APRIL'S "FROM THE RIGHT SEAT"
My Filing System Improved Nighttime Driving Visibility.
I did not start out thinking that I need to change my head lights. Far from it. I was adding several more articles to my technical reference binder when the binder opened to a random page, and I read the article. Let me explain about my reference binders.
When I first joined POCA back in 2002 I looked forwarded (and still do) to receiving the monthly newsletter edited by Jack DeRyke. I kept all the issues with the thought that I could reference the technical articles they are very interesting and informative. Soon I had a stack of newsletters piled up in the corner of my basement with no practical way to search for a specific topic. A filing change was needed.
Not every article on every topic is of interest to me. I needed a way to file that allowed organized easy access to the articles.
The first action taken was to remove all the articles that were important to me from the bound newsletters. I proceeded to rip out articles on suspension, fuel system, seats and so on.
Then I needed a way to separately file like topics for easy access. An index was needed. Simple enough, I used the “Ford Pantera Technical Information Group Index” names and number convention. Along with file separators and three ring binders I created my technical article file system.
It takes a little work to keep it up to date. Each article I want to save is removed from the paper newsletter, the newsletters that are only in electronic form require me to print them out. Articles are three holes punched and placed in the appropriate group alone with others of the same group. To date I have three 2 ½ inch binders filled and working on the fourth.
Now that you know about my filing system the main subject of this commentary.
“Installing New Modern Brighter Headlights”
Let me explain.
As I was updating my files, I opened binder 26 – 53 to a random page, to an article titled “Best Value in a Semi-Sealed Beam Halogen 7” Headlight”. Even more random is that I know the author. I saved this article years ago long before I met the author, making it even more amazing and random. The article was written by our Club’s Vice President Chuck Huber!
The article describes what parts to use changing old style headlights to modern brighter headlights. The article was clearly written and provided a part number and a selling vendor. Strange thing about the parts, they are from a Toyota Land Cruiser.
Purchase price with shipping was noted at $70. The parts included are:
· Wire harness, fuses and relays completely assembled.
· Black wire ties 12-inches long (36 count)
· Halogen H-4, 7-inch diameter headlights (2 count)
· Small tube of dielectric grease
Installing Toyota parts into a Pantera is strange, buying a set of four parts and only using two is stranger. I only used the two headlights.
For improved reliability I previously installed Pantera Electronics’ Headlight Motor Controller. It is not a requirement for the Toyota headlight installation. The headlight installation is straight forward, remove the existing headlights install the new Toyota headlights, no modifications, no issues perfect fit. Result is better visibility driving at night.
I saved the wire harness, it is well made, (really it is well made) for future use somehow, the wire ties and dielectric grease go into my electric material supply drawer.
The best part of this story is, On January 23, 2025, I purchased part number
81110-60P70 (complete with all the parts noted above) for $17.33 plus shipping, total cost was $29.04!
The parts are inexpensive April 1 I decided to purchase another set, because I never purchased a part for my Pantera that was under $20 dollars.
This is the Link I used to purchase my second set. Note that the purchase price is less expensive than my first purchase!
I want to thank Chuck for finding these headlights. I think it is the best buy, easiest upgrade you can do to your Pantera.
Looks good! Great suggestion!