Head light conversion

[wayfarerstranger]

HAS anyone ever done HEAD LIGHT conversion from a sealed beam to a bulb you can change out like some of the older cars of the 20`s & 30`s ??

[TodFitch]

HAS anyone ever done HEAD LIGHT conversion from a sealed beam to a bulb you can change out like some of the older cars of the 20`s & 30`s ??

Some of the older cars? Try all of the older cars.

I assume you have a post 1940/41 car that came with sealed beams and you want to put something like the European bulb and reflector setup onto it. There used to be kits for that but I haven't kept track of those for a long time.

[wayfarerstranger]

thanx for your response ...

[greg g]

When I was involved in road rallys, I hade my cars equiped with the European style conversion lamps, these were made by quite a few suppliers, Hella, Cibie, Marchal, Bosche. I have a pair of Old Hellas still in the boxes that I will put in the Studebaker.

Most all were 12V, although if there are 6 V bulbs available they would probably work.

http://www.autobahnpower.com/products.asp?category=Hella+Car+Horns+and+Headlights&subcategory=Hella+Headlights

You would be well served to wire relays into the system if you choose to use these, or similar from other makers.

They are the old style with the euro style cut off beam that throws light to the curb side of hte car. I believe the standard bults are 35/55. You can upgrade to 45/100 watt if you dare.

[TodFitch]

Looks like you can get a 6v H4 bulb for those Hella units from the link posted by greg g.

http://www.nextag.com/h4-halogen-bulb-6-volt/products-html

http://www.autobahnpower.com/products.asp?recnumber=422

I would look at your generator output to verify it can handle the load, and like greg g mentions strongly consider powering them through headlight relays.

[Captain Neon]

For me personally, I can see the allure of converting from an incandescent replaceable bulb before the advent of sealed beam lights, esp. interesting for cars like the '39 Plymouth that have a unqie and distinctive headlight lens.

For myself, the 6v sealed beams work fine. I could be convinced to go to sealed beam halogens, but only if they are 6v and interchange with traditional sealed beam.

[wayfarerstranger]

just trying to find a way to use these burnt out bulls eye head lights " .. if i can find the right setup i`ll change the lense out .. as they look really good on these old cars ..

[Cpt.Fred]

over here most people convert to european style lamps because you're not allowed to use sealed beams up to a certain fabrication date. the sealed beam units have the parking lights excluded, i hope i can use that feature to fit flashers in there. that's something they DON'T dicuss here:rolleyes:

i personally want to avoid the switch, because i think the sealed beams look much better and are more authentic than those modern looking "E"-glasses.

i hope i get through with that... otherwise, those units shown in the link above are the ones to go for. i also heard, that VW beetle and Austin/BMC/Rover Mini headlights would fit, but i don't know that for sure.

what are bull's eye lamps? those custom thingies with a machine gun target sight in front of the reflector ?

[greg g]

Bullseye lamps were and "improved" sealed beam. The came out in 52/3 ad for a few years were standard equipment on MOPARS. They feature a flute lense that looks like a regular incandecent light, but with a clear bullseye in the center. This supposedly projects a cone of light out infront of the car providing for increased vision and enhanced safety. They have a metal reflector and basically a seperate bulb all bonded together withthe lens. If your carefull, they can be tinkered with.

I picked up a pair at a local swap meet for 15 buck each, they usualy go on e bay for lots more when they are posted. I believe if you are careful you can ransfer the bullseye lens onto a euro conversion lamp reflector if you don;t want to go through the procedure as outlined in this link.

Here is a link to a site with a detailed how to on chaging out the bulb for a modern one.

http://www.freewebs.com/1949convertible/apps/photos/album.jsp?albumID=4029016

Edited June 15, 2009 by greg g

[Merle Coggins]

Thanks for that link Greg. My truck has bullseye headlights which I believe are original to the truck. When I cleaned them up and tested them proir to reassembly I found "Dec 1950" stamped on the back. And since my truck was built late in 1950 that's why I believe they are original to the truck. Being a farm truck it probably wan't used much at night. They both still worked so I put them back in.

I often wonder what I'd do if I did have to replace one. Now I have an option.

Merle