This is an interesting (even if frustrating) thread. Looking at the "other" current headlight thread that advertises a pair of new headlights for sale, I see that one was made in the Netherlands and the other in Korea. I bought my spares in mid-2013 and they are the same mfg. At that time I was told that the reason for the supplier difference was that Ford had to find another supplier instead of the original one, which had gone out of business. Does anyone know the source of headlights produced in 2005/2006? Were they made in the US or elsewhere? And should anyone think that the possible price of $12k for repops is inordinately expensive, mine cost about $7200 (for the pair) 10 years ago - factoring in inflation, seems like the price is similar.
Price point looking more reasonable every day.
(Although I still hope for lighting upgrade options).
Or at least give the OK for original suppliers to step up to the plate and/or share/sell original tooling to suppliers willing to do it.
Guide was the original mfr. Tooling was given to the by Ford. Guide declared bankruptcy . Ford tried to get the tooling back, but lie any other creditor had to wait a long time for their claim to be resolved.
I have an open box new one which I bought for 900 dollars back circa 2017. The one I have was built in Aug 2005 was manufactured in the Netherlands. These were available at that time between 1,200/1,400 on eBay. To think I was the only one to make an offer and got it.
Guide was struggling to stay in business. Was bought by BBK that advertised itself as corporate turnaround consultants for the auto industry. Their activities resembled corporate dismantlers. After a few years they started negotiating with private equity companies to offer Guide for the fire sale value of their existing contracts and give away Guide’s assets including their manufacturing facilities, offices, real estate, tools, etc. Whoever bought Guide and their assets should have our elusive headlights tooling. Don’t know if they know or care as the aim was probably the big volume cash flow generating items. BBK was then acquired by KPMG freeing up BBK’s owner and his son to invest in Tequila manufacturing. After a few years of that they sold their tequila concern and went back to financial advising. Who has our tooling is not clear to me even though I’ve heard from others on this forum that Ford has it. I have not confirmed that. It is however possible if Ford ended up buying Guide from BBK around 2007 given BBK’s relationship with Ford. However I think we would’ve heard about that given required financial disclosures that Ford is subject to being publicly traded company.
