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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,558
ChatMaster - 1,500
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OP
ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,558 |
I am getting ready to, hopefully, finish my rewiring project started a few years back. I am at the headlights and am thinking about modernizing from the original bulbs. What I would really like is a sealed beam conversion kit but those don't seem to be available any longer. Has anyone had a good experience converting to halogen bulbs? Do halogen bulbs need an alternator or will they work with a generator? What is involved to convert to their use? Any help will be appreciated. Beamer
Chat Region Member
2017 GMC Canyon
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323 Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 2,000
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ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323 Likes: 6 |
My impression of the conversion items available today consist of a rubber gasket that I think may force the sealed beam back against the existing structure. They seem to mention that with the 38, you loose the adjustment capability. Chevs of the 40s has a kit that is a rubber gasket and probably a new socket. Headwinds sells one that includes a metal rim to orient the bulb properly. I believe some sealed beam have several bumps on the outside perimeter for aiming apparatus and they need to be ground off.
I have tried out the 6 volt halogen bulbs from Hirsch, that fit in the original socket. They do give off more light.
My 1951 1 Ton is now on the road! My 38 Master 4 Door is also now on the road .
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
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Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107 |
Good reflectors and 2530 bulbs will give you more light than you can use. My reflectors need resilvered and I still have enough light with my 2530 bulbs. You can find the bulbs on ebay for a lot less money than halogens. Some sellers are nuts with the prices they ask but you can usually find one or more sellers with reasonable prices. One seller (memotronics) sells new 2530s made in China for pretty cheap.
VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,558
ChatMaster - 1,500
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ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,558 |
Thanks for the replies. Tiny, My car had 2330 bulbs in it and they are still good plus I have several extras so I guess I will stay with the original configuration. I probably won't be driving that much at night anyhow. I purchased some stuff called "Mr Metal" and it really did a good job on shining up the one reflector I have out of the car. It has been on my bench for 2 or 3 years and still looks good although I will give it a touch-up before I put it back in. I understand resilvering is very expensive if you can find anyone to do it. Beamer
Chat Region Member
2017 GMC Canyon
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