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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 154
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 154 |
I am thinking about converting my headlights to sealed beams, however the buckets are too big. Does anyone know of an easy conversion.
FDNY
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Joined: Aug 2006
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ChatMaster - 1,500
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ChatMaster - 1,500
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I have seen a "filler plate" to take up the extra space and mount the sealed beams in but they really didn't look very nice in my opinion. On my 33, I mounted some clear driving lights that really help and I think look better. My headlights aren't very bright as they need the reflectors re-silvered.
Last edited by Uncle Ed; 12/01/14 11:52 PM.
Ed
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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Also the sealed beams shoud be wired to a relay and have extra good grounds or they will produce a yellow dim light.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284 |
Back in the 60's I converted the headlights on a 37 Dodge to sealed beams, using a conversion kit I found on a junked car like mine. It worked, but, it was ugly because you ended up with a big painted metal ring the size of your headlight lens with a hole in the middle with the sealed beam headlight sticking through. My 48 originally had sealed beams, but, is now equipped with H4s and reflectors - 6 volt. You might see if there's a similar kit for your car. Mine are powered off the original generator and lighting circuit as well.
Regards:
Oldengineer
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Joined: Aug 2006
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ChatMaster - 1,500
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ChatMaster - 1,500
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Yup, those things were pretty ugly! lol
Ed
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 154
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 154 |
Thanks, I'll keep looking.
FDNY
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Joined: Nov 2011
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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You could convert the WHOLE headlight assembly to a guide lamp that takes sealed beams . These were used on all kinds of truck makes thru the 30's. The nicer ones are the ones with the glass lens on top to use for just signal lights. You can run bosch H4 halogen sealed beams with flat lens. See if I can post a link to them on ebay as an example of what they look like. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1940S-VINTA...ries&hash=item541574e691&vxp=mtrthese are extremely popular and usually sell for a higher price. The ones I was referring to have the bolt coming thru the bottom, not these, which I have never seen before. mike ............. 
Last edited by mike_lynch; 12/02/14 08:08 PM.
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Joined: May 2010
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ChatMaster - 750
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ChatMaster - 750
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Rwolf,
If this is a restoration stuck with a 6 volt system, an option you have is 25w/25w halogen bulbs. I have them in my restored '36 pickup and the original generator modified with an internal (invisible) Peterson voltage regulator handles them no sweat, despite expert proclamations to the contrary.
There is a 1933 Plymouth forum that explains these 2 conversions in detail and that write up motivated me. That write up seemed too good to be true but it's not. Now I can actually see the road in front of me at night.
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ChatMaster - 750
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ChatMaster - 750
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On my 31, I run the standard 21/21 bulbs with 6V alternator and was very pleased with the lights the first time I drove it at night. Running at my usual speed of 40 to 45, on 2 lane roads, I could see both ditchs clearly clear up to the fence posts. My reflectors could also use re-silvering. I would rate them to very close to my 6V 48 with sealed beams and alternator on it also. Had plenty of forward vision also on the 31.
Just my humble thought here.
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