96 Headlight replacement

[jc62]

Anyone out there with experience replacing the front headlights on a first gen Intrepid? The lenses are trashed (I've read about polishing the lenses -- but decided to go with new ones), and the mounting brackets are cracked/broken -- also putting in silverstar (9007ST) bulbs. Just looking for a couple good tips or maybe some drawings/pictures.

[AWP9521]

The Intrepid, Concorde, and Vision all have 2 torx head screws that hold the lens / reflector assembly to the mounting bracket, the screws go into a small threaded bushing that is pressed into the plastic of the mounting bracket, more often than not the screw siezes into the bushing and either breaks the plastic or turns in it's bore (yes you can say piss poor design!) and chances are you might have to replace the mounting bracket along with the lens / reflector assembly.

You are making a good choice on the silverstar bulbs too, I had them in my 95 before it got wrecked (unfortualtely took out both bulbs in the process) and they seemed brighter and threw a more natual looking light on the road. Although they claim "the look of HID" the color is not quite there but definitely better than the bluer ones i seen running around town.

[jc62]

Thanks -- I have the mounting brackets on order -- they're already cracked around the mounting bolts...really looking forward to the new bulbs -- right now with the old bulbs and trashed lenses, night driving is an "adventure"

[AWP9521]

When you install the new brackets and lens / reflector assembly, coat the threads of those long torx screws with some anti-seize compound, use just enough to coat the threads, and when tightening them go until they are lightly snug and then back off slightly, (about a 1/16 of a turn) the lights will still be tight and the screws will be more easily removable for future bulb changes. Oh and wax them lenses good and do it often, actually do that to clean them instead of wiping with a cloth or with some other cleaner, that will keep them clearer for a long time.