Need Help right away for headlight changeout

[blucobra03]

All,

I am in the process of trying to swap out headlights on my 96GT. You wouldn't think it was that difficult. I have the side marker light out and the 1 retaining clip off. Now there are two plastic nuts that hold the alignment screws in place on the back side of the headlight mounting wall (one outboard and one inboard) and I don't know how to get them off. The inboard can't even be reached. If I was able to get them off. I don't know how I would realign the new headlight once I got it in. Is anyone out there that has done this changeout that could give me a call ??? I am getting desperate here !! Thanks !!

 

[Skidzz]

I've done it. It was kind of a PITA. It's kind of hard to explain it though. The plastic nuts at the ends of the alignment screws have two clips that need to be pressed in to get them to come out. I used a small flat-head screw driver to press one of them in and just wiggle it out the rest of the way, because one of the clips was on top and the other was on the bottom, where I couldn't get to it. I ended up breaking one of the clips, but it was no big deal because the new head lights I bought came with new ones. Also, you're probably going to have to re-adjust them anyway. I had to re-adjust mine. The job is a lot more of a pain than most people think. At least it was for me.

 

[blucobra03]

I appreciate you getting back to me. I managed to get the old ones out by doing what you said and the new ones in. However, they are out of alignment and I haven't got a clue how to align them properly. I can use the outside screw to adjust the up and down, but the screw for adjusting the side to side is back behind the inboard headlight and is not accessible now. Any suggestions ? Thanks

 

[Skidzz]

You have to turn the adjusters, which is very difficult. Try a pair of pliers or, if you'll notice, the backs of the adjuster screws are hex-shaped. If you can find some sort of VERY small socket, it would be cake. I used pliers and it was a PITA, and my lights still aren't perfectly aligned.

 

[Skidzz]

Oh, and how do you like them? I love mine. It was a world of difference. I just wish my digital camera hadn't been stolen so I could post pics.