Headlight Help

[slow8]

I have these headlights on my car:

I need an education on them. It looks to me like the sealed beams are held in by an adapter? I assume that was a common thing but I am not sure what I have.

Do I just need to get a new lens and a kit like this one to get them back to more stock looking appearance?

https://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/A13027QK12TS.html

I am running 12v and would like to add some turn signals front and back eventually.

 

[Canton_Model_A's]

Slow8:
I had the same setup on my '29 Model A. Left them like that for a year, and then proceeded to get the parts to put them back to 'normal' I used Sullivan's Garage for a few of the parts. I got the Lenses from Snyders.

I went with the TwoLite version and I am also running 12v. I use the 2nd bulb in my headlights as parking lights right now.

I also have turn-signals on mine as well as the High-Mounted brake light in my back window.

If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask us.

Dave

 

[nkaminar]

Many years ago the reflectors were mostly corroded and not shinny. New reflectors were not available and re silvering reflectors was expensive. The seal beam adapters and the bulbs were relatively inexpensive and easy to come by. Now, of course, new cars have gone a completely different direction and the seal beam headlights are for old cars. The seal beam headlight are still good and give a bright beam, but don't look the part.

 

[Charlie Stephens]

If I had your problem I would get reflectors from Bratton's (I think they make the good ones but you might post that question) and and wiring for the bulbs. Many early reproduction reflectors had the wrong shape. An alternative would be to have a pair of original reflectors replated by UVIRA ((541) 474-5050). Get the BRITE (their spelling) from Ron Francis Wireworks ((800) 292-1940). I am using them on my 12 volt (converted) '32 and am very happy with them. DO NOT try to use the sealed beams behind an original lens (they used to make a kit for that). DO NOT place the turn signal in the headlight bucket as it will be hard to see. Using the cowl lamps for turn signals is an option but they may be difficult to see at some angles. I would get a set of bumper mounted lights as shown and use them for turn signals. Of course run two tail lights in the rear and use them for turn signals in the rear.




Charlie Stephens

 

[Joe K]

Go LED - direct wire. Use the worst tarnished twolight reflectors you can find. Coat with the CHROME TAPE used in another thread.

Use the LEDs in these with new NON TYPE H lenses. (Type H is for 1928ish headlights.)

Parking can be used for directional. Separate "loose" sockets held by a thin nut are available from the parts dealer.

Probably don't use the original Model A "main" sockets - their electrical properties are not Henry's best idea (they suffer from non-original type "bullet" ends frequently found on the aftermarket wiring harness plus they count on the "ground" through the light support frame/fenders/car frame which if painted to modern standards is usually not good - run a separate ground through the light conduit to something solid on the frame.)

I think "cobbling" the reflectors is where I am headed.

Joe K

 

[Y-Blockhead]

I use the Logo Lite focused LEDs bulbs with the two light reflector. I have an amber bulb in the second socket for turn signals. Since the LEDs headlights don't use the reflector, the amber turn signal light can be seen with no problem.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Speaking of LEDs, has anyone tried these LEDs for sale on e-Bay? I just bought a second set to try out. First set we put in a club members PU and he really likes them. $30 a pair. You do need good reflectors as these have LEDs on the sides as well as the front.

 

[katy]

DO NOT try to use the sealed beams behind an original lens (they used to make a kit for that).

Why not? My '31 has them and they work great, hidden behind the original lens they are hard to tell they are there. The kits are still sold my Mike's and probably other vendors.

 

[rotorwrench]

If you run an alternator, I'd say you can use any form of forward lighting you want. With an original three brush generator that has a low ampere output, I'd recommend LED lamps all the way around. This allows better use of electrical energy of the early system. Modern 6-volt generator control units are available again from modeltstarters.com and at least one other source so the generator can be regulated for much better battery charge management.

With a 12-volt system, I assume the OP has an alternator for that system and can use any modern lighting deemed necessary.

 

[nkaminar]

Y-Blockhead, The parabolic reflectors depend on a point source to work. Those LED's have a source that is not point but spread out fore and aft. That will make the beam spread out too. The LED's that have the focused beam work better. You can recognize them by the lens built into the LED. They look like my grandmother's glasses after she had her cataracts removed (before lens implants or contact lenses).

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Y-Blockhead, The parabolic reflectors depend on a point source to work. Those LED's have a source that is not point but spread out fore and aft. That will make the beam spread out too. The LED's that have the focused beam work better. You can recognize them by the lens built into the LED. They look like my grandmother's glasses after she had her cataracts removed (before lens implants or contact lenses).

Yes, as mentioned above, I run the LogoLite Prefocused LEDs an they are great.

I bought the E-Bay LEDs for me and other members of my club to try out. As you can see in my picture they do have a lens firing forward and well as to the sides. They seem to work pretty good so far but we need to try focusing them I think.

 

[ronn]

I have sold a few pairs like yours for around 85. on FB or CL and bought a decent pair of complete lights for around 125. I find it easier. then chg the bulbs as afore mentioned and suggested.

 

[Badpuppy]

I have these headlights on my car:

I need an education on them. It looks to me like the sealed beams are held in by an adapter? I assume that was a common thing but I am not sure what I have.

Do I just need to get a new lens and a kit like this one to get them back to more stock looking appearance?

https://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/A13027QK12TS.html

I am running 12v and would like to add some turn signals front and back eventually.

Sealed beam adapters are fairly common, main objection is they are ugly.
They also draw more current from the generator than stock bulbs, but at 12V should not be a problem in your case.

The halogen kit is another nonstandard arrangement, but LED bulbs are a better way to go. They use the stock reflectors, sockets and wiring.

Turn signals may be added independent of the other lights.