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HenryH001 · 12-01-2021, 09:40 PM

I’ve done a quick search and found several threads on polishing and replacing bulbs. What I couldn’t find is how to physically remove the headlights on a 2003 National Tradewinds 7395. From what I’ve researched I’ve learned they are from a F150/Bronco. I can not remove them from the inside so they must be removed from the outside.

Mine are past the polishing.

Thanks.

FusionKing · 12-03-2021, 05:50 AM

What I found was replace all 3 lights on both sides. It will look much prettier

Just google "2003 National Tradewinds headlights" and several choices will be there. At least they were 2 years ago

HenryH001 · 12-03-2021, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FusionKing

What I found was replace all 3 lights on both sides. It will look much prettier

Just google "2003 National Tradewinds headlights" and several choices will be there. At least they were 2 years ago

I was thinking of replacing them all as they are not all that expensive. However to replace them or just change a bulb I need to remove them. That is where I’m running into problems. How do I remove them?

W0JON · 12-03-2021, 09:43 AM

I thought the same with my lenses on my 2008 Pacifica I just purchased... I had tried several polishes in the past on other auto lenses and it was not worth the effort, then I was in Lowes and found the Craftsman lens restorer so I thought for 19 bucks what the heck ... they now are crystal clear, I was amazed... like new.... just my .02 cents

HenryH001 · 12-03-2021, 03:37 PM

I polished the lens and they are about 10% brighter however they are still only 50% as bright as they should be.

Speaking of not so bright it didn’t occur to me to try to access them from under the coach. When I looked I had easy access.

HenryH001 · 12-03-2021, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W0JON

I thought the same with my lenses on my 2008 Pacifica I just purchased... I had tried several polishes in the past on other auto lenses and it was not worth the effort, then I was in Lowes and found the Craftsman lens restorer so I thought for 19 bucks what the heck ... they now are crystal clear, I was amazed... like new.... just my .02 cents

Mine are also dirty from the inside.

Submustang · 12-03-2021, 04:23 PM

On my 2002, the headlight assemblies were bolted to a fiberglass panel that was in behind them. I crawled under the front end and could access the bolts. It was really pretty quick and easy. Also f 150 headlights.

amosnandy · 12-03-2021, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HenryH001

I polished the lens and they are about 10% brighter however they are still only 50% as bright as they should be.

Speaking of not so bright it didn’t occur to me to try to access them from under the coach. When I looked I had easy access.

I just gotta say it. “Not the brightest bulb in the string?”

Ain’t it funny how the solutions are often so simple.

HenryH001 · 12-03-2021, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amosnandy

I just gotta say it. “Not the brightest bulb in the string?”

Ain’t it funny how the solutions are often so simple.

Yep. I may just buy some 9007 LED bulbs and see how they work. I can now switch out the assembly easy enough however getting them shipped to me is a problem. I’m not in one spot long enough and I can get the bulbs almost anywhere

Injuneer · 12-04-2021, 04:08 PM

LED bulbs are meant for LED headlight housings. If you put LED bulbs in a housing intended for halogen bulbs, not only is it illegal, but it will be blinding everyone who drives towards you.

HenryH001 · 12-04-2021, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Injuneer

LED bulbs are meant for LED headlight housings. If you put LED bulbs in a housing intended for halogen bulbs, not only is it illegal, but it will be blinding everyone who drives towards you.

I have found 9007 LEDs that were meant to replace Halogens and have the correct focal length to focus the beam correctly. They are bright but not super bright. They are also cooler at 4500K. The big advantage is they consume less energy and last longer.

And yes they are brighter than the standard Halogen but I’ve found Super Halogens that are brighter. The Supers consume so much energy they need to be rewired. I think they are NOS before LEDs came on the market.

HenryH001 · 12-05-2021, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HenryH001

I have found 9007 LEDs that were meant to replace Halogens and have the correct focal length to focus the beam correctly. They are bright but not super bright. They are also cooler at 4500K. The big advantage is they consume less energy and last longer.

And yes they are brighter than the standard Halogen but I’ve found Super Halogens that are brighter. The Supers consume so much energy they need to be rewired. I think they are NOS before LEDs came on the market.

I did some research on the vendor and discovered it was a total scam. The bulbs in question didn’t even exist.

Injuneer · 12-06-2021, 08:34 AM

Yeah, I imagine it was, because there is no such thing as an LED bulb which can work legally or even properly in a housing made for tungsten/halogen bulbs. Halogen housings are meant to precisely focus the thin, long piece of tungsten filament mounted in a precise location. There is no such thing as thin, long piece of LED, so the focus and beam pattern will be totally wrong. The result is greatly diminished brightness down the road where it's needed, and greatly increased scatter and glare to all oncoming drivers. I don't know why so many fools out there do this, thinking that they have better illumination. I wish the authorities would start cracking down on this kind of abuse, but just like the HID "retrofit" junk that has been out there for 10-15 years, LED "retrofit" kits are being sold and installed way too often. And just like the HID "retrofit" crap, it is 100% illegal, and whomever might do such a thing, in my book, is a total 100% jackass and jerk... and I'm using my nice words

I've referenced this thread in other discussions about this recently; it is one of the most thorough discussions I've ever seen about the subject. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/...ectors.454371/

HenryH001 · 12-06-2021, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Injuneer

LED bulbs are meant for LED headlight housings. If you put LED bulbs in a housing intended for halogen bulbs, not only is it illegal, but it will be blinding everyone who drives towards you.

I’ve found LED housing replacements. If I get them can I legally run LEDs? I’m not looking to get the most powerful LED. I do need to do something. Right now my illuminated sight distance limits me to about 45 mph.