6 volt headlight bulbs

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newmodelaguy

Junior Member
Hello guys

I'm new to the site and new to the model a world so if I ask basic questions I'm sorry in advance.

Just bought my first model a .. 1930 Tudor just changed from a 6 volt generator to a 6 volt alternator is there a better bulb to run for brighter head lights .. I still have the original style with just the two way plug in bulbs

Thank clint
 
Most likely the reflectors are tarnished or poor chrome reproductions.
I replaced mine with the new ones Brattons sells and the head lights are very bright.i also used 50/32 CP bulbs.
Make sure you have a good ground too.
 
Welcome to a great site and a great hobby. Buy some books and dive in. Also contact parts dealers for catalogs. Lots of newby answers there.

Did you change to the alternator, or did it come that way?
 
I have halogen bulbs that plug into the original sockets and the light is good-- as good as many modern cars--- using the original generater

Some of the replacement bulbs and reflectors use a bad design that doesn't focus well-- the bulbs look brighter, and use more electricity but don't project the light well

My 35watt halogens with stock original sockets, reflectors, lenses will light up signs over 1/4 mile away- usually can see 8 telephone poles down the road
You have to remember the headlights are a system and all the parts have to work together
 
Kurt, So on your opinion the halogen bulbs are worth the big difference in price over the originals? I want better light from my original set up but when I saw the price of the bulbs was a bit surprised! ��
 
Kurt, my brother, is using the Halogen bulbs from classic and vintage bulbs from Australia.

A couple of years ago we looked at the other Halogen bulbs on the market. There were some problems with filament placement. They were rotated from the pins and the distance seemed wrong. This would explain some problems that were being reported with poorly formed beams. This may have been fixed by now.

It should be noted that proper focusing is the difference between light and light you can use.

It should also be made very very clear, you do NOT need an alternator to run the equivalent direct fit Halogen bulbs. Generally an alternator is not the improvement people try to tell you for technical reasons. They are good profit for the dealers.
 
Welcome to the Barn. The new reflectors from Brattons are a great idea. Then you can determine whether you need Halogen bulbs, not likely. Wayne
 
Welcome to the hobby.


There are quite a few vendors for model a parts. I advise you to take a look at the sticky on the top of the forum for a list.

With poor reflectors no matter what bulb you put in will not be bright. I recommend the vendor Bratton's and the reflectors they sell. Part #: 17950 or 17940
 
Newmodelaguy send me an email and will send you a list of all the bulbs for the Model As, both 6V and 12V. The list includes the bulb usage, bulb number and candle power so you can select the bulb you want to use including the Halogen ones. But as other have stated, you need all the parts of the system working in sync. Good reflectors, good wiring and proper bulbs. Good luck and welcome My email is jrelliott42@gmail.com
 
.....or just go with an original head light bulb:

269139

:D

Fordially,
Brad in Maryland
 

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I learned the hard way. Make sure you have a good ground. Unlike modern cars , it blew the bulb and burnt the only fuse on the truck, in the middle of the road, in front of 1,000 people, at it's first car show.:o Check the ground.

I too went with the 50/32 bulbs, it is a bright bulb. There are some very helpful venders for the Model A, that are willing to help you out if you ask. Have fun and post pictures.
 
thanks for all help i did check my reflectors and they are worn out so brattons it is .. have to do something cant tell they are burning at night
 
Has anyone tried painting their reflectors white, like some of us have done with tail lights? While your waiting for new ones, you could experiment and tell us if it works ;-)
 
Painting the reflector white would be bad. White is far from the reflective levels silver and the new reflectors.

As for the ground, that is a big issue. If you have one of those rubber pads at the fender/bar that is not good. You also need to make sure paint is removed from the fender, headlamp bar, and fender bracket to make sure you have a solid path to the frame.

I went in with a dremel and made bare metal in those areas to be safe.
 
Big hammer said:
Has anyone tried painting their reflectors white, like some of us have done with tail lights? While your waiting for new ones, you could experiment and tell us if it works ;-)
Click to expand...

That won't give a focused driving beam pattern like a parabolic reflector will. It works for tail lights because you want the flood-light effect, visible from all directions.
 
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