windstar headlight replacement

[bentwings]

Anybody have any tips for relacing the headlights on a 98 Windstar??? I already have the new parts..just hven't done the job before. Going to do it outside 25 degrees bbuuurrrr.

I've got the tools I think...unless there is something special.

thanks

bentwings

[CraigRK]

Are you referring to replacing the entire headlight/lens assembly? (i.e. ~$300 each) Or just the bulbs?

FYI - my headlights were almost useless with yellowing, scale, opacity and deterioration of the plastic lens, but not wanting to pay $$$$$ for new headlight assemblies, I wet-sanded and then cleaned the lenses with solvent and got probably 80%+ functionality/translucency back. Then I replaced the bulbs with the best Sylvania Silverstar Ultra bulbs I could buy. The result is acceptable now, but still nothing like the new vehicles.

CraigRK

[ronmar1]

Here's how I do it.

1st.
Spray the lense with a heavy duty cleaner. I use Purple Power. You see a lot of the yellowing, flow off the lense. Rinse well after the cleaner has time to work.

2nd.
Now using 800 grit wet sand paper, sand the lense smooth.

3rd.
Using 1000 grit wet sand paper further smooth out the surface of the plastic lense.

4th
Rinse and dry the surface of the lense.

Now use a product called Meguriar's PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner and Polish. Apply with a soft cloth and polish and buff the surface of the lense. Continue application of polish and you will be amazed at what will happen.

Your clear plastc lense will become clear and shiney again. Looks great and you'll restore a lot of your night vision due to the lense being clear again.

Hope this helps. I was taught this by a friend who does this at car lots and gets $50.00 a car. If you like the results you don't have to pay me, a mere thank you will suffice

Ron

[bentwings]

Thanks for the polishing tip but I need to replace the whole lights as they are cracked and fill with water.

I'll do the polishing on my Dodge.

thanks

bentwings

[kenneth j somers jr.]

if you are just replacing the lamps (bulbs) the passangers side is easy just a half turn and the keeper ring will release the lamp from the housing. Slide the old lamp (bulb) out and unsnap the clip that holds it to the plug. Being careful not to toutch the glass part of the new lamp (bulb) with your fingers slide it into the housing and bring the keeper ring back and tighten. if your '98 is anything like my 2002 you will have to losen the battery and move it out of the way to get clearence to get your hand into the area where the lamp is just do the same as the other side.

If you are doing the entire assembly ---- Good luck