Ok, as I mentioned I got my new headlights installed this morning, very happy with the results:
They came with Philips high & low beams, but not the turn signal bulbs. I had some decent Sylvania (not Silverstars, but they were like $20 each) bulbs in my old headlights, but the lows were 51 watts and highs were 60w, versus 60w and 65w for the new Philips ones, so I used the Philips.
Old & new lights together:
For those who haven't changed headlights on a Contour, the only tools you need need are a big straight screwdriver for the mounting bolts, a philips screwdriver to put the lower brackets on the new headlights, and Torx-20(?) if you want to tackle aiming the headlights. I'll still get them properly aimed at a garage.
Took about an hour. It seemed impossible to get the connectors off the turn signal bulbs without breaking the little tabs:
The fit is 95% good as original. The only part I don't like is the black round rubber trim on top, it sticks out a little and doesn't quite meet up with the flat rubber trim:
I might dummy something up to seal that area better.
Big before shot:
One new, one old:
Both new:
Wish I'd have taken a night shot before I changed them so I could before & after night shots.
That's all. Easy to do and makes my Contour look new again!
