I hope that's the right terminology. It's the rubber "cup-like" piece that covers & seals the headlight socket assembly. I had a short that fried one of the sockets. I destroyed the boot getting the socket out.

 

Replacing the socket was easy (standard part at any auto supply store), but I think I should have some kind of boot on there. I haven't bothered checking with a Subie dealer as I'm assuming it's either not available for a car this old, only sold as part of an entire socket assembly, or outrageously expensive.

 

Any suggestions for finding one, or something that would do the job, are appreciated. Thanks!

Any suggestions for finding one, or something that would do the job, are appreciated. Thanks!

Had a similar situation with my 97, went to a junkyard and for a couple of bucks, clipped the whole assembly (socket, boot and all) off a junker. Worked like a charm, soldered it in, used heat shrink tubing, it’s been two years and no problems.

Thanks yohy, it did cross my mind that a junkyard would be the place to find this part. I'll make a few calls tomorrow!

i had a similar short a few years ago that melted the whole socket and boot. i hooked the wires back up without a boot and have been running like that for five years through northeast winters, and have had no problems at all, no corrosion on the contacts or anything amazingly. If you find a pair of these boots i'll split them with you...

i had a similar short a few years ago that melted the whole socket and boot. i hooked the wires back up without a boot and have been running like that for five years through northeast winters, and have had no problems at all, no corrosion on the contacts or anything amazingly. If you find a pair of these boots i'll split them with you...

That sounds lucky, good for you! By any chance, is your headlight bulb this type:

 

 

or this:

 

 

Mine is the first type, the contacts seem more prone to getting wet than the second. I guess I'll just keep my eyes open for boots and see what happens. Maybe spray some wire-dryer on there once in a while.

 

I'll let you know if I find two boots!