM
Post by: vinnietbird on February 10, 2009, 09:05:18 PM
i may restore some lights and sell 'em.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: FLSTCI71 on February 10, 2009, 09:55:33 PM
Post by: FLSTCI71 on February 10, 2009, 09:55:33 PM
Quote from: daddybair7;256256
here they both are done
Those look pretty sharp, nice job! Do you make house calls? :D
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: TheEskimo on February 11, 2009, 12:09:19 AM
Post by: TheEskimo on February 11, 2009, 12:09:19 AM
Nice work, those look great. I have been wondering about that stuff since I saw it at Wal-Mart. Good to see it does give results.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: JeremyB on February 11, 2009, 01:06:56 AM
Post by: JeremyB on February 11, 2009, 01:06:56 AM
I don't have the photo evidence to prove it. But you need 3 long screws, not 2 long/1 short. IRRC, the short fastener doesn't have a hex head on it and makes it impossible to adjust.
Title: Headlights are very dim
Post by: daddybair7 on February 11, 2009, 07:14:18 AM
Post by: daddybair7 on February 11, 2009, 07:14:18 AM
the key to the whole thing is to really sand the dickens out of the light with 1000grit.i went over them for bout 10 min ,then did the 2500grit for bout 5 min. then used the buffing compounds to finish the job. turns out great. its really nice they light up the night good .made on heck of a improvement just like new.