Headlight upgrades for my 98 k1500

[rideblue00]

Are there any good threads to read about upgrading the headlights? And I am also looking to replace the headlight buckets. Who has the best buckets, I Don't want something that's going to break into pieces after 6 months or year.

[EVRLET]

What you and many of us OBS owners want in headlight quality and fit is just a dream. I have been through many headlights, OEM and aftermarket, and unfortunately none of them is a one and done product. The plastic housing is just garbage. You can get the factory replacement but they will yellow over. You can get the aftermarket clear housing but they’ll develop moisture inside of the housing and the clear will become kind of clear over time. I have even put silicone over the seams when they were brand new and still moisture develops.

The buckets are plastic and you can’t get around that either. Just be gentle during install. I never had a bucket break on me during install. Now the 99-06 Silverados they break a lot.

The good news, if anything, is that these parts are cheap. Yes, you shouldn’t have to replace headlights over and over, but it is what it is. I have the aftermarket clears with LED bulbs and switchback LEDs for the turn signals. Plenty bright and looks good...for now. In a couple of years I’ll replace the headlight housings again, along with parking and side markers.

[Just call me Sean]

While it might be considered a downgrade, you could switch to the '88-'89 sealed beam headlights.

[sntrym95]

I had some plastic lights that lasted quite a while, but then I found these from Spyder. Glass fronts, quality hardware. Add some bright white bulbs and what a difference.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Palf70Step]

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

While it might be considered a downgrade, you could switch to the '88-'89 sealed beam headlights.

This was always the best long term look for me. Like was mentioned I never had any luck with any of the "plastic lense" housings that were for sale.

[71gmcC15]

Or you can swich to the wt sealed beams.

[EVRLET]

While the glass lens would solve the plastic issue, you still have the plastic parking lamps and side markers. I’ve never seen all glass parking lenses.

And what I noticed with the glass lens is that over a short time you’ll notice the difference in material between head light and parking and the front of your truck when looking at it from afar is going to look mismatched. While some may not care, it’s going to be noticeable. Things to consider for sure.

[speedygonzales]

Originally Posted by sntrym95

I had some plastic lights that lasted quite a while, but then I found these from Spyder. Glass fronts, quality hardware. Add some bright white bulbs and what a difference.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is very nice. Never saw real glass ones before.

Add these (which I did years ago) and you will never need anything else

https://www.headlightexperts.com/led...technology-kit

[rideblue00]

speedygonzales, what housings are you using?

[speedygonzales]

Originally Posted by rideblue00

speedygonzales, what housings are you using?

These are black out backgrounds got them in 2017 and apparently they aren't available any more.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[97tahoeowner]

Hi

Look for WT trucks in the local yards and get the grill, buckets and associated hardware.

Once you get all the pieces, order a set of JW Speaker 8910 LED lamps which are DOT compliant. You will to have find a pig tail that works with the 9005/9006 stock harness.

I did this several years ago and never looked back.

Best headlights in any car / truck I have ever owned.

[OutlawDrifter]

A little late to the show but Spyder makes a glass upgraded housing for the headlights.

Pair that with a good set of bulbs and a HD harness with the 4-hi mod...all the light you could ever want.

I run all of this on my K2500 'burb:





Diesel smoothie bumper with fogs added: