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Topic: Metal piece inside of headlights 87-88 Tbirds?? (Read 2062 times) previous topic - next topic

Metal piece inside of headlights 87-88 Tbirds??

I realized that on my headlights the small square of metal inside of it broke off. I was wondering how crucial it is to having my lights shine bright? I have really bad night vision and was hoping to improve my stock set which are pretty dim.
88 Turbo Coupe 5 Speed..Full exhaust, K and N, Boost Controller

Metal piece inside of headlights 87-88 Tbirds??

Reply #1 –
Are you talking about the lightbulb itself, or the headlight housing? 

I don't know much that can help with the stock headlight brightness, unfortunately.  From the factory, they weren't as good as any of today's HID-equipped cars.  After a few years of UV degradation, the polycarbonate lenses aren't helping either.  You can help a bit by cleaning/restoring/sealing the lenses and by using brighter bulbs (along with using relays to minimize stress on the switch).

I wish updated, new housings were being produced that fit our cars...

Metal piece inside of headlights 87-88 Tbirds??

Reply #2 –
Quote from: BornInAFord;441464
Are you talking about the lightbulb itself, or the headlight housing? 

I don't know much that can help with the stock headlight brightness, unfortunately.  From the factory, they weren't as good as any of today's HID-equipped cars.  After a few years of UV degradation, the polycarbonate lenses aren't helping either.  You can help a bit by cleaning/restoring/sealing the lenses and by using brighter bulbs (along with using relays to minimize stress on the switch).

I wish updated, new housings were being produced that fit our cars...

Na its actual piece of the housing inside of the headlight not the bulb. And yeah I wish new housing were made night vision is crucial.
88 Turbo Coupe 5 Speed..Full exhaust, K and N, Boost Controller

Metal piece inside of headlights 87-88 Tbirds??

Reply #3 –
A piece of the reflective material delaminated off of the plastic surface? That's what I'm gathering here.
Unless most of the metal coating in the whole capsule is GONE you'd probably be hard-pressed to notice a difference.

This has been discussed on and off, you can search things like "metal headlight" "headlight reflector" and search terms like that here, you should find something.
Vinnietbird knew of a place that could "plate chrome" on almost anything. It's a different process, plastic doesn't conduct electricity so it can't be electroplated like a bumper or piece of trim on a motorcycle. It's not real cheap but there is no other way to "repair" that. You can take the headlight apart and spray that b.s. "chrome paint" on it but it will not be a mirror. Only a very smoothed metal surface can do that.

Are the clear plastic lenses of your headlights foggy/yellowed? This ruins your brightness at night severely. They can be wet-sanded / buffed / polished to some extent when this happens.
Keep an eye on eBay for N.O.S. replacement headlights. They are out there but few and far in between. And pricey...
1987 20th Anniversary Cougar, 302 "5.0" GT-40 heads (F3ZE '93 Cobra) and TMoss Ported H.O. intake, H.O. camshaft
2.5" Duals, no cats, Flowmaster 40s, Richmond 3.73s w/ Trac-Lok, maxed out Baumann shift kit, 3000 RPM Dirty Dog non-lock TC
Aside from the Mustang crinkle headers, still looks like it's only 150 HP...
1988 Black XR7 Trick Flow top end, Tremec 3550
1988 Black XR7 Procharger P600B intercooled, Edelbrock Performer non-RPM heads, GT40 intake AOD, 13 PSI @5000 RPM. 93 octane

Metal piece inside of headlights 87-88 Tbirds??

Reply #4 –
That piece inside the headlights is not crucial to light output since it will not reflect any light out the clear lens
I was just thinking about it and I believe it's to absorb heat instead it the top of the headlight taking all the heat from the bulb
If the reflective surface on the inside of the headlight is still in good condition sanding, polishing, and buffing the lens will really make the headlights more effective
1987 T-Bird TC: 5-Spd, 5-lug conv., CHE Rear CAs, '04 Cobra wheels and 13" Brakes, Vac Assist conv: '93 Cobra BB/MC & Wilwood PV, Gutted/Knived Intakes, T3 turbo, RFE6 Mani, Stinger 3" Exhaust & Oil Feed, 255HP Walbro, Kirban AFPR, RR Cam, Esslinger Cam gear and Round Tooth Conv., Gillis Boost Valve, Speedway Dual Valve Spring,  K&N, 130a 3g Alt conv., 140mph Speedo
Running Better Than Ever :burnout:
 

Metal piece inside of headlights 87-88 Tbirds??

Reply #5 –
heat mitigation part.
it pulls out of its track and slips back in.

put it back in with glue, lay a piece of reflective metal tap down on it.

to get more light , click on my diy link below.