replacing headlights

I had to buy a new headlight a while back because of the lense fogging and it was pretty chipped. I ordered one thru ebay motors. I got it for around $66. The top of it is gray, unlike the OEM ones which are black. Anyway, when I went to screw the light to the frame, the screws would only go so tight and then pop loose and I kept trying but it was like they were stripped. I put a little bit thicker screws in there to tighten it. Basically the light was a cheap piece of crap. Now while dirving at night the damn light vibrates like hell because it will not tighten properly. It sits in there OK but when you grab it by hand you can easily move it. Just wondering if anyone has bought one of these cheapies and maybe know where to get a good OEM one. I guess you get what you pay for.

Tony, who did you buy this from? I need to replace both my headlights and was looking at a couple differant ones off ebay. I don't want to get burned like you did.

I dont remember who it was, but here is a picture of the light that I bought. It has the gray top to it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PONTIAC-GRAND-PRIX-RIGHT-HEADLIGHT-97-03-NEW-HEADLAMP_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33710QQihZ019Q QitemZ290032195346QQrdZ1QQtcZphoto

Tony, who did you buy this from? I need to replace both my headlights and was looking at a couple differant ones off ebay. I don't want to get burned like you did.
I don't think it's the light's fault. It just tightens with the same screws that held the old one in.

That's funny because I used the same screws that held the original light in and that headlight was as tight as can be. Also, the plastic piece that runs along the back of the light that the screws get tightened to is a lot more flimsy than the OEM. That is making the headlight unstable as well.

Something you may want to try is "5 minute Optical Polish." It has 6 pads and has a bit that you put into a drill. It is quite a bit cheaper than replacing headlamps. I got the package at Advance Autoparts for $10 and it did a remarkable job. I recommend!:smokin:

Something you may want to try is "5 minute Optical Polish." It has 6 pads and has a bit that you put into a drill. It is quite a bit cheaper than replacing headlamps. I got the package at Advance Autoparts for $10 and it did a remarkable job. I recommend!:smokin:


are you talking about doing that to get rid of the film like over the lens....the yellow tinge

98gpking: Yes, the product that I suggested is for removing the haze, scratches and pitting. If the headlamp assembly is damaged with a broken seal or has a through-and-through hole, it won't help there. :icon16: It brightened up my headlights considerably.

98gpking: Yes, the product that I suggested is for removing the haze, scratches and pitting. If the headlamp assembly is damaged with a broken seal or has a through-and-through hole, it won't help there. :icon16: It brightened up my headlights considerably.


i assume over time it comes back, no?

i assume over time it comes back, no?

More than likely. I suspect that it will be a recurring necessity like waxing the car.