Let's talk headlights
 

Other than appearance, what is the difference between the 1988-89 twin headlights and the later composite lights? :confused:

Here's my '89 with twins......
http://i7.tinypic.com/6ta2o1l.jpg

1991 with composite headlights......
http://i1.tinypic.com/730dr1j.jpg

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

they don't look any different than my 88

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

I think, but not positive since the earliest I had was a stripper 92. The difference is the 88-98 dual headlights are Halogen sealed beam units, while the later composites use Halagen bulb that twist into in a housing assembly.

Hopefully some of those more knowing will chime in with this.

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

Not sure what you're wanting to know but I recently swapped the dull composite lamps on my 97 for the dual halogen sealed beams from an 88. It is a bolt in affair, no wire harness mods either. Just snap the grille out and 4 bolts remove the headlamp assembly. I did have to twist the prongs 1/4 turn on the low side lamps for the wiring plug to hook up but that's all. 30 minute job. I can see again!
I did this because: 1) I like the sealed beams betterj
2) glass lense will not dull
3) I did not want to have to sand and buff
the plastic housings once a yr to keep them up.
4) the aftermarket ones fall short and the OEM ones
are too expensive.
5) did I mention I like the sealed beams better?
See for yourself.

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

I agree with Boog. I can't stand ANY type of plastic headlamp. I've yet to find one that has even half the light output of my old '81 sealed beam single bulb system.

They fog over, look like crap, and have so little output I keep checking to see if they are on. This has been on multiple vehicles from different manufacturers. Both Neons, the Silverado, Toyota, a rented Ford Escort, the Grand Marquis I drove as a taxi, the Dodge Caravan I had in Oregon, etc. Every single one of them had those damned plastic lenses and every single one of them I had to put auxiliary lights on them just to see the road. Every car/truck I've had that had the sealed beam bulbs in them have been fantastic at lighting up the road. One reason I was so quick to jump at the Blazer I got. Sealed beam all the way, baby.


[EDIT] Oh, and I had Silver Stars (tried everything, Silver Stars seemed to work the best, but still useless) in the Silverado. And its high beams (crossed over for simultaneous low and high beam) put out less than 1/3 the light on the road that my non-halogen sealed beams do on the 81 Custom Deluxe.

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

Boog and Mickey_D,

Thank you both. You've convinced me to keep the dual headlight design that came with my '89. I had considered changing to the later design.

Your responses are examples of what every questioner is looking for -- information and opinion based on experience. :metal:

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

Boog, that GMC looks really sharp with those lights. And it doesn't cost $100 to replace them if you break one! If my '89 didn't already have them, I'd be poking around the scrapyards looking for a set.

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

I stopped by my local shop this afternoon and they happened to have two mid-'90s pickups inside.........a GMC and a Chevy. BOTH trucks had perfect examples of the dull appearance on the composite headlights.

Frankly, I never really noticed the difference before, but I sure do now. Thanks again. :metal:

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

So, now that we've beaten the headlights to death, how about the taillights? ;)

I got the '89 with these Euro-lights (which I don't care for)....
http://i13.tinypic.com/6uig3mp.jpg

I'm leaning towards going back to the stock taillights, unless someone has a better suggestion.
:fb:

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

My 96, I had put euros on it when I needed to replace my messed up stock ones. I didn't mind the ones I had. After a while I like them more than the stock. I sure liked the price compared to the stock lenses.

Anyways here is what mine was with factory, then with euro.

BTW I kinda like the look of the white with euros on yours.

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

Yeah, leave those euro things to the imports. I'll have the big red lenses on mine thanks. :lol:

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

I'd like to do this conversion on my '89, how do you do it?

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

What about these? They are more of an 03-06 style, but still red.

http://www.optionracing.com/features...sp?itemID=1561

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

Hey, now those I like. I'd like to see them on an '88-'98 stepside. Anyone got one?

Thanks, neev_nav. :gi:

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

Anyone know who makes these beauties? I think they're the best alternative to stock that I've seen for these trucks.

http://i1.tinypic.com/7122yq8.jpg

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

Why not smoke the existing tails. You can either get Nightshade to spray them or mix up a little black with some clear and shoot them. That is how mine was done. And they showed up great at night. I am going to do the same thing to my '93 and get rid of the Euro's. And if your tails are the least little bit dull, by doing this will shine them back up.

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

I think I'm going to get the tails I posted above and smoke them. Just need some slightly warmer weather. (-18 here currently)

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

Where you at neev? Sounds like you're in my neighborhood.

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

I'm betting he's a lot closer to me. ;)

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

About 40 minutes north of Toronto, but we're all getting hit by the same system from the looks of it!

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

neev_nav,

This post is to thank you for suggesting these lights. I think they look great on my truck.

http://i31.tinypic.com/n4y44l.jpg

:chevy:

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

Those are the best aftermarket tail lights I've ever seen. I don't think I've ever seen any that look better than stock but those look awesome.

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

What do they look like lit up?

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

Yeah. A lot better than the ones that were on it when I bought it. :lol:

http://i13.tinypic.com/6uig3mp.jpg

Re: Let's talk headlights
 

I won't know until later this week when I take it home. ;)

:chevy: