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Old 11-09-2016, 08:39 PM   #21
Capt Quahog
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Default Re: cowell lights

Back in the 1960s, much of my spare time was spent skulking around ancient barns and other dark places looking for pre-war Fords. Many of the Model A cars found then had been long before retro-fitted with "sealed beam" headlights. Abandonment of the original Mazda bulb type headlights through into the 1950s looks to have been a popular upgrade. Along with "juice brake" conversions, the headlight upgrade was considered a "safety" issue for then modern day driving.

Acquired a crisp driver 1929 Ford tudor in year 1970 that had sealed beam replacement headlights mounted. It was easy then to purchase an excellent complete set of original headlights at the antique car flea market for $15. Remember old timers in those days being mortified that we young goofballs would be so crazy as to strip off those modern style beams and reinstall primitive original lighting with the crude reflectors and bulbs.

Have driven Model A Ford cars many hundreds of miles over the decades. All had original type headlight sets with the bulbs. With decent reflectors and correctly adjusted beam, those lights suited my needs and functioned as intended. Nowadays, the 31' Ford is used for local runs to hardware store and occasional weekend yard sale cruising.

Then too . . . with the setup on our car, it's probably possible to install LED bulbs for the full HEADLIGHTS and leave both COWL and PARKING LAMPS as old style bulbs.
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Last edited by Capt Quahog; 11-09-2016 at 08:51 PM.
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Old 11-10-2016, 10:34 AM   #22
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Default Re: cowell lights

It's true that the Model A is an American Idol, but you might want to change the title to the correct spelling-Cowl Lights. Of course, your way certainly gets more attention.
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Old 11-10-2016, 10:57 PM   #23
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Default Re: cowell lights

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Originally Posted by Licensed to kill View Post
Likely a stupid question but what was the intended purpose of the cowell lights?
To keep Simon's name out there.
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Old 11-11-2016, 04:20 PM   #24
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Default Re: cowell lights

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Originally Posted by CT Jack View Post
I have my cowl lights on a seperate hidden toggle switch under the dash. I also have them as my front turn signal lights. I had to do this because of the unpredictable shorting problem with the poorly made aftermarket light switch assembly. The cowl lights have LED's in them making them very visible.
What did you use for LED's?

I am currently using the parking lamps for both directional and parking lights. I looked before and could not find an LED to work.
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Old 11-11-2016, 05:01 PM   #25
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Default Re: cowell lights

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What did you use for LED's?

I am currently using the parking lamps for both directional and parking lights. I looked before and could not find an LED to work.
Snyders:

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/led-cowl-lamp-lens
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Old 11-11-2016, 11:28 PM   #26
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For a good selection of LED lights try http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com/. They are located in the UK and are not inexpensive but they have the best selection I have found for classic cars.
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Old 11-12-2016, 10:32 AM   #27
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Default Re: cowell lights

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Yes, I saw that but it was for only 12 V, I have 6 V.
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Old 11-12-2016, 05:47 PM   #28
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Default Re: cowell lights

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Originally Posted by Pomeroy41144 View Post
On Model A cars how do the Cowl Lights function?

Are the Cowl Lights illuminated separately with their own switch?

Or do they operate in conjunction with the Park Lights?

How did they function originally, right out of the factory?

The post above did not really clear it up for me.
cowl lights ARE turned on with seperate switch.
Cowl lamps were standard on the Town Car. They were offered on all other body styles at Ford. The cowl wiring had a SWITCH mounted system. the switch was part A13335 and the cowl light switch wiring assy was part A14429. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LA

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Old 11-13-2016, 03:14 AM   #29
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Default Re: cowell lights

Just 'cause I wanted to, my pickup has cowl lights. They are wired to be on (dim) any time any lights are on, and to flash bright for turn signals or emergency flashers.
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Old 11-25-2016, 10:51 PM   #30
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Default Re: cowell lights

"cowl wiring had a SWITCH mounted system. the switch was part A13335 "

Where was this switch mounted ?
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Old 11-26-2016, 12:41 AM   #31
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Default Re: cowell lights

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Originally Posted by Lowell Fast View Post
"cowl wiring had a SWITCH mounted system. the switch was part A13335 "

Where was this switch mounted ?
I saw the answer to that about a year ago, and wonder if it wasn't in the SERVICE BULLETINS?
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Old 09-06-2017, 06:38 PM   #32
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Default Re: cowell lights

Could you get cowl lights from the factory on a 1930 pickup?
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Old 09-07-2017, 09:38 AM   #33
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Default Re: cowell lights

Pretty sure the selling dealer would have that job and not the assembly line. The line must keep moving without interruptions. Just an opinion.
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Old 09-07-2017, 09:58 AM   #34
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Default Re: cowell lights

MY 31 town sedan has a big rear seat.
When I was in HS many years ago I used the A when I went on dates.

You figure out why they call them parking lights!
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Old 09-07-2017, 11:37 PM   #35
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Default Re: cowell lights

Quote:
Originally Posted by Licensed to kill View Post
Likely a stupid question but what was the intended purpose of the cowell lights?
Cowl lights were to produce enough light to park your car without shining the main and much brighter headlights into on coming traffic as you parallel parked your car.
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Old 09-08-2017, 01:03 AM   #36
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Default Re: cowell lights

I have mine wired to come on any time the headlights are on. I just like the way they light up the front of the vehicle.
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