98 V70: Headlight Reflectors Toes Up Topic is solved

[sleddriver]

Recently I ordered a set of 4 H7 55W halogens. A quick test drive afterwards revealed something was off. Not quite what I was expecting. This evening I pulled both HDLT assemblies and removed the lenses for a reflector inspection.

Not good:

Volvo_Headlights 001.JPG (148.04 KiB) Viewed 4056 times

Volvo_Headlights 002.JPG (156.84 KiB) Viewed 4056 times

Volvo_Headlights 005.JPG (173.44 KiB) Viewed 4056 times

Volvo_Headlights 006.JPG (165.99 KiB) Viewed 4056 times

Volvo_Headlights 007.JPG (170.64 KiB) Viewed 4056 times

I have "speckled" aluminum rather than "shiny". Rough to say the least. Still, the sled just passed her 20yr mark out of the factory and the old girl has done well. Mileage is around 222,201 mi.

I have one OEM Volvo lens and one generic replacement. Originally both light assemblies had the levels and wheel/gear assemblies on top for adjustment. I lost the driver and it was replaced with one without either 'feature'.

I suspect anything in a junk yard will be as poor as mine, given the age. The 'jewels' are very nice, but $$$$ new. I've read several HDLT threads and generic 'replacements' are available. They don't use H7 bulbs though and I don't think I can get my $$ back as mine have been turned ON, though they don't even have 30min on them.

Open to hear updates from those who went with something else. Do you still like them? Better? Worse? Would you do it the same today?

[bmdubya1198]

Unfortunately most of our headlights look similar to those. I was just reading a thread the other day about a projector retrofit. They don't typically use H7s, but it is an option.
I plan to do the projector retrofit eventually. My headlights are a little dimmer than I'd like and the passenger side is a bit cross eyed (reflector adjustment "nub" is broken).

[E Showell]

I had success sourcing junkyard replacements. They key is to find junkyard aftermarkets which won't be nearly as old as OEM originals. They are "targets of opportunity" at junkyards, however, and good ones don't last long.

[erikv11]

One option http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/17 ... haust-kit/

[FlyingVolvo]

$200 will get you 2 OEM-style headlamps from FCP Euro. I bought these and did my projector retrofit in them, but I was impressed with how similar they felt in quality to the $300+ OEM ones.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... -uro-parts

You could do a projector retrofit on the ones you have now, which would be a little more involved, but the results are incredible. You'd have to get a retrofit kit (highly recommend The Retrofit Source) and DIY de-flute your glass lens (there's a couple write-ups on that here).

Here's me after projector retrofit. Worth it.

Lumens.jpg (510.9 KiB) Viewed 4001 times

[sleddriver]

I think I'll skip the projectors. Thanks for the link though.
I'll check the local yard for decent ones for a start.
Most on-line replacements are TYC. (DOT or E-code?) Prices vary!

Anyone tried DEPO? (Not able to post the link)

[BrianL]

I installed a pair of these from Amazon 18 months ago for my 98 S70 and they are working fine - TYC 20-5409-00 Volvo Passenger Side Headlight Assembly.

[j-dawg]

I got Depo headlights for my Mercedes last week, but the connector was different and it was welded to the housing. Since I only wanted to fix some cracked lenses, I tried swapping the lenses, and they fit perfectly. Good seal - no leaks in the rain. Now that's a good reproduction part! I'd happily buy more Depo lights if I was in the market.

[sleddriver]

The TYC prices are reasonable and found them for ~ $158/pair. Many sell these as Volvo replacements (IPD, FCP, etc.) That maybe my best bet now.

I'm rethinking searching a PNP due to time.

DEPO "Depo 373-1124R-AS Volvo C70 Passenger Side Composite Headlamp Assembly with Bulb and Socket" has clear glass; Are $277/pair. Odd driver is more $$$ than pass? Also not sure what bulb these use? Not listed, though 'bulbs are included'.

[bmdubya1198]

The TYC prices are reasonable and found them for ~ $158/pair. Many sell these as Volvo replacements (IPD, FCP, etc.) That maybe my best bet now.

I'm rethinking searching a PNP due to time.

DEPO "Depo 373-1124R-AS Volvo C70 Passenger Side Composite Headlamp Assembly with Bulb and Socket" has clear glass; Are $277/pair. Odd driver is more $$$ than pass? Also not sure what bulb these use? Not listed, though 'bulbs are included'.

They most likely use the stock H7 bulbs being that they're stock replacement type assemblies.