Lighting Question

Sarge261 · Sep 12, 2013

Hey Folks,

I don't frequent this forum as much as I should and I have been reading pages and pages about lighting options. I have a 88 GT, mostly stock, and at some point the PO decided that he would try and seal up the headlamps with silicone. Now the head lamps are all yellow and I think its time to replace them as I cant see anything at night.

My question is what do you recommend, I was thinking the OEM kit from LMR, but wasn't sure if there was something else better out there. For those of you that are using the crystal type lenses how are they holding up. I was almost thinking a set of those in smoked would look good on my grey Fox. Just not sure which way to go before I drop the coin.

I did get my fuel guage working properly, with a NOS sending unit and I added a Walbro 155 pump while I was in there.

Thanks for the help.

Sarge

mikestang63 · Sep 12, 2013

Sarge,

Nothing fit an seal as well as the factory ones. IMO the best option is to restore your original OEM lights with a kit from Maguire or Mothers- you can even use some toothpaste and a rag, or brake fluid to clean the headlights. Put a good coat of wax on top to seal them against UV light.

That being said, mine were too far gone and I bought a set of repops for around $80 last year. You'll have to transfer over the adjusters and seals. I would also recommend putting a bead of clear silicone around the seams. Just know that the aftermarket lights have some issues with adjusting up right. Do not get smoked or one piece headlights. The smoke ones will diminish your visibility and the one piece look too ricer IMO.

Sarge261 · Sep 12, 2013

Thanks Mike,

Mine are too far gone as well. The PO put so much silicone on them its really noticeable, and now with the yellowing I think its time to just replace them and go from there. I don't like the rice look either so I will have to agree with you on that. I guess I will get the kit from LMR that comes with the fog lamps, head lamps, and marker lamps as well...unless there is someone out there that has some NOS head lamps laying around.

Sarge

Grabbin' Asphalt · Sep 13, 2013

Got my clears for $100, love the clear side marker

Grabbin' Asphalt · Sep 13, 2013

Did hear one time that transmission fluid works awesome, never tried it but heard it from a mechanic guy.

stykthyn · Sep 13, 2013

ATF is technically a detergent...

Sarge261 · Sep 15, 2013

Thanks for all the replys guys, guess I'll just keep surfin the forum looking at pictures until I find what I like. Im not in a hurry as I will be storing the car for the winter soon anyway.

mikestang63 · Sep 15, 2013

Just for the hell of it... tape off the car around the lights and take some brake fluid on a rag and rub it on the lights... You will see a ton of the crub come off. Just make sure not to get any on your paint.

Sarge261 · Sep 16, 2013

Thanks, but what I'm more worried about is all the sealant that's gobbed on it. plus the 1 has a crack in it I saw this weekend while cleaning them. Once I decide on new ones I will try the brake fluid trick. Is there anything I can do to prevent this on the new lamps?

Sarge

mikestang63 · Sep 16, 2013

a good coat of wax goes a long way.. the discoloration is from time and UV lights. For the new ones, run a thin bead of clear silicone around the seals. Make sure the rubber weather strips are in good shape as that will keep moisture out. I put a little weatherstrip adhesive to keep them from moving around on the light. Don't be surprised if the new ones are way out of whack and need adjusting.. a 4.5 mm wrench or better the headlight adjustment tool is needed for the adjustment nuts. You want the light beams to be in the same spot up close and at 20 feet away. Align them on a flat surface and mark the wall with a + using tape. Back up about 20 feet and adjust the lights so the beams are a little down and away from the center.

Sarge261 · Sep 16, 2013

When you bought the new ones did you use a certain vendor or just who was cheapest?

mikestang63 · Sep 16, 2013

sarge, PM'd you.

CT Grim · Sep 16, 2013

I'm in the same boat, Sarge... looking for a new 6-piece and LX tail lenses to lose the graters. I was looking at the Ultra Clears. Mike...could you shoot me a PM, too?

Sarge261 · Sep 18, 2013

What years were the cheese graters on. I see all these GT's on line and for sale and they all have LX tail lights, and what is the reason for the switch...I kinda like the cheese graters.

mikestang63 · Sep 18, 2013

Sarge261 said:
What years were the cheese graters on. I see all these GT's on line and for sale and they all have LX tail lights, and what is the reason for the switch...I kinda like the cheese graters.

Sarge, they are on GT's from 87-93. The reason everyone switches to LX lights is because they are butt ugly IMO. ( no offense)

stykthyn · Sep 18, 2013

I think the cheese graters looked great until they got faded or cracked and theren there was no help for them.

jcgafford · Sep 18, 2013

stykthyn said:
I think the cheese graters looked great until they got faded or cracked and theren there was no help for them.

So is there any way to remove the cheese grater part for a repaint? I am going to deal with the faded tail lights pretty soon.

Sarge261 · Sep 19, 2013

I was wondering the same thing...can the graters be removed to repaint or do you have to buy new ones and new lenses as well?

stykthyn · Sep 19, 2013

not sure if they can be seperated. do they even make repops now?

mikestang63 · Sep 19, 2013

stykthyn said:
not sure if they can be seperated. do they even make repops now?

I think LMRS does.. @Jarrod?

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