This video works as a good guide for replacing these older sealed beam headlights. Given that you don’t see this type of headlamp much anymore, the ones you do find tend to get a bit rusty….
1979 Ford Fairmont Lighting Upgrade -EricTheCarGuy
665
Like
Save
){kind=link}
Comments
Write a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
The Fairmont gets a new set of eyes. 1979 Ford Fairmont Lighting Upgrade
-EricTheCarGuy
Those tail-light bulbs weren’t quite as much of a difference as the
headlights — you could *kind* of tell they were a little brighter, but not
anywhere near as much as with the headlights. Those headlights were WAY
brighter…
Think I might have to invest in a set of these lights for my ’68 Galaxie.
I’ve never been happy with the lighting on the old Gal. Maybe this will
help.
What no dielectric grease? Eric I am disappointed.
Maybe a company that installs automotive lifts can come and hook you up for
free so we can see some under the car videos I bet they’d be a lot easier
to film when they’re five feet up in the air versus laying on your back
thanks nice videos
How many car do you have
Keep in mind that new bulbs are always brighter when new than when old.
The filament slowly evaporates reducing power draw and intensity, and the
vaporized metal deposits on the glass causing it to block some of the
light. New bulbs need to be compared to other new ones.
I would have changed all the rusty screws… LOL
You’d think Ford would have used stainless steel screws to fasten down all
the front end trim work so that they wouldn’t rust.
Regarding not removing the lower screws on the headlight trim, looked like
a flatrate tech trying to do it fast, not necessarily right. How many
times will you do that before those ears break off ?
Good vid Eric…like that terminal cleaning tool –.can you tell us where
you got it and what company makes it?
I purchased a set of Silver Star headlight bulbs (9004) for my Dodge Dakota
several years ago. They were clearly a cooler color, but not noticeable
brighter, despite the fact that they were much more expensive. Consumer
Reports did a review of them, where they came to the same conclusion as
myself. Also worth noting is their very short life, about half that of the
standard bulbs. I found them not to be a good investment.
maybe you can find someone who sends you a new Engine and breaks for your
performance project? ;)
Why no dielectric grease in the light sockets and connectors to prevent
corrosion?
Will it work in my Honda? #MightyCarMods
Joking, I dont have a Honda
I’ve never had an experience of a car with sealed beam lights, Am I right
in saying that when the bulb blows you actually replace the ENTIRE headlamp
(glass and everything) Or have I got it very wrong? :P
I did the silver star swap on my truck about 10 years ago. They are still
in and working fine. The difference was astounding.
absolutely love that car, love the mechanical simplicity compared to
today’s cars…i miss my old 78 f-100 ford pick-up
Looks good.
Another great video. Its been a while since I’ve seen one of those style
head lights. Dielectric grease would have been a good idea to since you
know those connectors have corroded a little already. You don’t want it
happening again. Those connectors don’t look weather proof like modern
headlight connectors, so chances are they will corrode again.
AWESOME VIDEO ERIC! Watching the Cree LED video next. One thing though,
which i don’t mean to be one of those people always pointing things out
but, putting some silicone grease/ dielectric grease on the connections
would have been good. I always clean, scrap, and put dielectric grease on
any bulb or connection i may come across. Your the man and love the videos
and channels. Friday’s wouldn’t be the same without your videos! =)
Many years ago , as teenager in South Africa , I had an old Nissan , it had
as my Dad put it , glow worms in jam jars for head lights , but I put in
some insanely bright spot/ driving lights , that would blow fuses every
other day ,………………….ah happy days .
Who will ETCG’s sponsor be next week!
You never know when you are going to need little bit of penetrating oil ~
Eric the car guy.
A vast improvement. I liked that tool you used to clean those terminals, I
might have to get one of those. I’ve been using a mini file set to clean
terminals, which does a pretty good job, but I think that diamond coated
tool you used would work even better than my mini files.
For us that live on the other side of the pond. Seal Beam outlawed due to
the European safety standards.
On my 1974 Pontiac Firebird, the car has 7 inch round headlamp off a mid
1970’s Volvo whit a H4 Lightbulb.
Good video Eric, you’re the best.
Penetrating oil is always good at the party… LOL
Eric, if you would simply relay those new headlights directly to the
battery, you’d get even better illumination….probably 50% brighter…just
a thought…
Wow! Those parking light lenses are in mint condition (shiny, not cracked,
nor fogged)
Soo at one point you were a hippy? I get that sort of vibe for some reason
;)
I did this upgrade a few years ago on a 1987 cherokee and i was happy with
the results.
You should replace those rusty screws, would look a lot better
Yeah I do agree per my own experience that Silverstar is the way to go.
I do have two bits of criticism, though. First, be careful with penetrating
oil (or any flammable liquid for that matter) around electronics and
anything that gets hot. I learned this the hard way when I lubed a motor
with WD-40 and got flames when I turned it on. One little spark and it’s a
bad day. Strip-out is probably the better choice here for preventing damage
to the screw heads. Secondly, although the metal frame will bend, repeated
bending will fatigue the metal bracket and break it, and with the age of
that vehicle, good luck finding a new one. The better option here is to
remove all of the screws and coat the threads with anti-seize when you put
it back together.
I have to agree the headlights were a great improvement but the tail lights
not so much. Love the Fairmont videos!
I completely misread the title of this video. I thought the Fairmont was
getting a Lightning running gear……
I think this is a nice upgrade. My biggest problem with modern lighting in
general (LED, HID, fluorescent ambient lighting, etc.) is the bluish color.
It just seems unnatural… when I see light at night, I think of daytime
lighting as the sun would have it, not cold and bleak. Granted, blue is my
favorite color, I just don’t like it in lighting. But I think those
Silverstars are a nice blend between comfort and function.
I hate replacing headlight retainer rings because of busted tabs.
Personally I would remove all the screws and the ring, and never bend the
ring. Not knocking you Eric, that’s just my opinion. Great video, nice
improvement to the Fairmont.
Im ready to see some modding on this thing! Go grab you a mean ole 302 out
of a fox. Yussss.
Cool, Great demo! .I’ve been thinking of swapping out head lights back to
sealed beam ones on my older cars. have a 93 ford escort , and 94 dodge
caravan. I realize I would have to fabricate the housings, I wondered if
the wiring would allow it. Ever try it? I’ve heard of guys with 90’s
mustangs switching to older sealed beam lights from even older models.
i don’t like to point out things…I know Eric hates that sometimes, but
touching the bulbs with dirty hands or gloves 😉 will probably reduce their
lifespan. Not a big deal imho, just unnecessary.
Hey Erik! what are your plans for the fairmont? gonna fix it up or hot rod
it or somethin? I had an 1985 model with a 305 and a manual 4 speed. Did
you know that all fairmonts made in mexico had v8’s in them? I enjoy your
show!
Hey Erick, I’m sure you have probably used it before. But, if you use valve
lapping compound on the tip of your screw driver it help it bite better. It
works wonders for screws that are trying to strip on you. Later, Jack
can’t wait for the new motor video !!!!
hi Eric i have a Hi performance 1996 Lincoln Continental with greyed out
head lights
or rough out head lights the plastic covering.
any ideas ?
Back in the day, I would often replace the old steel screws with brass.
They didn’t rust as quickly and made light change outs simple.
You going to do stainless steel brake lines?
Nooo don’t bend it, poor frame :(