Halogen bulbs

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FIEND42

Member
Looking for any new information on using halogen bulbs with stock reflectors in my 39 std. coupe. I bought the Drake kit, installed relays for the halogen bulbs, but when shining thru the factory lens the beam does not project down the road far enough to be safe at night. I know the old 6v. system was probably inadequate, in 1939, but was not an issue,back then, for whatever reasons. I want to keep the factory bug-eye lens. I do not want to install the clear lens replacement. I like the original faceted lens, kind of makes the car. My question is what size halogen bulb wattage will work better than the size that comes with the Drake kit, if there is such a size at all? Wattage, amps or what?
 
I know I'm not answering your question but.... I also wanted to keep stock look and be able to see at night. I opted to use/add period correct 6 volt running lights. They provide me with illumination as good as my modern car:
 

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Adileo,
Some additional details regarding your running lights would be nice. Like you guys, I favor the look of the original lens on my '39, I did clean the lenses and installed new reflectors...... but would like more light.

Thanks,
Shoebox
 
If you get period correct running lights make sure you check the reflector . I have some sets that needed to be redone to get The full light out of them
 
Shoebox said:
Adileo,
Some additional details regarding your running lights would be nice. Like you guys, I favor the look of the original lens on my '39, I did clean the lenses and installed new reflectors...... but would like more light.

Thanks,
Shoebox
Click to expand...

The running lights I have are 6 volt, 55 watt clear lenses. They also have Ford written on top of housing. You can buy them with diffrent finishe brackets (mine are chrome)

Just google - Rodtiques and look for clear fog lights. http://www.rodtiques.com/catalog.ph.../Clear_Glass_Lens_Fog_Lights_55_Watt_H3_Bulbs

As mentioned driving at night now is as good as diving my 2007. I also purchased 6 volt led (replica 1939 ford tail lights) off eBay and they a much much brighter than my stock tail lights
One other point. I also swapped out my generator for an alternator that looks like a generator to carry the load of the running lights. I'm not a 100% sure it's required, but that's what I did.
 
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Not sure what the Drake kit is but remember its APF American pre focus , the lenses don't do that well at focusing light in certain areas , just tends to throw light out . I have a 12 volt system, wired up for relays and direct replacement halogen [APF] globes 55/60 wt? straight into the original headlights [35 pick up] cost me $50 all up. Its a big improvement but it just throws light out.. pity the person your driving behind ; ) Having said that you should still see the light on the ground in front of you on low beam.
 
on my 38 dlx coupe,I installed 6v sealed beam bulbs behind the original lens...you have to look really close to see them,,they do pretty well
 
The Drake kit is the stock reflector and a halogen bulb. My system is 12v. and I have relays installed. The lights are super bright and shine down the road until you install the factory bug-eye lens, then the beam is dissipated into a halo that lights up the surrounding area close to the car, but not down the road. I have adjusted the beam every which way without any change.
 
My 39 Ford.
I used Original Ford reflectors, not reproductions, and 32/50 candle power bulbs. Great light
 
I installed 12V. Halogens on my 39 std. with new reflectors, relays and clear lenses. When I bought them I was advised to use the clear lenses, as the halogen bulbs don't do well with faceted lenses. The first time I used them on the road I had everyone flashing back at me. I had to adjust them down lower, then everything was fine. They really light up the road. Paul Selfe.
 
Doomed? I see many options above, i.e. Adileo running lights, kahuna 32-50 bulbs, fordv8 sealed beam
 
Question: Did you upgrade your 6V generator in the process of putting in the Halogen bulbs?

Many of the Halogen bulbs require a lot more running amps than our old Ford generators can put out (stock generators - max about 18 amps or so).

Due to this, I'm having my generator reworked by EJ Whitney in CA to put a 'hidden alternator' core in it. This way, I have the amps I need, but the generator looks completely stock.
 
my system is 12v. and the alternator is a stocker. The post about Halogen not working thru faceted lens is interesting. Think I may try what Kahuna did with the regular bulbs. I do not want to put extra lights on the car.
 
On one of my cars I have 50 W bulbs I think with good silvered reflectors would help .The Model A boys run there stock generators with halogens Ted
 
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