Head lites

Kahuna

Kahuna

Well-known member
Hello everyone
I have new reproduced headlites on my 32 Tudor sedan. The look real nice, but the light projection is less than satisfactory. There doesn't seem to be a beam projected, rather light all over the place.
Has anyone run into this issue before? Can anything be done?
I'm not sure at all if it's the reflectors or the lenses that are the problem.
Thanks
Jim
 
I must have the same lights as you.I have adjusted mine numerous times with little to no improvement.I did notice that the darker it gets the light seems to be somewhat better if that makes sense, only on low beam I can't use mine on high beam at all.I thought the issue was with the lense? I would also like to hear if there was a solution.
Bill
 
I had a 34 sedan with original lense and h4 bulb with same symptoms,I purchased Drakes
reflector kit and now I can see I no longer have to use Braille to drive at night Try to explain to your wife your reflectors are worn out and you are spending over $100 to get new ones.(but worth it) Lee34
 
From what I have read, the original reflectors were silver plated and provide much better reflective quality than the chrome ones. ..B.
 
Kahuna said:
Hello everyone
I have new reproduced headlites on my 32 Tudor sedan. The look real nice, but the light projection is less than satisfactory. There doesn't seem to be a beam projected, rather light all over the place.
Has anyone run into this issue before? Can anything be done?
I'm not sure at all if it's the reflectors or the lenses that are the problem.
Thanks
Jim
Click to expand...

Could you let us in on whose lights are less than what you expected?
 
Hi Pete
Sure, they came from Mac's. They're real nice headlights, just not good at lighting up the road at night. They're 12 volt with 32-50 candle power bulbs, same as my 39, but my 39 lights work almost as well as a new car
 
Kahuna said:
Hi Pete
Sure, they came from Mac's. They're real nice headlights, just not good at lighting up the road at night. They're 12 volt with 32-50 candle power bulbs, same as my 39, but my 39 lights work almost as well as a new car
Click to expand...

Try the "Brite" bulbs from Ron Francis, (800) 292-1940, wire-works.com, they go into the original sockets and put out enough candlepower to probably override any other problems. I am running them in my '32 and am very happy. Other than that is there anyone nearby that you can borrow parts from to see of you can find the problem. My guess would be the reflector shape and chrome vs silver if that is the plating.

Charlie Stephens
 
Charlie
It's not that the lights are not bright. They're real bright. But the light projection is rather poor. I don't want or need to see the trees when I'm driving. It's got to be the lense, I think.
I don't think there's a resolution to this other than changing lights. Not what i want to do
 
The reflectors that Drakes sell (possible others) are different than original.The problem seams to be worse with the h4 type bulbs.They are bright enough just not focused.I purchased the kit from Drakes and only changed the reflector,I did not change bulbs so I could see if the reflector was the cause of my problem.The reflector is shaped different than the original .Much improvement.I have owned this car for 52 years and now have the best lights of all I have tried.Not perfect but much better Lee34
 
Kahuna said:
Charlie
It's not that the lights are not bright. They're real bright. But the light projection is rather poor. I don't want or need to see the trees when I'm driving. It's got to be the lense, I think.
I don't think there's a resolution to this other than changing lights. Not what i want to do
Click to expand...
You should be able to find a lens to borrow and try. I still think it is the shape of the reflector. Wish you were closer.

Charlie Stephens
 
How are you adjusting the lights? The screw that holds the light sockey in place adjusts the lights and then there is an adjustment on the nut that attaches the light to the light bar.
 
If you unclip the lens and surround, the light coming off off the [parabolic] reflector should be projected forward in a parallel beam. If it does not, obviously the focal distance of the bulb is wrong. This little trial will at least let you know if the lens or reflector is at fault. Hope this makes sense.
 
Hi Charlie
I'm in a little town called Brownsville. It's above Marysville, CA., about 30 miles. Also about 30 miles to Oroville, CA. I'm about an hour from Sacramento
Regards
Jim
 
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Kahuna said:
Hi Charlie
I'm in a little town called Brownsville. It's above Marysville, CA., about 30 miles. Also about 30 miles to Oroville, CA. I'm about an hour from Sacramento
Regards
Jim
Click to expand...
I have a close friend who lives in Orland I'm sure you know where that's located.
Gary.
 
Kahuna I wish you would keep your pets under control & not left to run free.
If this was yours I'm sorry for your loss, but I took care of it last year & lucky the ins co is taking care of the bill. Just about finished with the repairs. new shocks,radiator repaired & I ended up with a set of new metal fenders,just have to fit & paint them.
Hwy 20 just before interstate 5. Was taking Peggy to her mothers in Clearlake & it was late & dark & I needed to get to LA.
 
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Charlie Stephens said:
Try the "Brite" bulbs from Ron Francis, (800) 292-1940, wire-works.com, they go into the original sockets and put out enough candlepower to probably override any other problems. I am running them in my '32 and am very happy. Other than that is there anyone nearby that you can borrow parts from to see of you can find the problem. My guess would be the reflector shape and chrome vs silver if that is the plating.

Charlie Stephens
Click to expand...
Briht bulbs do not help. But after reading this I will change my MAC's reflectors.
 
There should be a screw to "focus" the bulbs, I think. Reproduction reflectors (model A anyway) do not have the correct "curvature". To try adjusting, measure height of headlights to the center of the lens, find a building (school, back of a walmart) , make a horizontal line on the building (masking tape), get about 25-30 ft perpendicular to the building and try to "focus the lights to the tape or slightly below. Hope I've helped.
paul in CT
 
Speaking of where in Nor Cal, there is a great car show coming up, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, Sept 8&9. Roamin Angels is the host club, and this is a way cool, fun, show. Friday night BBQ dinner, Sat AM breakfast put on by the Boy Scouts, and way cool prizes.
 
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