Why do some 90s model first gen dakotas have plastic headlights covers and some have glass headlights? Is it a special package and how can I convert to glass?

 

1991 to 1995, the Aero or plastic headlight was an "option"; however, it was a very, VERY common option.

The sealed beam was "standard" but not as common.

In the parts lists in the FAQ, there's a list of the part numbers (not as "To convert to sealed beam", but the part numbers are there.)

Or find them in the boneyard.

RwP

 

That's interesting, I thought the glass sealed beams were a 1991 exclusive. Or is it just that's the year they came out and the plastic aero wasn't an option for 1991?

 

Umm ..

What do you think the 1987-1990s used for headlights, candles? They're the same sealed beams.

The Aero was offered, according to the parts lists, for 1991 also.

It probably didn't sell that well.

Was probably also a management decision, to bundle the Aero as the normal build with the Magnum motors.

Fleet sales were usually glass; retail were usually Aero.

RwP

 

Well obviously the earlier ones were sealed beams, I meant the aero/sealed beams combo, like this one:



I thought those were 1991 only as it was kinda the transition between sealed and aero

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by RalphP

Umm ..

What do you think the 1987-1990s used for headlights, candles?
RwP

I own a 87, and yes, sometimes I think they did use candles!!! FWIW my wire has a 2019 honda passport..... driving it at night and then my 87.... all I can say is, there sure has been some improvements in lighting over the years...

 

It's listed in the parts list for 1991 for the Aero headlights, so I doubt that 1991 was that much different there.

They were different part numbers for the Aero lamps, though; 4482868-9 for a 1991, 55054714-5 for a 92/93 in the 1990-1993 parts list (downloaded from the FAQ here).

If you go looking, Figure 8-1700 is the parts diagram for 90/93. Same part numbers will fit a 1996, if you're really interested. Not sure you can FIND them anymore save in the boneyard.

SOME parts are more or less universal for Mopars with the 4x6 headlights; the buckets, the springs, the adjusters are available from Dorman if nothing else, and the trim rings; those are not unique to Dakotas.

The "headlight doors" as they're referred to, OTOH, are a bit harder to locate on a non-Dakota ... but good news! RockAuto has both as part numbers, and shows the left as in stock (with the Mopar # or the CH #, you can probably Google for a vendor that has them new in stock.) https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...dlamp+door,816

RwP

 

Are you saying that i could replace the plastic headlamp assemblies on my '95 Dakota
with glass sealed beam units? If so,where could I get them from?
Also,I need the right hand side chrome headlamp door.I see that Rockauto is out of
the right ones.I got a left one from NAPA,but couldn't find an online listing for them.

 

Yes.

But I'd recommend instead something like the Hella conversion housings and Nightbreaker H4 bulbs; or conversion housings and a HID projector.

(I run Nightbreakers myself; just put a new set in due to the previous set, with 3 years and almost 100,000 miles, being noticeably dimmer than the new ones.)

You can always take the part numbers from the parts list, Google for them (hint: Take out the middle space) and find possible other sources. You can do the same from the part numbers on RockAuto.

(Buckets aren't specific to Dakotas; springs aren't; I've got some Dorman aligners in my 1988 now.)

RwP