6 volt sealed beam

C

coatings03

Member
A question for the forum:
I'm sure it's been discussed before I wanted to get the straight info/ can 6 volt sealed beam headlights be used with the 6 volt generator or must an alternator be used.

Thank you as always,
Jim M.
 
Yes , Sealed beams can be used with the model A generator. Many people have done this. The ammeter will probably show a slight discharge while the lights are in use unless the third brush is pushed way down for a higher charging rate but they will still work. It would take a good while before they would run the battery down enough to make much difference. It would be best to use a voltage regulator . Fun Projects offers a voltage regulator that takes the place of the cut out . Tom Wessenberg offers an internal voltage regulator that replaces the third brush .They will work better with a later generator or an alternator .
 
As a slight aside to your question just be sure to use the adapters that make the lights look like the bug eyed monsters in the 1950's science fiction movies. If you put the sealed beam behind the original lens it will defocus the beam to a point that it is almost useless.

Charlie Stephens
 
coatings03 said:
Thanks for your info, I would get conflicting information from some Model a'ers

Thanks again,
Jim M.
Click to expand...

In that case, cast my vote with those above.

Is it your plan to add these to your car?

I have not done so myself, but how does the price for the parts necessary for this conversion compare with the new reflectors sold by Bratton's and stock bulbs and such?
 
As long as more is put into the battery than is taken out there is no problem,discharge with lights on is normal, and is mentioned in the owners instruction manual, yes seal beams take more to run, but it is managable by the generator
My car had seal beams when i got it, changed back to original, then 50 cp bulbs ---then I put in direct fit halogen bulbs, better light than seal beams, 50 cp bulbs and i cut the charge rate back from what both seal beams, and 50 cp bulbs wanted to be bright
 
I have had two A's that came with 6-volt sealed beams and generators. Just as Purdy says, they will discharge a bit with the lights on, but I have driven several hours at night without killing the battery. The lights do brighten and dim noticeably when the engine is revved and allowed to idle. I converted both cars to original-style bulbs and reflectors, which in my opinion give better light, even with less than perfect reflectors.

I really hate the look of the sealed beams. The large, flat lenses in the headlights is one of the marks of an antique car.

I would keep the generator and get rid of the sealed beams. Just MHO.

W. Michael
 
I ran sealed beams with the generator for years, no problem. I put a 40 amp alternator on the car and it would not keep up with the lights on. I put a 60 amp alternator on and the car works perfectly.
 
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