2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Sport Headlight fitment problem

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

One of my projects at the February BOMB Party over the weekend was to do the Sport headlight conversion on my '98. I had bought the Depo headlights from Import Vision a couple years ago, but after doing the headlight bucket modification to clear the inboard bulb sockets I proceeded to install the headlight assemblies. Much to my chagrin the units fit very poorly, so badly in fact on the driver's side that there was a huge gap between the back side of the marker light and the fender and I could easily stick all my fingers in there. Looked ugly. I removed and verified the alignment pins were properly going in their holes multiple times, the bolt holes lined up perfectly and it easily bolted into place, but the unit as a whole was noticeably out of position with the headlight opening in the fender :{

The passenger side wasn't as bad. With considerable grinding on the backside of one of the mounts we were able to get it to seat in fairly close to where it's supposed to be. But the gap between the headlight and the grille is about double what the stock headlight was.

I did this same conversion on my 2001 with the Depo units, and they snapped into place with perfect fitment, no fuss no muss. Not so on the '98! I'm puzzled as to whether Dodge changed the headlight buckets in 1999 or if the Depo units run hot and cold in terms of dimensional accuracy. Anyone got ideas? Anyone else have a fitment headache??

I'm going to have to replace the driver's side, I R&R'd it so many times I busted it up pretty good. . . the plastic was amazing brittle and easily broken. Pretty junky IMO. I'm thinking to just order one from mopar4less.com, they're $160 each.

 

[JGK]

Vaughn,



As I'm sure you've noticed over the years, this is the first time I've heard of anyone finding the Depo brand lights being that bad of a fit. I suspect you got a bad one (or two). If you have no luck getting them/it replaced by Depo, I suggest you try Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market and do a search for used OEM sport lights. I fried a bulb in one of mine last fall that smoked the interior of the envelope and then discovered the high-wattage bulbs I was using was also beginning to darken the reflector in the other. On car-part.com I found 2 very good used OEM envelopes for about $70 or $80 total to my door. That didn't include the mounting bracket but it shouldn't be much more for that if you need it/them.



So give them a try if nothing else works and see if you can find a good set of OEM replacements.



-Jay

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Sorry to hear that Vaughn - like you, mine (also Depot brand) fit quite well on my '02, dunno why the problem on your older truck, other than serious variation in Depot quality control on the ones you got...



If all else fails, I still have the excellent condition OEM lights off my truck, if you need them...

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Thanks Jay & Gary. I'm thinking about ordering the driver side off Car-part.com, the passenger side will be OK. I've read a few threads about Sport headlight conversions & never recall anyone having an issue with the Depos. Maybe my truck had a fender bender in the past (I bought it used & it's been repainted) but I didn't see signs of damage around the headlight area. The stock lights fit perfectly. I wanted to salvage the marker light of the original, but the construction is markedly different between the originals and the Sport headlights.

Vaughn

 

[ed9824v]

Thanks Jay & Gary. I'm thinking about ordering the driver side off Car-part.com, the passenger side will be OK. I've read a few threads about Sport headlight conversions & never recall anyone having an issue with the Depos. Maybe my truck had a fender bender in the past (I bought it used & it's been repainted) but I didn't see signs of damage around the headlight area. The stock lights fit perfectly. I wanted to salvage the marker light of the original, but the construction is markedly different between the originals and the Sport headlights.



Vaughn

what is the exact web site for depot headlights thanks Ed

 

[MRoberts]

Vaughn - Don't know if you saw it on NWB, but I got my Depos in this weekend no problem, they actually fit perfect. If you end up needing to order a new assembly, give me PM through NWB.



Marty

 

[ed9824v]

Vaughn - Don't know if you saw it on NWB, but I got my Depos in this weekend no problem, they actually fit perfect. If you end up needing to order a new assembly, give me PM through NWB.



Marty

what is the web site for Depos headlights or how can they be reached??

 

[MRoberts]

I got mine from CertiFit. The part numbers are, DGTR59D1 and DGTR59D2, these are located on page 70 of their online catalog. Prices are also listed.