1997 - 2003 F-150

Pre 7/97 Headlights to later conversion

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 02-10-2011, 01:26 PM
jar527's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Pre 7/96 Headlights to later conversion

I have an early 97 XL that I would like to upgrade the headlights on. The problem is that the headlights mount differently on trucks built after 7/1996. Headlight options for the early 97 models are limited (LMC truck has stock and Euro, thats it) so I was wondering if anyone has ever tried or seen the later style headlights being modified to fit the early 97's bracket?

Thanks!
 

Last edited by jar527; 02-10-2011 at 01:48 PM. Reason: Stated wrong year
  #2  
Old 02-10-2011, 01:49 PM
dirtyd88's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Burleson, TX
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
If I remember correctly, you can buy a header panel and the other parts needed from a 98 and swap them. But I'm just stabbing in the dark on that...
 
  #3  
Old 02-10-2011, 02:30 PM
Raptor05121's Avatar
Technical Article Contributor

Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Live Oak, FL
Posts: 10,610
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
Originally Posted by dirtyd88
If I remember correctly, you can buy a header panel and the other parts needed from a 98 and swap them. But I'm just stabbing in the dark on that...
you're right.
 
  #4  
Old 02-10-2011, 02:32 PM
dirtyd88's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Burleson, TX
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by Raptor05121
you're right.
Woohoo.
 
  #5  
Old 02-11-2011, 08:30 AM
jar527's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks guys, that doesn't sound too bad. I appreciate the help.
 
  #6  
Old 02-11-2011, 10:19 AM
dirtyd88's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Burleson, TX
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
No problem.

Depending on the availability of the parts at a local junkyard, and depending in your location, you may be able to grab the majority of the parts from here --> www.Certifit.com
 
  #7  
Old 02-11-2011, 01:27 PM
Raptor05121's Avatar
Technical Article Contributor

Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Live Oak, FL
Posts: 10,610
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
I got my header panel for $35 IIRC off www.partsgeek.com. Shipping may be a bit steep though
 
  #8  
Old 04-14-2011, 12:29 AM
Stephen87's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
sorry about bringing back and oldish thread

so all I need is the header panel and that is it or is there something else
 
  #9  
Old 04-14-2011, 12:56 AM
Buxton91's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sumter County, FL
Posts: 2,266
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
What is the build date on your truck? If I recall correctly, trucks built after 7/96 don't need the header panel swap.
 
  #10  
Old 04-14-2011, 01:07 AM
Stephen87's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
02/96 is the build date
 
  #11  
Old 04-14-2011, 01:16 AM
Buxton91's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sumter County, FL
Posts: 2,266
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Then yes, all you will need to do is swap out to a newer header panel.
 
  #12  
Old 04-14-2011, 01:23 AM
Stephen87's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
sounds like a plan, thanks for the info
 
  #13  
Old 04-15-2011, 05:00 AM
Stephen87's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
anyone know where I can get the tabs for the headlights to hold them in place
 
  #14  
Old 04-15-2011, 05:06 AM
five0merc's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Vacaville, California
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Off of any truck at the junk yard. Other than that I am not sure. That is what I did.
 
  #15  
Old 04-15-2011, 08:26 PM
Stephen87's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
well i got 2 from the dealer for 8 dollars a piece just to hold me over till I can get the other two and then all I need is the screw that holds th corners in
 



Quick Reply: Pre 7/97 Headlights to later conversion



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:25 PM.