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Passenger side headlight replacement/swap?

Tiny
WAGONBRO33
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 106,000 MILES
Hi all

I have the car listed above with a broken passenger headlight that I want to replace. I’m having a hard time finding used ones at the moment and I noticed that the 1988 Chevy Caprice wagon seems to have the same if not very similar headlight and I’m curious if anyone knew if these are able to be swapped in instead. TIA
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Friday, May 26th, 2023 AT 11:49 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

I don't have a reference because of the model year. However, if I remember correctly, the Caprice was physically larger. Can you take a pic of your headlamp assembly and upload it for me to see?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, May 26th, 2023 AT 11:41 PM
Tiny
WAGONBRO33
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Hi joe, here are the photos:
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Saturday, May 27th, 2023 AT 10:40 AM
Tiny
WAGONBRO33
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  • 22 POSTS
And here’s the second one:
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Saturday, May 27th, 2023 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
That brought back memories. LOL Many years ago, I purchased a 1989 off the showroom floor. It cost $6,400.00 out the door. I loved that car and drove it all over the country.

Looking at the vehicle, I do feel the caprice assembly is larger in size. Do you have access to it? If you do, take some measurements and just confirm that it mounts the same. If it is different, you won't be able to adjust it.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, May 28th, 2023 AT 1:20 AM
Tiny
WAGONBRO33
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  • 22 POSTS
Will do. I bought mine 5 years ago for $1,600. It’s been an awesome car! Extremely reliable!
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Sunday, May 28th, 2023 AT 6:17 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Thanks for the update. And yep, I loved mine too. It was a 5-speed and I consistently got over 40 MPG on the highway. Interestingly with all the new technology and price increases, we can't seem to build anything affordable that is that economical

Let me know how you make out with the light. I'm interested in knowing if that works.

Take care and let me know what you find or if I can help in any way.

Joe
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Sunday, May 28th, 2023 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
WAGONBRO33
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Hey Joe, I measured my light at 10 inches across and 5 inches tall. The caprice headlight appears to be 16 inches across and 7 inches tall from what I can find online. Unfortunately, it does appear to be too big, but these things happen. Oh well, the search continues.
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Monday, May 29th, 2023 AT 2:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I had a feeling that was the case but just couldn't remember for sure. Let me know where you are located (if you want). I'll start helping you check. Have you checked places like eBay, craigslist, and other salvage yards? Also, if you have a Facebook account, check the marketplace to see if something shows up.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 AT 8:47 PM
Tiny
WAGONBRO33
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
There is a guy on eBay selling a part out Chevy cavalier, he’s actually got several of them, but I can’t get him to respond to my eBay messages. I could literally solve all my parts needs and then some if I can just get them to respond but he’s not responding for whatever reason. I’ll just keep trying him every now and then and hopefully something else shows up soon. I also have a list of different salvage yards around my state (Wisconsin) that I can start calling if I have to. I appreciate the help though. You’ve been very thorough.
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Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I did a Google search for a 1988 Cavalier headlamp assembly, and several came up when I went to shopping. I noted they were all from eBay sellers, so you may get lucky with a different one. Also, pay attention to the feedback. If the person won't get back to you, you may find they have a low rating.

I'm in Pittsburgh, so we are too far apart. I drove to N. Wisconsin a few years back to buy a car. Nice drive other than driving around Chicago. That scared the heck out of me. LOL

Let me know what you find. If you still can't get anything, there is a U-pull it yard 30 minutes away from me. Maybe they would have one. I could send it to you if they do.

Take care and let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 AT 9:01 PM

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