Any tips for swapping out the headlight units? ---

[alwayscode390]

I will be swapping out my headlights soon (the entire unit).

Current ones are blacked out , and I want to see at night ... so I decided to buy new stock ones.

I looked around the area today while installing my 1.7 Roller Rockers.

Looks like the back of the housing is held on by 2 bolts up top, and two spin screws on the back. That must be for bulb swaps.

My new ones show 1 set of wires to be plugged in with a ground strap , and 4 bolts facing DOWN.

How do you get to the bolts, from UNDER the car ... or putting my arm below somehow?

Any tips to make this easier on me?

THANKS ---

 

[Bobpantax]

Do it during the day. If you do it at night with the lights on, you will only see half as much.

 

[alwayscode390]

, thanks ---

 

[alwayscode390]

I just did some research and learned how to swap out the bulbs through the back of the unit taking off the 3 spin nuts and 1 "key" nut.

Now, I also learned you need to take off the entire hood and front fascia to swap out the headlight housings?!

***? Is that true, is that the only way to do it?

I dont think I am going to try and do that myself ... what can I expect to pay a shop to do this for me?

THANKS ---

 

[Bobpantax]

If it is necessary to do it to do the light work, I think that your best bet is to go to a local competent body shop to get an estimate. It might be cheaper than you think. The hood comes off pretty easily but you need two people to do it. The front fascia is more work but easy stuff for a body shop.

 

[KNG SNKE]

The fascia needs to be removed to replace the oem headlamp assembly.

 

[alwayscode390]

Thanks guys, looks like I will be searching for a body shop. Wasnt sure if my performance shop could do it , but I think I would trust a body shop more actually HAHAH ---

 

[alwayscode390]

I bet going to a dodge dealerships auto body shop would be a good bet on a place that would be familiar with the cars. I just want it to line back up perfectly when its put back together ---

 

[Bobpantax]

If you want to be sure of the best work, bring it to the local shop that works on Porsches, Ferraris, Lambos, etc. if you have one near you. If you do not know who that is, call the local dealer and ask them who they refer their body work to.

I bet going to a dodge dealerships auto body shop would be a good bet on a place that would be familiar with the cars. I just want it to line back up perfectly when its put back together ---

 

[Matt M PA]

I changed the headlight in my former 96 GTS without removing the fascia. I did pull the fog lamp, cover and access plug. Then, with a variety of wrenches, ratchets, etc...it was possible. Perhaps turning the front wheels to the left or right is helpful too.

Anyhow, if you have some patience, it can be done without pulling the fascia.

 

[blackandblue01]

If I remember there is a nice write up in the how to section on removing the fascia. I have had mine on and off a couple times. It's really not that bad.

 

[alwayscode390]

Is putting it back together twice as hard as taking it off?

HAHAH , I am curious how easy/hard it is to line everything back up correctly.

I will be trying this next week ---