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Topic: Headlights are very dim (Read 8794 times) previous topic - next topic

Headlights are very dim

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.
88 Sport, custom white 140 mph gauge, 11 in brake upgrade, stock mustang headers, bassani x-pipe, cherry bomb vortec lers, HO conversion
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Headlights are very dim

Reply #1 –
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.
:cougarsmily:5.0 HO, E303 cam, Exploder/Cobra intake, smog pump delete, Ford Taurus electric fan, MAF conversion, BBK headers, MAC 2.5" off-road exhaust w/x-pipe, AOD w/shift kit, 8.8 Trac-Loc rear w/disc brakes, 5-lug conversion w/'98 Mustang GT 17" wheels, Mach 1 springs:cougarsmily:

Headlights are very dim

Reply #2 –
do you have a thunderbird or cougar? if you have an 87-88 thunderbird new lights can be had for about $140 on ebay.

Headlights are very dim

Reply #3 –
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.
88 Sport, custom white 140 mph gauge, 11 in brake upgrade, stock mustang headers, bassani x-pipe, cherry bomb vortec lers, HO conversion
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Headlights are very dim

Reply #4 –
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
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]1988 Cougar XR-7. My parents specially ordered this car with every option accept leather seats in 1988. I bought it from them in 1998 & since then have installed American Racing wheels (still have factory mag wheels in boxes), ceramic coated headers into dual Flowmaster 50 series lers with single into dual stainless tips, 4 row radiator, B&M Transpak, converted to Mass Air with cold air intake, etc..

Headlights are very dim

Reply #5 –
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.
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Headlights are very dim

Reply #6 –
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.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Headlights are very dim

Reply #7 –
Thanks everyone for the advice.
88 Sport, custom white 140 mph gauge, 11 in brake upgrade, stock mustang headers, bassani x-pipe, cherry bomb vortec lers, HO conversion
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Headlights are very dim

Reply #8 –
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.
5 Mopars, an S-197, and the Turbo Twinkie[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Headlights are very dim

Reply #9 –
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?
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Headlights are very dim

Reply #11 –
O.K.,does anyone know the part numbers?
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Headlights are very dim

Reply #12 –
*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
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

Headlights are very dim

Reply #13 –
Hey V-8 is that for us cats to?
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +

Headlights are very dim

Reply #14 –
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.
1985 T'Bird 5.0
1987 Cougar 3.8
1992 T'bird Sport 5.0 HO