The Simple Confusion of 70s Ford Truck Headlights

[DentsideDepot]

I wanted to do a video on this because it is confusing. It has NOTHING to do with the build date, it has everything to do with the trim level. Custom is round, everything else is square. Then in 79, everything went square including custom. If you have a truck that doesn't match this formula, then it was swapped at some point which can be done in less than 30 minutes.

[MatthewCox-fdcf]

That's definitely true statement of those old trucks

[BigTexasTires]

The square headlights are really nice but the round headlights with the 74-77 grille is downright awesome

[jerrys]

You are absolutely right. I bought a 1978 f-350 dump truck brand new and the custom, which I had, had round headlights. The fancier models had square headlights.

[buckrussell]

Ive straightened this out for a few as well

[lsthwy]

This answers a question I’ve had for a long time. We had a ‘78 with round headlights and I’ve seen them with square.

[cameronblasco]

My father had a ‘78 f250 4x4 supercab before I was born (i’m now 22) and he’s told me numerous stories of people arguing that his truck was a ‘79 because it had square headlights. He always argued it was a late ‘78, but it’s nice to have this tidbit of new information that I don’t think he knew about

[charleykeenan]

Can confirm.. My Dad had a '79 Custom that he bought new in late '78.. The identical '78 Custom had round headlights..

[dohctorsmith]

Yes! Thank you! None of my Ford buddies agreed with me on this!

[wesinbama]

I know I’m the odd ball, but I like the square lights better on the 78 and 79 trucks, and even on the Econoline Vans when they changed the grilles in 79. They fit the style better IMO.

[erichall]

Thank you for getting this information out there. I have a '78 F150 Ranger XLT, and it can get exhausting explaining to people that my truck isn't a "late '78" just because it has square headlights.

[DeVilleConcours]

I special ordered a F150 Custom 4X4 standard cab in 1978...351 V8 w/4-spd manual, radio delete, lighter delete, sliding rear window, 5 cab lights and chrome rear step bumper...midnight blue...ask dealer for square headlights & they said only available on the Ranger pkg....man l miss that truck!

[harryclyde]

Back in 98 while stationed in Colorado, I had a 78 Bronco (XLT, Lariat) with the 400, Auto locking hubs, AC(NonOp), forgot the tranny, power everything, tape deck (no 8track)and had the round headlights. It was an early 78 prior to mid year body and engine changes. It was the full decked out model. Bought it used for a family vehicle as we had a baby on the way and 4wd was useful at the time along with wanting one for years.
Had to trade it in unfortunately due to it needing some bushings replaced for one and a pin in the 4wd shift snapped(got it fixed) plus a few other things needed fixed. If I knew then what I know now, I might not have bought it or kept it for a project. It was a powerful, gas guzzling beast. The body and frame were straight. Traded it in for an 84 AMC Jeep Wagoneer.

[kenfrievalt]

It nice someone got around to cover this topic

[Sstantial]

1977 was the last year of the split grill and round headlight. The square headlights looked "modern and futuristic" as there were so many cars on the road with round headlights. Eventually all vehicles went to square or rectangle headlights such as the Jeep CJ-7 ended in 1986 and the 1987 Wrangler had square lights for example.

[devinhiggison]

You would not believe how many people get this wrong. Not that i care, but its in every brochure and ad. Hard to mix up lol

[JustMike-hy]

My Dad had a ‘78 Bronco Custom and I remember it having round headlights. It was black w/ the Freewheeling package. No back seats! Just the Captain and drinker seats.

[FlatPlaneCranky]

My dad had a custom 78 F250 with round and a 79 F150 ranger with square.

[appalachiangunman]

Yep, my 78 Ranger XLT had square headlights.

[willromaine]

79 was the big change over to the square headlights. All models went to square. Very few 78's had the square.