Led or Quartz/Halogen Headlights

L

loubob

Senior Member
I am very interested in upgrading the headlights on my '30 coupe to either led's or quartz/halogen.


Looking for suggestions or recommendations from the FB community.


Can led's be a direct replacement or are modifications needed? Do I need to install grounding wires? Specific directions requested. Can they be adjusted?


Can quartz/halogen be adjusted? Does the 3 wire plug get very hot? I read where a member used a bakelite plug(napa) instead to tolerate the heat.


Will I be able to still use my parking lamps after the conversion?


Loubob
 
The bulb you choose needs to be able to use the reflector to focus the light on the road. Ever use one of those focusable flashlights? The bulb is the same whether the beam is focused or not but the focused light is brighter. Same thing with the headlights. If you do not have the new reflectors sold by the vendors or an original restored reflector, focus will be near impossible.


A owners would be amazed at the amount of light the original setup gives put together correctly.
 
Mike V. Florida said:
The bulb you choose needs to be able to use the reflector to focus the light on the road. Ever use one of those focusable flashlights? The bulb is the same whether the beam is focused or not but the focused light is brighter. Same thing with the headlights. If you do not have the new reflectors sold by the vendors or an original restored reflector, focus will be near impossible.


A owners would be amazed at the amount of light the original setup gives put together correctly.
Click to expand...
Am I correct in saying Bratton's is the only vendor with the good reflectors?

Charlie Stephens

FYI, I am running the "Brite" bulbs (their spelling) by Ron Francis and very happy with them in my '32.
 
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I have been running quartz halogen (kit from Vintique) for quite a while. Am in the process of now converting them to LED’s. Primary reason is reduce the current flow since I drive with the lights on at all times (state law on the highways anyway).
 
Hi CarlG,


I would like to convert to LEDs, but after all the posts on LEDs am hesitant to try. Lots of concern about ability to focus them. Please start a new String updating us on your efforts and what works for you.


Thanks
 
I just installed LED headlight bulbs. They plug right in to the original socket. Quick and easy. I want them for day time driving so the others on the road will see me. They work great for that with absolutely no draw on the ammeter. Focusing them is another issue. Probably not going to happen. But if I am caught out at night, which is not likely, it only takes a minute to swap the original bulbs back in and you can be on your way.
 
I have quartz halogen, and run a 6v alternator.....you do not need to go to 12v. They work really well and really light up the road.....I have no concerns driving at night in S. California.....illumination is great.
 
Charlie Stephens said:
Am I correct in saying Bratton's is the only vendor with the good reflectors?

Charlie Stephens

FYI, I am running the "Brite" bulbs (their spelling) by Ron Francis and very happy with them in my '32.
Click to expand...


I heard, but have not confirmed, that he is now wholesaling them out to other vendors.
 
I maintain an original six volt system. I use 50/32 CP original type bulbs with clean-polished reflectors. I have taken time to properly focus and aim the headlight beams. Also I have ensured the wiring is in good shape and that the wire gauge is sufficient and the return ground is good so that most of the six volts will appear across the bulbs.

I find properly maintaining the original equipment yields ample light for night time driving. It is ignoring one or more of the items above which result in incorrect assumptions the original lamps are no good.
 
I am one of those who wants to keep my model A on 6 Volts. Eventually, it will bite me as it will become harder and harder (or costlier) to get 6 volt items. With that said, I can share that for my car, I found a kit that would allow me to replace bad reflectors with a sealed beam headlight kit, that works OK! But then I had to replace the Generator with a self regulating generator due to the much higher current of the Halogen sealed beams. If I had it to do over again, I would have went to 12 Volts, and re-silvered (or replaced) the reflectors, and gone to the UK supplier and done LED headlights! They are much brighter, can be focussed better for pattern, and once done, they last and look original.
 
DHZIEMAN said:
I am one of those who wants to keep my model A on 6 Volts. Eventually, it will bite me as it will become harder and harder (or costlier) to get 6 volt items. With that said, I can share that for my car, I found a kit that would allow me to replace bad reflectors with a sealed beam headlight kit, that works OK! But then I had to replace the Generator with a self regulating generator due to the much higher current of the Halogen sealed beams. If I had it to do over again, I would have went to 12 Volts, and re-silvered (or replaced) the reflectors, and gone to the UK supplier and done LED headlights! They are much brighter, can be focussed better for pattern, and once done, they last and look original.
Click to expand...


What is the name of the U.K. Supplier?
 
TZBrown said:
I just received some of these

https://www.ledlight.com/a-13007-d-a-13007-c-headlight-6-volt-ba15d-base-positive-ground.aspx Took less than a week from CA
Click to expand...

I wouldn't recommend those bulbs for replacement headlights. From what I see, they can not be focused, due to simple geometry - the light doesn't emit from a single point like a filament. Worse than that they don't provide the proper "dip" required by legal standards, they simply reduce intensity, which is still too bright for oncoming traffic.

The ones I would consider are discussed here -

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=251319&highlight=led+headlights

I should point out these won't work in H-type (28-E29) housings since those socket contacts are vertical.
 
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Badpuppy said:
Classic Dynamo and Regulators
Click to expand...

Thanks, they are who I used for converting my tail/stop lamps to LED. Ordered the correct one 6v positive ground. Plug and play, no other conversion needed, I am very satisfied, but will be doing further research before converting the headlamps. Was hoping for info from someone who has done LEDs and able to focus lamps properly.


info for others looking for info


http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com/enter-site.php


Some info on their site
http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com/a-bit-about-led-bulbs.php
 
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