Hi all.
The headlights on my 97 z have gotten to the point that I can't see more than half a cars length ahead of me at night. Imagine taping two dollar store flashlights to the front of your car, that's probably a good equivalent.

I've searched and searched and searched and found that it seems just near impossible finding a decent replacement pair that won't break the bank, and I'm extremely tight on money right now. There aren't any 97-99 z's in any wrecking yards around me so I can't pull a pair from there either
My only other idea is to do the oven trick and pull them apart to clean them up a little (lots of condensation, nice layer of gunk on the lenses) and seal them back together real good. Has anybody done this with their z? Have they been very successful? Or did it backfire on them and leave them with a pair of busted headlights in the process? Over the period of time that I've had this car I've found that it's a fragile old lady that'll punish you if you're not gentle, I would just like a little input before I dive in and get myself in any trouble.

Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you.

 

what model z you have built in 97? if you meant 87 (z31) then go to an auto parts store and buy new units - they are like 10 to 24 bucks at OReilly depending on which model you buy. Or scrub up the ones you have. Also check the wiring for corrosion at the plug. Be sure the grounds are good. takes two wires to run electricity and both have to be very low resistance. check the voltage at the headlight itself

 

Yeah I meant 87 lol It's a common typo for me lately. oops haha

 

The bulbs themselves are fine, just at one point or another the lenses themselves got holes in them and lots of water got in. I wound up pulling them out sticking them in the tub and actually filling them with soapy water and shaking it around and rinsing them out. I pointed a blow dryer in them to dry them off, made a better seal, sealed the holes and put them back on. They're a lot better than they were but a lot of the reflective coating has peeled off from years of condensation, specially on the passenger side. So they will have to be replaced in the near future (dang it.)

 

too bad you don't have an 86 they used sealed beams. wonder if you could adapt one to your unit they must be about the same size and shape