How to restore Model A headlights

[Darren Otey]

I have a 1931 Model A de lux coupe. I am trying to restore the headlights. They are a bit rusty and in need of work. How do I remove the conduit? Any advice on this and the restoration of these will be most appreciated.

 

[MAG]

The original headlights on a '31 Deluxe Coupe were made of Stainless Steel and can be cleaned up and polished/buffed to a beautiful luster finish. The conduits can be removed by rotating the outer collar and pulling it down. Simular to removing a tail light bulb.

 

[Charlie Stephens]

I have a 1931 Model A de lux coupe. I am trying to restore the headlights. They are a bit rusty and in need of work. How do I remove the conduit? Any advice on this and the restoration of these will be most appreciated.

Darren,

MAG is correct about the buckets being stainless steel. When you said "rusty" I assumed you were talking about the regular steel parts that attached to the stainless buckets. The one piece of advice I have is to buy reflectors from Bratton's Ford Parts, (301) 829-9880. They invested the money in the tooling to become the only source of high quality reflectors. Can you post pictures?

Charlie Stephens

 

[KGBnut]

I agree with what Charlie about the Bratton's reflectors. They were one of the best purchases I ever made for my daily driver.

Ken

 

[daveymc29]

Last or next to last Restorer has an article about this. I found it helpful as I had repo parts inside the buckets and the would short out. I di my restoration before I read the article, it came the day I put it all together, but I had done basically what he wrote. Keep all the contacts from being able to touch anything but what they are suppose to touch is the biggest chore of the whole process. I wired my connection solid from the bulb holder to outside the conduit, with soldered connections where appropriate. Working for my driver, not for show.