Lights and filler screen

rcrra

rcrra

Junior Member
I converted my 30 coupe to a 12v alternator system. Like the results so far.
I converted my headlights to 12v halogen bulb setup. Took a drive after dark
for the first time last night. Lights worked great for about two blocks then one
headlight went out. About 5 seconds later the other light went out. Parking
lights still worked, so turned around and slowly went back home. This morning
I checked the lights and found that both bulbs had exploded. Alternator seems
to be working properly, so I am at a loss to understanding what happened.
Have any of you guys had a problem like this and if so, what caused it?
A second question: I installed a gas tank filler screen which is supposed to act
as a spark arrestor. That sounds good, but does it work. Sometimes we add
unnecessary things to a simple car and screw things up. But, if that is a good
thing to install, I found it cause a problem with the gas gauge. The arrestor
holds the float arm down, so the gas gauge doesn't work properly. So, should
I throw the thing away or take a chance on bending the float arm out of the
way or what. I would appreciate your replies. Thanks
 
Did you touch the bulb glass with your fingers??
"Halogen bulbs can explode becasue it is pressurized with halogen gas. When you change halogen bulbs, you should not touch the bulb with your fingers. The finger oil on the quartz envelop is extremely hot when the bulb is on, and finger oil can carbonize and cause the heat to exceed the quartz melting point."

Bob
 
Check the grounds on your headlights as bulbs do not like being turned on and off. If the grounds are GOOD, then replace the bulbs. Before you install the new bulbs wash them in alcohol. Dry them with a clean cotton cloth and hold them in the cloth while installing. Good luck
 
Good points on the bulbs and handling them, also checking the grounds.
As far as the fill screen, is the correct year fill screen and float assembly installed?
If so, you may need to reposition the float arm to avoid the contact with the screen.
It might be fine, and just need to move things and not bend anything.
 
It is wise to think long and hard about installing modern upgrades. Do your research. The flame arrester is not a modern upgrade. It's the way the car came. Benefits could outweigh the drawbacks. Also, if the battery is loose in the original holder, It may have shorted against ground momentarily. This will cause an enormous voltage spike, not good for bulbs.
 
This build has taken me several years as I did all the work myself. I can't say if I touch the
bulbs with my fingers or not, but I would bet I did over time. Great feed back. Thank you
all so much. Sure does help to have friends even if it is on line.
 
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