12v Halogen Convertion Review

[Bursonaw]

I am looking to upgrade my 1936 Ford Roadster with 12V halogen headlights. There are several different suppliers, Bob Drake, CW Moss plus others. The pictures from Bob Drake shows a different style refector than the other suppliers and they also claim that theres works better than the others. Does anyone have any reviews on this conversion and if the a Bob Drake kit is truly better than the other kits?

[Brian]

Best bet is to get bulbs with the 'American pre-focused' base as original bulbs have, and use original reflectors.

[Kahuna]

I have the new Drake reflectors and halogen light kit in my 32 headlights. They are the best headlights ever, in my view.
I have a 45 amp alternator.
I have no idea what is available for the 36 stuff

[blucar]

As a general rule the halogen conversions do not work well with original lens.. The prizums in the lens are made for a pre-focused bulb, halogen bulbs are not pre-focused.
The halogen bulbs put out a lot of light, however, the light is not directed onto the road.
I found this out the hard way on my '39, ruined a perfect set of reflectors modifying then for the halogen bulb holders. Had to get another set of reflectors plated.

[41PICUP]

Don't know about the others, but I installed the Bob Drake conversion in our 36 Fordor. Made quite a difference, happy I did it.

[bbrocksr]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by Bursonaw

I am looking to upgrade my 1936 Ford Roadster with 12V halogen headlights. There are several different suppliers, Bob Drake, CW Moss plus others. The pictures from Bob Drake shows a different style refector than the other suppliers and they also claim that theres works better than the others. Does anyone have any reviews on this conversion and if the a Bob Drake kit is truly better than the other kits?

I got Drakes in my 36 pickup, I like them.
Bill

[gmanrides]

I used Juliano's aerobrite on my 35, Not cheap but very bright!

[blucar]

I think that the main point about how well halogen conversions work with original headlight lens, is what kind of road conditions the vehicle is driven on.
As I have stated in my earlier contribution to this topic, the halogen put out a lot of light, however, it is poor directed. In general city driving the halogens work well, however, on rural roads, with poor or no street lighting, it a whole different story.

[Bursonaw]

All great points! It will be interesting to see what comes out for LED lights. They are even brighter, but only emit light in a narrow frequency band of white light. This means that reflective colors from other objects may be harder to see at night. I know some of the new cars have them for headlights. Thanks for everyone's comments, your input has been helpful.

Tony

[Talkwrench]

I just rewired for some relays high and low put in the direct replacement APF halogen globes as Brian said, it's a lot of light! As mentioned perhaps not directed to well because of the lenses . I'm probably blinding people just on low beam .
I have a 12 volt alternator setup.