1931 Model A Headlights

[bobbersax]

I am looking for Headlamps for my 31 Model A Tudor that is currently a Standard but converting over to a 'Deluxe'


In researching, I have found that the headlamps for the A's came with either 1 bulb or 2 bulbs depending upon if the car had cowl lamps. Is this correct?


Also, I am going to install turn signals during the restoration process and using the cowl lights and tail lights for the turn signals rather than buying the light inserts and putting them in the bumpers.


Any suggestions from any of you that have done this? Should I get the two bulb lamp headlights and just utilize the cowl lamps for turn signals or can they function as turn signals as well as cowl lamps?


Last, how do the reproduction headlamps look from Snyder's, MAC, etc. with the Ford Script?


Thx -


Bob

[Bob C]

You don't need to change the head lights, if the extra bulb socket bothers you
just change the reflectors.


Bob

[Patrick L.]

I use both the cowls and parks along with LED rears as turn signals. If higher [10] CP front bulbs are used the thermal [535] flasher will work.

I have a 31 STD that has been 'deluxeified' and planning someday to reverse that.

[Charlie Stephens]

I am looking for Headlamps for my 31 Model A Tudor that is currently a Standard but converting over to a 'Deluxe' ANS: IF YOU HAVE THE STANDARD HEADLIGHTS ALL YOU NEED TO CHANGE IS THE REFLECTORS AND WIRING. NOTE THAT BRATTON'S FORD PARTS, (301) 829-9880 HAS THE BEST REFLECTORS AND I DON'T KNOW IF THEY HAVE RELEASED THEM TO OTHER SUPPLIERS. WHY NOT JUST LEAVE THE 2 BULB REFLECTORS IN THE HEADLIGHTS, NOBODY WILL NOTICE.


In researching, I have found that the headlamps for the A's came with either 1 bulb or 2 bulbs depending upon if the car had cowl lamps. Is this correct? ANS: CORRECT


Also, I am going to install turn signals during the restoration process and using the cowl lights and tail lights for the turn signals rather than buying the light inserts and putting them in the bumpers. ANS: SHOULD WORK, I DON"T LIKE THE WAY THE LIGHT INSERTS IN THE BUMPERS LOOK. YOU MIGHT CONSIDER USING PERIOD DRIVING LIGHTS ATTACHED TO THE BUMPER AS TURN SIGNALS (SEE PICTURE, BUT WITH CLEAR LENSES AND COLORED BULBS).


Any suggestions from any of you that have done this? Should I get the two bulb lamp headlights and just utilize the cowl lamps for turn signals or can they function as turn signals as well as cowl lamps? ANS: THAT IS YOUR DECISION


Last, how do the reproduction headlamps look from Snyder's, MAC, etc. with the Ford Script?
ANS: I HAVEN'T SEEN THEM.


Thx -


Bob

[Badpuppy]

Simplest method is 2-bulb headlamps with the cowls dedicated to turn signals. Biggest bulb that fits in the cowl is G-6 size which limits you to 10CP from the vendors, but that's probably enough. A 12-SMD LED bulb will squeeze behind the lens and is brighter.

For a 6 volt system use a thermal flasher and at least one pair of incandescent bulbs. For 12V use an electronic flasher with LED bulbs. I don't like the available 6V e-flashers, but that's just me.

I also recommend using the brake lamps for turn signals instead of the tails; more visible.

Some have added a separate switch in parallel with the TS for parking lights, but this makes them either too bright for park or too dim for turns.

[Cape Codder]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have my turn signals in the bumpers both front and rear and are LED.

The reason I did this is I feel that putting them in the Cowl Lights are not bright enough for others to see and I don't know of an LED light that fits the cowl light.

That being said if I had to do it over again I would install the Stalk turn signal rather then what I have which is a little box attached by magnet to the gas tank with two small buttons. I did this because I was convinced there are no moving parts in the little box.

Just my experience and opinion.

[Badpuppy]

Originally Posted by Cape Codder

I don't know of an LED light that fits the cowl light.

I have amber LEDs similar to these in my cowl lamps -

https://www.amazon.com/BA15S-12smd-R...b%2Bba15s&th=1

They barely fit, and put out about 21 CP, I'd say.

Most of this type bulb are negative ground, so make sure they are "ac/dc" or "non-polar" if you have + ground. The ones I bought didn't say, but I lucked out.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by bobbersax

I am looking for Headlamps for my 31 Model A Tudor that is currently a Standard but converting over to a 'Deluxe'

I am going to install turn signals during the restoration process and using the cowl lights and tail lights for the turn signals rather than buying the light inserts and putting them in the bumpers.


Any suggestions from any of you that have done this? Should I get the two bulb lamp headlights and just utilize the cowl lamps for turn signals or can they function as turn signals as well as cowl lamps?

Thx -

Bob

I use the second light in my headlight reflector for my turn signals. You can just see the amber bulb in the picture.

[Kurt in NJ]

if you use the second bulb in the headlight for the turn signal how is it seen when the headlights are on?

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

if you use the second bulb in the headlight for the turn signal how is it seen when the headlights are on?

Because it's amber??

[w.michael]

Cape Codder mentioned "a little box attached by magnet to the gas tank with two small buttons." That is the system I currently have on my car. I like the system very much, and it operates very well, but I don't like the "two small buttons." I installed this system to replace my old turn signals which had the large chrome lever behind the spark lever. I thought the extra lever looked really bad, and was a little difficult to reach because it was so close to the spark lever. After using both, I wish I had the lever back, to work with the better electronic system of "small buttons." With the lever, I could activate the turn signals and cancel the turn signals without taking my eyes off the road. I could work the lever by feel, not sight. With the buttons, I have to look down to activate the signals, and look down again to cancel the signals. It takes more than a quick glance.

I wish the maker of the "two little buttons" system would make a lever that activated the brains of the button system.

In short, my suggestion is you may want a turn signal lever instead of some out-of-the way switches of some type for your turn signals.

W. Michael

[Badpuppy]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

I use the second light in my headlight reflector for my turn signals. You can just see the amber bulb in the picture.

That's another option, but wiring the cowl lamps dedicated to TS is easier.

I'm guessing you have a 12V system; I haven't found a 6V amber bulb anywhere (except LEDs).