Headlights-Halogen, LED, Or ?

[Shoebox]

One of the reasons I went to 12v on my '51 Tudor project was for better lighting. I imagine just the 12v 7" sealed beam would be noticeably better than original. I kinda planned on using halogen beams and using a relay so as to not pull all the juice through the headlight switch. Then there is the LED possibility. I know the whole light bulb topic is often talked about, I just wanted to frame it with my specific application and see what others have done, as well as any just opinions about it.

 

[Ronnieroadster]

The lowest amp draw and overall brightest light would come for the LED. The added bonus using the LED is the amp draw would be a lot less than any original 6 volt light bulb combination. So there's no need for a relay and the additional wiring that would entail.
Ronnieroadster

 

[JayChicago]

I think you wouldn’t need a relay with sealed beams either. 12 volts will be half the amps going thru the light switch.

 

[52flthed]

I purchased a pair of no nib original GE headlamps made in USA, from the 50’s. I prefer having original spec lights and any other kind of equipment on an antique vehicle. I think they just look and run better that way. The light is enough especially with the fog lights to supplement it. You let your eyes adjust to the situation. The spotlight is always at the ready as well, should the need arise.

 

[Lawson Cox]

I went from original bulb/reflector headlights to 6V sealed beams on Apatchy. Great improvement. (I am using 41 truck headlight bezels and it is hard to tell they are not stock.) How much do you drive at night anyhow?

 

[Shoebox]

I went from original bulb/reflector headlights to 6V sealed beams on Apatchy. Great improvement. (I am using 41 truck headlight bezels and it is hard to tell they are not stock.) How much do you drive at night anyhow?

I'm sure those 6v sealed beams made quite a difference. I do not drive my '32 roadster or '39 Merc much at night. However this '51 will be a driver, hence the electric wipers, turn signals (which it had) and better/brighter lighting is of interest to me. Thanks Lawson.

 

[paul2748]

One of the problems with LED's was the look. However, Holley makes a LED 7 inch that looks a lot light a conventional bulb. It is called RetroBright # 5700K. Also look at Litz Up Pacific 311400, Anzo 881055 and Grot-S 90941-5.

 

[Shoebox]

One of the problems with LED's was the look. However, Holley makes a LED 7 inch that looks a lot light a conventional bulb. It is called RetroBright # 5700K. Also look at Litz Up Pacific 311400, Anzo 881055 and Grot-S 90941-5.

BOY, you nailed that one Paul!

I have ONE of the Holley coming, be here friday, just to be sure all is good fitment wise. but you're right, the beam does have a good Retro look. I'll post a pic of it installed, assuming all goes well. Thanks.

 

[Kens 36]

The Holley RetroBright headlights look great. Unfortunately for us 6-volt guys, they only work with 12 volt. Sadness.

 

[Merc Cruzer]

Prior post:

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1796222#post1796222

 

[blucar]

I converted the head lights on my '36 to 6v sealed beams, re-wired the entire system utilizing a relay, pull type switch on the dash, floor mounted dimmer switch located between the clutch/brake, moving the starter switch to the left side of the dash.
I have driven the '36 over 94k throughout the western states in every kind of good/bad conditions there was. I never had a problem.
I converted my '39 to 12v halogen from the original pre-focused bulbs, big mistake, it cost me a lot of money to return the lights to original using Ron Francis Bright Bulbs.
I prefer halogen on my daily drivers, don't care much for most of the modern bright white lights that cars now have,

 

[corvette8n]

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/holley-retrobright-led-headlamp-installation/

Here’s Hemming article on the Holly brand.

 

[aussie merc]

these days only one way to go L.E.D. but as always make sure your electrics are as good as they can get [correct size wire ,relays as required, clean dry contacts .] leds are great but are reliant on voltage . Where possible always buy what are called multivolt they cost more but work a lot better and longer.

 

[Shoebox]

BOY, you nailed that one Paul!

I have ONE of the Holley coming, be here friday, just to be sure all is good fitment wise. but you're right, the beam does have a good Retro look. I'll post a pic of it installed, assuming all goes well. Thanks.

I got my Holley Retro LED headlight this morning and I am really happy with it. It does fit perfectly, plugs right in and I feel looks great. As promised, here are some pics.

 

[sidevalve8ba]

I see they offer two different lumens. I believe it comes in either 3000 or 5000 lumens. Which did you get?

 

[Shoebox]

I see they offer two different lumens. I believe it comes in either 3000 or 5000 lumens. Which did you get?

If availability was an issue I would have been happy with either. As it was I got the brighter offering.

 

[fordor41]

If you go with LEDs check that they are not plastic lens covers. the plastic yellows with age on some. Halogens draw more amps but we instaled them on our '41 with stock headlight switch with no problem (12V). I also don't like looks of LED headlights. Also halogens will make tailights show better but they generate a TON of heat. Glass lens only.

 

[Desoto291Hemi]

The Holley Retrobrite are polycarbonate lens,,,,(plastic ),,,,maybe they won’t cloud too bad .

Tommy

 

[38 coupe]

This is not directed to Shoebox, this for anyone swapping in LED headlights on any vehicle.
LED headlight bulbs rarely have the same focus as the incandescent bulbs they are replacing. If you are swapping bulb types please re-adjust your headlights. Poorly focused headlights with very bright output blinds oncoming drivers. This post from Merc Cruzer includes a great picture of the difference in height the bulb types can make: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1796222&postcount=1

edit to see if I can include the picture from Merc Cruzer's post:

 

[Merc Cruzer]

38 coupe,

Good point, as to the adjusting the beam. You are right, the LED's don't have the same pattern. I did that shot in the bay the car is parked in, with the cardboard set up against my work bench and was about 2' away.

Thought I would post a few more pictures taken at the same time showing before and after, with the old period correct sealed beam lights and the new LED's. The first one is against the garage doors, a bit further away. The second one is again with the cardboard leaning against my work bench. Up close, the difference in the pattern is very obvious, but in actual use, the LED's make a world of difference when you are actually driving.

It took me 3 years before I was able to actually able to see what they did on the highway (I had to get up early, before sun rise, to go to a show, the local club was putting on) I did notice I was able to see and read the traffic signs on the side of the road, unlike before. Like most of us I don't drive the 53' Merc at night. Heck, for that matter, I never drive anything at night!

I think the video really shows the difference. For me it was a matter of seeing the road or not. Driving at night with the old stock bulbs was just too dangerous.

As they come out with better 6 volt pos ground LED bulbs, I can always swap them out in a few minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0WPn8gKSpI&t=17s