The Ford Barn

Tom Cavallaro · 10-11-2015, 12:00 PM

what is the focus screw actually doing? Trying to adjust my headlights as described in the book, but just before they make the shape needed, the screw comes loose should I try a longer screw..? Help....can't see at night!
Tom

Kevin in NJ · 10-11-2015, 12:16 PM

The screw moves the position of the filamit to the focal point of the reflector.

Reproduction parts and/or a poorly made bulb will cause problems.

The usefulness of the headlamp hinges on proper focus. The light needs to pointed in the right direction. So it is important to get the pieces of the head lamp functioning as they need to for best lights.

Mitch//pa · 10-11-2015, 12:22 PM

buy the new aluminum reflectors from Brattons the best on the market
as good as restored originals if not better IMO

Bob C · 10-11-2015, 01:10 PM

Also if your filaments aren't V shaped they won't focus.

Bob

2manycars · 10-11-2015, 03:28 PM

The chrome plated reflectors that were available for the past several years will not fosus properly.

Y-Blockhead · 10-11-2015, 03:51 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob C

Also if your filaments aren't V shaped they won't focus.

Bob

Bob, First time I have ever seen that mentioned. Good to know, thanks. Pretty sure none I have bought are like that.

Don't mean to highjack but since we're on headlights... the bulb 'pins' are equal how do you determine which way the bulb goes in? I honestly can not tell the difference when looking at the bulb when it's lighted. It almost looks like both filiments are burning... but I've checked the wiring. And now all I see is spots anyway...

BILL WILLIAMSON · 10-11-2015, 05:05 PM

Tom W. sez to use a welding helmet, to see which filament is doing WHAT??
Mitch mentioned those reflectors that are junk, it's because they are shaped like a funnel. The NEWER, BETTER ones are shaped more like a WOMANS' BREAST, for the lack of a better, more scientific explanation. YES, I'm a TITTY admirer!
Bill W.

Bob C · 10-11-2015, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Bob, First time I have ever seen that mentioned. Good to know, thanks. Pretty sure none I have bought are like that.

Don't mean to highjack but since we're on headlights... the bulb 'pins' are equal how do you determine which way the bulb goes in? I honestly can not tell the difference when looking at the bulb when it's lighted. It almost looks like both filiments are burning... but I've checked the wiring. And now all I see is spots anyway...

Take a look at this link, especially post #8. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ight=headlight

Bob

BILL WILLIAMSON · 10-11-2015, 07:41 PM

Bob C, Remember the welding helmet idea.
When I just woke up from LaLa Land this A.M, I saw SPOTS! It was Buster T.!
Bill W.

Y-Blockhead · 10-11-2015, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Cavallaro

what is the focus screw actually doing? Trying to adjust my headlights as described in the book, but just before they make the shape needed, the screw comes loose should I try a longer screw..? Help....can't see at night!
Tom

Tom beware of using a longer screw, you can screw in too far, even with the stock length screw and touch the wires on the back of the socket. Then BAD things will happen.

Y-Blockhead · 10-11-2015, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob C

Take a look at this link, especially post #8. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ight=headlight

Bob

Thanks for the link Bob. Big help.

10-11-2015, 12:00 PM	#1
Tom Cavallaro Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Barrington, NJ Posts: 280	Headlamps... what is the focus screw actually doing? Trying to adjust my headlights as described in the book, but just before they make the shape needed, the screw comes loose should I try a longer screw..? Help....can't see at night! Tom __________________ I work very hard to avoid all and any mistakes. I thought I made a mistake once, but I was wrong.

10-11-2015, 12:16 PM	#2
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: Headlamps... The screw moves the position of the filamit to the focal point of the reflector. Reproduction parts and/or a poorly made bulb will cause problems. The usefulness of the headlamp hinges on proper focus. The light needs to pointed in the right direction. So it is important to get the pieces of the head lamp functioning as they need to for best lights.

10-11-2015, 03:28 PM	#5
2manycars Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern CT Posts: 2,732	Re: Headlamps... The chrome plated reflectors that were available for the past several years will not fosus properly.

10-11-2015, 05:05 PM	#7
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Headlamps... Tom W. sez to use a welding helmet, to see which filament is doing WHAT?? Mitch mentioned those reflectors that are junk, it's because they are shaped like a funnel. The NEWER, BETTER ones are shaped more like a WOMANS' BREAST, for the lack of a better, more scientific explanation. YES, I'm a TITTY admirer! Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

10-11-2015, 07:41 PM	#9
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Headlamps... Bob C, Remember the welding helmet idea. When I just woke up from LaLa Land this A.M, I saw SPOTS! It was Buster T.! Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"