2 cents on headlite reflectors

gpits68

gpits68

Senior Member
hello all,chrome vs original nickel plated on the reflectors.i am planning on staying 6 volt but will run an alternater.does anyone make a alternater that looks like a generator.thanks. :rolleyes:
 
Nix on chrome or nickel for the reflectors. The original ones were silver. After all I have read on the shape of the reproduction reflectors I think you are better off resilvering original ones. The best (and most expensive) out there today is aluminum (it is used in medical instruments and space applications, call UVIRA (541) 474-5050). A lot of V8 guys stuff an alternator into the generator case but I have never seen it done on a Model A. When I get around to it I will figure out how to use a Ford generator from the fifties on my Model A. If you are going to stay 6 volts why are you replacing the original generator?

Charlie Stephens
 
Charlie Stephens said:
Nix on chrome or nickel for the reflectors. The original ones were silver. After all I have read on the shape of the reproduction reflectors I think you are better off resilvering original ones. The best (and most expensive) out there today is aluminum (it is used in medical instruments and space applications, call UVIRA (541) 474-5050). A lot of V8 guys stuff an alternator into the generator case but I have never seen it done on a Model A. When I get around to it I will figure out how to use a Ford generator from the fifties on my Model A. If you are going to stay 6 volts why are you replacing the original generator?

Charlie Stephens
Click to expand...

Brent Terry has one.
 
Chrome and nickle reflect a small percentage of the light. It has been my experience that resilvering the original reflectors works very well. Gar Williams
 
The reflectance of silver is far superior to chrome or nickel. In addition the original reflector shape will place the bulb in the correct position so the light beam can be focused by the lens.
 
I saw an item online about alternators made to look exactly like a Model A generator. kinda pricey at $800-900 per.

I have an original generator in one Model A and a modern ugly alternator in the other, I'm quite satisfied with both..........
 
Used to be able to buy repros silvered? Also, last I knew silver was the best orinary reflector of light and conductor of electricity. Is this still true (at ordinary temperatures)?
Perry
 
Brinkman's in St. Paul. 651-695-2307. I recently spoke with them and they do resilver the lenses for $55.00 each.
 
To get best light.

Use all original parts. Have the reflectors resilvered. Learn how to properly focus the bulbs. Make sure all electrical connections are good. This included inspecting for broken strands on the connectors. If you have repro wire you want to double check the correct gauge wire as I have heard some repro harnesses used the wrong gauge wire. It has long been documented that repro parts in and one the head light bucket will cause you grief if you are not careful. The original parts are cheap, available and just work.

From experience, a generator runs the new direct replacement halogen bulbs perfectly fine with plenty of extra juice. On the other hand, the generators do make some good profit for the sellers.

Be careful and only use the Australian made halogen bulbs. Some halogen direct replacement bulbs are made in India and are not made with the filament in the correct position or angle. My brother and I verified this at Hershey when talking to the vendor who is having them made in India. We inspected the bulbs he had on his table and explained the problem to him. It is also obvious the Aussy bulbs are much higher quality construction. The Indian bulbs may not do better than out of focus regular bulbs and bad reflectors.
 
perrysmith said:
Used to be able to buy repros silvered? Also, last I knew silver was the best orinary reflector of light and conductor of electricity. Is this still true (at ordinary temperatures)?
Perry
Click to expand...

Silver is definitely better than the aluminum but only slightly. The advantage comes in because the aluminum with a coating will not tarnish.

Charlie Stephens
 
Kevin in NJ: Where can the "aussie" bulbs be purchased? And what am I looking for (size, wattage, etc). Thanks in advance.
Paul in CT
 
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