Lights for '98, NA S70, automatic.

Post by **utilityaudio** » 21 Oct 2023, 10:11

I daily drive a '98 S70 My headlights are dim and difficult or impossible to aim (they currently point down and mostly illuminate the first 10' in front of my car), the turn-signals / side markers are held on mostly by the wiring harness and some old all-weather velcro. I've had the car for ~8 years and not really done anything to "improve" the car, only Maintenance and basically all done by my mechanic.

I would like to fully upgrade/replace my headlights and turn signals... I want brighter, clearer, safer...

Is there anything I need to be especially concerned about? Are there any kits available to make this easy?
Any recommendations for what *not to do*?

I'd like to keep costs reasonable, but I'd rather err on the side of doing it right over doing it cheap.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

Post by **scot850** » 21 Oct 2023, 10:36

Abscate usually recommends TYC headlights. There are various aftermarket brand sidelight units. There have been threads recently on upgrading to LED/HID lighting if I recall.

Neil.

yanga001 · Post by **yanga001** » 22 Oct 2023, 14:13

If you buy TYC, keep your original headlight glass and swap it over. The TYC's are a little smaller then the OEM ones, once had an issue with a projector retrofit because of it.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 22 Oct 2023, 18:30

utilityaudio wrote: ↑21 Oct 2023, 10:11 I daily drive a '98 S70 My headlights are dim and difficult or impossible to aim (they currently point down and mostly illuminate the first 10' in front of my car), the turn-signals / side markers are held on mostly by the wiring harness and some old all-weather velcro. I've had the car for ~8 years and not really done anything to "improve" the car, only Maintenance and basically all done by my mechanic.

I would like to fully upgrade/replace my headlights and turn signals... I want brighter, clearer, safer...

Is there anything I need to be especially concerned about? Are there any kits available to make this easy?
Any recommendations for what *not to do*?

I'd like to keep costs reasonable, but I'd rather err on the side of doing it right over doing it cheap.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

.
My suggestion is to go LED and just rattle can the reflectors. Some have used the reflective plumbers tape, actually, come to think of it we did this on the small reflectors in the 08 C30 when we took it apart and added the Halo LED.
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Gaffer Power Aluminum Foil Reflective Duct Tape - Lowes & HD should have also. Don't rub just push tape down and keep finger oil to a minimum by spraying some alcohol to clean your hands so the surface is not smudged. Not critical but helpful.
(www.amazon.com/Gaffer-Power-Reflective- ... B08JPY2PPX)
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Paint from Lowes
(www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-7718830-7718- ... 106&sr=1-1)
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The rattle can refurbish and LED upgrade is in the middle of the link.
viewtopic.php?t=100706&hilit=Project+2000&start=20
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: Good, Bad & Ugly.png (2.49 MiB) Viewed 153 times

: C30 0 Halos.png (2.33 MiB) Viewed 153 times

: C30 1 Halos.png (3.76 MiB) Viewed 153 times

Post by **foggydogg** » 22 Oct 2023, 19:35

Dr. Abscate has had good luck with TYC, used jewels are the real solution, and as always, avoid anything that rhymes with URO.

Post by **FireFox31** » 23 Oct 2023, 22:53

I second the recommendation for TYC headlights. I bought a pair for an old 2000 V70 and they're totally acceptable. They cost more than LEDs and spray paint on the reflectors, but they're much easier to install.

Do save your original lenses if they have light to no pitting. Apparently they transmit the light more clearly than TYC. I've heard moderate to excessive pitting hurts the light output so ones with that level of damage aren't worth saving.

TYC also makes corner lights. I haven't experienced wear on corner reflectors to make them dim. Instead, I've experienced mounting tabs breaking (like yours?) and lenses falling off. If your only problem is broken tabs, maybe some duct tape in the engine bay or other fix could hold them in place until the lenses fall off.

For my long term keeper, I bought new OEM jewel headlights and clear corners, then immediately got them coated with paint protection film. A lower priced option are Depo brand jewels and aftermarket clear corners. You're just paying more for the look, really.

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 23 Oct 2023, 23:46

I just bought new TYC headlights and front turn signals, for my 99. I was impressed with the headlights when I opened the boxes. They have the levels built in, and my OEM lights don't. I'm still waiting on the turn signals to arrive.

I'm hoping to install soon.