Headlight & Taillight replacement

[PA-MinuteMan]

Hey guys,

I been looking for a replacement for my old foggy (and worn out) Headlights & Taillights. I came across these on Ebay and I really like them but I wanted to get some input from you guys on them:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1994-1999-Chevy-C-K-Suburban-Tahoe-Black-Headlamp-Corner-Signal-Bumper-Tail-Lamp/132059639899?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160727114228%26meid%3Da5e00f1170fa4966b898e9b4441a0597%26pid%3D100290%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D4%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D401141575165%26itm%3D132059639899&_trksid=p2060778.c100290.m3507

My plan was to get these, wait until It gets warm out and take some type of weatherproof caulk and double seal them with it.

Do you think It would be a good plan? If not what did you do for replacement lights/Taillights?

Thanks

 

[nitro_rat]

I’ve nearly rear ended several trucks with those tail lights. The reflectors are tiny and the emitted light is dim at best.

The fit of most aftermarket headlights is poor. They do not sit flush with the opening, they stick out.

 

[twodollars]

I recently ordered a set off ebay for my 94 burb. They fit pretty well, but we're stock looking. Set was about 100 bucks shipped, just for the front set.

 

[PA-MinuteMan]

I’ve nearly rear ended several trucks with those tail lights. The reflectors are tiny and the emitted light is dim at best.

The fit of most aftermarket headlights is poor. They do not sit flush with the opening, they stick out.

Ok so look for something that puts more output, What are the good aftermarket brands?

 

[Ducky's Dad]

To the OP: DON'T

Polycarbonate lenses will scratch, easily. You should be able to find genuine (not OEM) glass replacements for those headlights. I have a 1998 GMC K1500, probably the same headlight setup as yours. Replaced the yellowed factory plastic units years ago with glass headlights that use stock halogen capsules (more about those in a moment). The first set of glass units fit so poorly that I couldn't/wouldn't use them. Found a different set on eBay from an outfit in Pomona CA that were/are perfect, been in the truck for probably ten years now. Orders of magnitude better than the stock units, IF you get the right capsules. The C6 or C7 Corvettes used a DOT legal Toshiba halogen infrared capsule that fits the 9006/9005 sockets in your headlights, and is still available from various manufacturers (see link below). Use the 9012 HIR in your low beams and the 9011 HIR in your high beams, and you will be amazed at the improvement gained by combining glass lenses with good capsules. For tailights, just polish out the old ones (if still serviceable), or just order OEM-type replacements. For tailights, the bulb or capsule is way more important than the housing. I don't remember the name of the vendor in Pomona, but Rowland Heights is near Pomona, so it may be the same guys you linked. Email them and see if they have plain glass headlights for your truck.

https://store.candlepower.com/hirlighting.html

You can also try Susquehanna Motorsports for HIR capsules.

 

[PA-MinuteMan]

To the OP: DON'T

Polycarbonate lenses will scratch, easily. You should be able to find genuine (not OEM) glass replacements for those headlights. I have a 1998 GMC K1500, probably the same headlight setup as yours. Replaced the yellowed factory plastic units years ago with glass headlights that use stock halogen capsules (more about those in a moment). The first set of glass units fit so poorly that I couldn't/wouldn't use them. Found a different set on eBay from an outfit in Pomona CA that were/are perfect, been in the truck for probably ten years now. Orders of magnitude better than the stock units, IF you get the right capsules. The C6 or C7 Corvettes used a DOT legal Toshiba halogen infrared capsule that fits the 9006/9005 sockets in your headlights, and is still available from various manufacturers (see link below). Use the 9012 HIR in your low beams and the 9011 HIR in your high beams, and you will be amazed at the improvement gained by combining glass lenses with good capsules. For tailights, just polish out the old ones (if still serviceable), or just order OEM-type replacements. For tailights, the bulb or capsule is way more important than the housing. I don't remember the name of the vendor in Pomona, but Rowland Heights is near Pomona, so it may be the same guys you linked. Email them and see if they have plain glass headlights for your truck.

https://store.candlepower.com/hirlighting.html

You can also try Susquehanna Motorsports for HIR capsules.

So buy a glass headlight unit and find one that fits right correct?

And as for 9012 HIR & the 9011 HIR, Just use those to replace the current bulbs?

Also what about these headlights?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/88-98-Chevy-GMC-C-K-Pickup-Suburban-Tahoe-Glass-Headlights-LED-Bumper-Lamps-set/201345634801?hash=item2ee12291f1:g:EGMAAOSwBRVaYH1A&vxp=mtr

 

[rayra]

pre-shop on Amazon, at least there you'll likely find hundreds of product reviews. Many of them might even be legit. Find something well-reviewed (in the hundreds) then see if you can beat it via eBay

 

[XJLI]

Only put HIRs in your high beams, the lows will scatter a bit and can bother other drivers on the road. I put all TYC headlights from amazon on my 05 Silverado and I'm very happy with them.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

So buy a glass headlight unit and find one that fits right correct?

And as for 9012 HIR & the 9011 HIR, Just use those to replace the current bulbs?

Also what about these headlights?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/88-98-Chevy...VaYH1A&vxp=mtr

That's the general idea, but the link you posted does not look like a duplicate of the factory reflector design. The ones I finally found look and fit exactly like OEM, but with glass lenses instead of plastic. Low beam scatter should not be a problem with a proper lens and reflector, so try it before you write off that idea. The 9011 HIR will pop right into the high beam socket with no mods if you are running 9005s now, same for the 9012 in the low beam bucket. With minor trimming of one plastic tab and a thicker O-ring at the base, you can run 9011s in the low beam bucket, but you have to put the proper socket on the pigtail. 9011 in the low beam will annoy other drivers. You may also be able to install HIRs in the factory fog lamps if you have them, big and legal improvement. You might also check with truck restoration specialists like LMC Truck for the replacement headlights.

Add: I just called LMC and they don't have any glass headlights that look like OEM.

 

[arveetek]

This is what I used on my 1995 Tahoe:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ANZO-11100...ash=item1e75b2f66e:g:sMQAAOSwDwtUnvmP&vxp=mtr

Installed them over a year ago and absolutely love them! I've read lots of good reports on the Anzo products. It's amazing how much better I can see driving at night. The fit and finish was excellent:

Before:

During:

After:

I haven't gotten around to replacing the taillights yet. I'm leaning towards OEM looking LED models. I replaced the third brake light last year, and the only replacement is actually LED, and I'm pleased with it as well.

Casey

 

[PA-MinuteMan]

This is what I used on my 1995 Tahoe:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ANZO-11100...ash=item1e75b2f66e:g:sMQAAOSwDwtUnvmP&vxp=mtr

Installed them over a year ago and absolutely love them! I've read lots of good reports on the Anzo products. It's amazing how much better I can see driving at night. The fit and finish was excellent:

Before:

During:

After:

I haven't gotten around to replacing the taillights yet. I'm leaning towards OEM looking LED models. I replaced the third brake light last year, and the only replacement is actually LED, and I'm pleased with it as well.

Casey

Are those headlights glass or plastic?

Also has anyone replaced the Side Marker lights?
Was thinking about changing them to clear using these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/APC-403021CLE-Chevrolet-Suburban-Side-Marker-Light-Assembly/263471280144?_trkparms=pageci%3A6627d51b-146c-11e8-8c30-74dbd1806572%7Cparentrq%3Aa7618d541610aa12abb4ba40fff5aed2%7Ciid%3A1&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236

 

[marshal]

Only put HIRs in your high beams, the lows will scatter a bit and can bother other drivers on the road. I put all TYC headlights from amazon on my 05 Silverado and I'm very happy with them.

There is no difference in filament position or orientation in an HIR bulb vs standard. So, it’s capacity to dazzle would be based on the quality of the reflector itself.

There are a lot of modern vehicles shipping from the factory with HIR low beams these days.

 

[PA-MinuteMan]

That's the general idea, but the link you posted does not look like a duplicate of the factory reflector design. The ones I finally found look and fit exactly like OEM, but with glass lenses instead of plastic. Low beam scatter should not be a problem with a proper lens and reflector, so try it before you write off that idea. The 9011 HIR will pop right into the high beam socket with no mods if you are running 9005s now, same for the 9012 in the low beam bucket. With minor trimming of one plastic tab and a thicker O-ring at the base, you can run 9011s in the low beam bucket, but you have to put the proper socket on the pigtail. 9011 in the low beam will annoy other drivers. You may also be able to install HIRs in the factory fog lamps if you have them, big and legal improvement. You might also check with truck restoration specialists like LMC Truck for the replacement headlights.

Add: I just called LMC and they don't have any glass headlights that look like OEM.

Would those headlights work even though there not the factory reflector design?
I can't really find any glass headlights for the burb

Unless you got a link?

 

[Ducky's Dad]

Would those headlights work even though there not the factory reflector design?

Might not be ideal, but still better than plastic lens replacements. Might be great, but probably no way to tell without trying them. Be good if you could confirm return privileges before you order them. I had to eat the first set I bought when they didn't fit properly, and it took me a while to find a set that was actually good.

 

[rayra]

partly inspired by this topic, the work needed doing anyway. I buff-polished the headlights when I first bought this vehicle 3yrs+ ago. Then about 18mos ago I tried that 'as seen on TV' wipe on clear coat. Looked great for about 3-4mos and then much worse, as that clear paint broke down. So I was due anyway. Had a well rated pair of replacement headlight lenses in my Amazon bucket for $55, but I had the time and wanted to try another process.
So I spent a couple hours the last two days. I cleaned up the headlights with a 3-stage wetsanding process, 800grit, 1500, 2000. Followed by a buffing with some Meg ultimate polishing goop. Just 2000 and polishing on the tail lights and I shirked the sanding on the front signal lights, they're still a little foggy.

Relatively easy to do, if you have the ability, place and tools. But no real savings if you value your time highly. Me, I've got more time than money, and I like doing things myself.