Xenon headlights....

[BobT-47P15]

Was looking thru my new copy of Hemmings Classic Car magazine. Saw this ad for xenon headlights. Although it is from a Buick supplier, I would think the headlights would work just fine in a MoPar. They have both 6 and 12 volt models. Just FYI.

[Norm's Coupe]

If anyone is going to try those light bulbs, I'd check the plug first. I think GM used a different prong connector than Mopar or Ford.

[builtfercomfort]

Also check the current draw - Xenon may draw too much for the generator, or too much for the wiring. I thought they were 55 watts(?) and needed a headlight relay for sure. Do your research first

[De Soto Frank]

And one more thing...

The only envelope I've seen thus far for these things is the flat-lensed Euro-style headlight, like Hella makes, which, in my opinion, just doens't look right in a 1940's - '50s fender.

I wish Wagner or Sylvania would make a halogen 6-volt sealed-beam, like they do for the 12 volt cars...

[bob westphal]

If anyone is going to try those light bulbs' date=' I'd check the plug first. I think GM used a different prong connector than Mopar or Ford.[/quote']

In my 56 years of messing with cars I have never seen a sealed beam headlight that wouldn't exchange for any other sealed beam bulb. The only plugs that are different are the quad high beam bulbs. Here is the info from their web site.

"Direct from Europe, 7" and 5 3/4" Xenon (Bright Blue White Beam) Headlamp (headlight) replacements for your restoration or your hot rod. These high quality units are directly compatible to replace 6012, 6014, 6015, 6016, 6024 7" sealed beams (SB12X) and 5001, 5006 5 3/4" sealed beams. These sealed beams were used from approximately 1940 all the way up to the 1970' and 1980's Featuring European lead crystal precision optics with "E" Mark Certification. The "six step finish" reflector provides a precise reflecting parabola. These lamps are powered by H4 Xenon Hyper-White 60/55-watt replaceable bulb which project a hyper-white bluish beam that will outperform any standard Halogen H4 bulb. Each headlamp is equipped with a Rubber Boot to protect the optic unit from dust and moisture."

According to the pics, these bulbs have a rounded face. Off hand I don't know what the wattage of the original 6 Volt bulbs. Price: $86.50 Pr. + shipping.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Will stick with my Hella H4's (European flat face), Lucas PL7's and Cibie lamps for any improved lighting.

[Young Ed]

Tim did you manage to salvage anything off those rusted out ones?

[Plymouthy Adams]

yes...and thanks so much for them...but have not sealed them back together yet..will need to run by the auto body place for the correct 3M adhesive...found some real nice buckets as suitable donors...these will be held for my other Sunbeam Tiger...PL7's are very striking units..

I have opted for the flat Hella H4's for the 41 Dodge..contrary to one report here..have gotten quite a rave on them as the headlight doors for the Dodge really set these units off nicely..(think big and bold)..but I would agree that if I placed these on a car with very small "rings" they would look out of place for sure...the Cibies..very hard to come by...have these NIB...not sure of what car these may ultimately go on...maybe the yellow Tiger...when the original Lucas sealed beams ever burn out....

[Norm's Coupe]

In my 56 years of messing with cars I have never seen a sealed beam headlight that wouldn't exchange for any other sealed beam bulb. The only plugs that are different are the quad high beam bulbs. Here is the info from their web site.

"Direct from Europe, 7" and 5 3/4" Xenon (Bright Blue White Beam) Headlamp (headlight) replacements for your restoration or your hot rod. These high quality units are directly compatible to replace 6012, 6014, 6015, 6016, 6024 7" sealed beams (SB12X) and 5001, 5006 5 3/4" sealed beams. These sealed beams were used from approximately 1940 all the way up to the 1970' and 1980's Featuring European lead crystal precision optics with "E" Mark Certification. The "six step finish" reflector provides a precise reflecting parabola. These lamps are powered by H4 Xenon Hyper-White 60/55-watt replaceable bulb which project a hyper-white bluish beam that will outperform any standard Halogen H4 bulb. Each headlamp is equipped with a Rubber Boot to protect the optic unit from dust and moisture."

According to the pics, these bulbs have a rounded face. Off hand I don't know what the wattage of the original 6 Volt bulbs. Price: $86.50 Pr. + shipping.

Bob,

I didn't say they wouldn't fit, just to check first. However, the reason I said to check is because of the numbers. If the old standard bulbs had different numbers for different cars, why did they do that if they were all the same?? Has to be some kind of difference somewhere.

As for the bulbs in question, I wouldn't pay $90 for any set of light bulbs!

[rearview]

They list 6v 6006 bulbs for the Caddys... they *should* fit

[Plymouthy Adams]

DOT was the regulating factors on headlights..lwattage is still mandated by them but oft times ignored by those wanting brighter lights..worse thing they did in my book was go to composite/euro lighting...some of todays replacement plastic lenses are from 100 to over 300 bucks per side...lord knows you don't want to buy todays quad lighting systems..I really liked it when they went to the rectangular sealed beams, halogens, these lamps are real quality...wether you like sealed beams or the style with replacable lamps..halogens are still the better lighting for the money.

[Young Ed]

The plastic lenses are destined to wear out. Mine haven't gotten smashed or anything but after almost 14 years and 165K miles the plastic isn't as clear as it used to be so now the lights are dim. I got it back pretty good once by using some rubbing compound on them but it didn't last very long.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I effectively extend the life of the newer lenses by wet sanding the coating that was put on back off...then I use Barkeeper Freind to further clean and polish them followed by a two light coats of clear enamel...they will return to new looking condition...as this will eventually wear also..I point out the fact that "light" coats are the better way to go...these can be quickly wet sanded and then lightly coated to keep the lenses in a good optical condition.

If your lenses are not heavily deteriated..maybe the scouring powder alone will be more than enough...then clear coat..I have save many a set of lamps with this method....

[Norm's Coupe]

DOT was the regulating factors on headlights..lwattage is still mandated by them but oft times ignored by those wanting brighter lights..worse thing they did in my book was go to composite/euro lighting...some of todays replacement plastic lenses are from 100 to over 300 bucks per side...lord knows you don't want to buy todays quad lighting systems..I really liked it when they went to the rectangular sealed beams, halogens, these lamps are real quality...wether you like sealed beams or the style with replacable lamps..halogens are still the better lighting for the money.

Tim, not all cars have the plastic lens. On a trip a couple of years ago a rock made a hole in one of the lenses on my Lumina van. That's when I discovered my lenses are glass, not plastic.

You are correct on the price of those units though. Even the local salvage yard wanted about $150 for a used one when I checked. But........you can still get some deals on ebay from time to time. Picked up the whole unit for only $35 with the shipping included. It was used. When I got it, it even had all the bulbs in it and they were also good. Now, even though the lens is glass, the housing is plastic.

[Young Ed]

Tim you think spray can clear will do the job or am I looking at buying a can of clear and busting out the HVLP?

[Plymouthy Adams]

I use the ole stand by Wal-Mart rattle can bomb and go...clear enamel

[Young Ed]

Well I won't be buying mine at walmart but spray can stuff will make that a much easier project. I also have 2 sets of lenses so I can redo one and just swap

[Plymouthy Adams]

glad you have a choice of where to shop...everyone in this area is closed now and to drive all the way to next town of size, some 50 miles round trip, makes shopping stores "other than" a tad bit expensive.

[Young Ed]

benefits of living in the big city

Within about 5 minutes of driving I can go to napa welle auto pep boys bumper to bumper or checker. That doesn't even include the hardware stores that probably have clear spray paint too.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I am about 8 miles from the nearest if you want to call it hardware store...and their selection and "out of date stock" leaves a whole lot to be desired...I do however like living where I do..and I have about gotten accustomed to writing down what I need and grabbing it while up town so to speak..has taken a whole lot to get used to this might I ad..like you..I did live where everything was but a couple mintues away and competetion was so great a good deal was always found...