2002-2005 Thunderbird Headlight Assembly Replacement

[Kion Darkshani]

New to the forum. Bought a 2002 in September. Ordered replacement headlight assembly’s. Cannot find a video or instructions on how to replace them. Anyone know where to find installation instructions?

Moderator Note 2020: This new thread has all the product links and installation video- https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum...nt-2002-2003-2004-2005-ford-thunderbird.9443/

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 

[Red Tail]

New to the forum. Bought a 2002 in September. Ordered replacement headlight assembly’s. Cannot find a video or instructions on how to replace them. Anyone know where to find installation instructions?

Headlight Change 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird - CarCareKiosk

This free video shows how to change a burnt out headlight on a 2002 FordThunderbird 3.9L V8. Complete instructions for replacing a head light bulbon a 2002 Ford Thunderbird 3.9L V8.

 

[Kion Darkshani]

Thank you so much! One down, one to go.

 

[jusdoin]

I just ordered and received both left and right headlights for my car now it looks like it is somewhat easy to do as far as removing the springs and the one bolt at the top but I can't tell what's down below I cannot find a video that talks about how to replace the complete assembly to the headlight mine were in bad shape and I wanted to not have nice new shiny once again. Does anybody have an answer for me that will save me a lot of money of having to go to the Ford dealership and be ripped off by them. Thank you for any help

 

[Johnvins]

Follow this excellent footage about fron bumper removal from Merrit Island Autobody...

 

[JW in Dixie]

New to the forum. Bought a 2002 in September. Ordered replacement headlight assembly’s. Cannot find a video or instructions on how to replace them. Anyone know where to find installation instructions?

04 - replaced mine - pretty straightforward - just look for the fasteners - mine has clips you pull out. Cheers

 

[Nitpicker]

I had to use some brute strength is getting the headlamp assembly clips pulled up and out. Use patience and maybe get a body builder to help.

 

[jusdoin]

I had to use some brute strength is getting the headlamp assembly clips pulled up and out. Use patience and maybe get a body builder to help.

I didn't have e a problem with them, it was gettng the hole thing up tight. But I did it, sure look good.

 

[jusdoin]

Thank you for all the help, I couldn't have been happier with the outcome. Not bad for an old lady

 

[JW in Dixie]

Yeah, weathered, yellow lights really look punk on a silver bird. Your's is now beautiful! 🙂

 

[JW in Dixie]

I had to use some brute strength is getting the headlamp assembly clips pulled up and out. Use patience and maybe get a body builder to help.

Clips were hard to extract. Long needle nose pliers. Used a shot of WD40 on each and that helped. Also, thinking back, probably could have leaned against the light, pushing it back slightly, then pulled. Cheers

 

[FLGATOR28]

Replaced the headlights in my 2004 today. Had a little trouble removing the outboard clip on both sides and a lot of trouble installing the left side outboard clip. Well worth the effort, looks great.

 

[WesTxStoner425]

When I did mine last year, there were times I was positive that clip was welded in, but once you beat one, the others are easy. 2 slipped right out, 1 took a little more force, and one required several curse words and Hulk Smash Strength. Pushing in on the headlight sounds like a good tip, but too late for me! But this is probably the one thing you can do without special skills that pays HUGE dividends.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

I did my 2002 assemblies last summer - much better solution than those "restoration" kits, once that polycarbonate starts to degrade it'll just keep reoccurring....makes the car look like new along with replacing the faded bird trunk and hood emblems... Some needle nose pliers will get those clips loose - yes they can be tight... The car is garaged and lightly driven at this point so these changes should outlast me.