I just bought a 1997 Ford Aerostar cargo van. The headlights are all etched and dull looking. I began shopping for replacements and was astonished to find how much they cost - upwards of $80 each? Wow.... is there something special about these lights or can I just buy the $20 type at the local Auto Parts place?

may be wrong- but my '96 Aerostar has the plug-in halogen bulb elements that are changed out from the back- twisting the bulb holders. the light housings are normally not replaced unless they are cracked or damaged. That explains the pricing maybe. They aren't sealed beam units, and i don't think a sealed beam will fit unless the housing buckets are changed over also. Not sure, but they look similar or exactly like the halogen bulb units used on the F150 truck and other similar ford products of those years. I'd suggest pricing at wrecking yard and get a set with clear lenses and no rock chips. > > > I just bought a 1997 Ford Aerostar cargo van. The headlights are all > etched and dull looking. I began shopping for replacements and was > astonished to find how much they cost - upwards of $80 each? Wow.... is > there something special about these lights or can I just buy the $20 type at > the local Auto Parts place? > > - They are just ordinary sealed beam units so far as I know, at least > that's what mine has. > $20 sounds a bit expensive to me! I paid less than $10 for my last one. > > - Clive

Ford thought they had a better idea when they went to the plastic shell/lens with a replaceable bulb.  This makes it possible for the headlights to have different looks on each model, but yet the owner can still replace the bulb when it burns out at a reasonable cost.  However, had they mde the lens out of glass it would last a lot longer.  The bulbs are too bad on price, however the housing is expensive.  The lens are the 96 Windstar are starting to show their age.  I haven't been able to find a replacement set yet, but will probably have to in another year or two.  

Earlier Aerostars including my 1991 had sealed beam headlamps. When did Ford stop using sealed beam lamps on Aerostars?

You know that you can take some fine rubbing compound and a polishing wheel and clean those lens up at almost no cost? All it takes is time, patience and care.

Never thought of polishing those plastic lenses. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks!

You know when you go to the eye doctor, how you end up spending about three times as much as you thought you would? Well, just think of your Aerostar's headlights as its eyes. Just be thankful it can still see, and stop whining about the cost.

Pull out your Eastwood catalog, they sell a polishing kit for $11.99 to fix fogged headlight lenses.