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Old 08-12-2017, 06:23 PM   #1
michael a
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Default Head light connection

I have taken my headlight wiring apart to remove the radiator.. I have gotten the connectors back together but I do not have any headlights. Will those connectors that hold the bullets only go in one way, or do I have them in their wrong? I guess what I am asking is what is the proper way to get them together?
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Old 08-12-2017, 07:52 PM   #2
1955cj5
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Default Re: Head light connection

The hard rubber insulator should be marked so you can get the colored wires in the correct slot. Otherwise you may have to use a little trial and error.....
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Old 08-13-2017, 06:51 AM   #3
JDupuis
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Default Re: Head light connection

I tried for years to be a purist with the Model A.
Those connectors for the headlights gave me headaches.
I resorted to butt connectors for each wire. They are hidden inside the headlight shell, so who's gonna know?
So now when I turn on my lights, they work.
Good Luck. Jeff
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Old 08-13-2017, 12:00 PM   #4
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Head light connection

I had some troubles at first, then I got all original parts ,restored them, 35 years no problems
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Old 08-13-2017, 03:09 PM   #5
sethkestenbaum
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Default Re: Head light connection

For whatever it is worth, I converted mine a while back:

https://oldcarroadtrip.wordpress.com...wn-your-house/

..... but the local model a guru decided to convert them back to the original style plunger system and futzed with it until it worked with the replacement parts he purchased. I'm not thrilled because I know that these parts are just a short waiting to happen. I like the whole bullet plug connection method. It is just a better system.

There is also a few wiring diagrams for the model A floating around. I have one blown up like a poster in the garage.
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Old 08-13-2017, 04:28 PM   #6
1955cj5
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Default Re: Head light connection

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I have this diagram...it may help..
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Old 08-13-2017, 05:28 PM   #7
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Default Re: Head light connection

The new sockets don't fit in the headlight buckets to well, But you can carefully swap out the new contacts and wires into the old sockets that fit much better. Reassemble with some bulb grease, I've had no problems for years.
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Old 08-13-2017, 08:17 PM   #8
H. L. Chauvin
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Default Re: Head light connection

Hi Michael,

Hope you got your headlights working ........ and this below "may" or "may not" be your problem.

However, this is just one (1) past experience maybe for others in the future having problems with: ............ Head Light Socket Connections.

For over 20 years on Model A Forums, and with constant complaining about poor reproduction Model A headlight connectors; plus constant crying about not being able to find "original" headlight connectors anymore at swap meets, about ten (10) years ago, during restoration, I called Mr. Walt Bratton at Bratton's to ask what he thought.

Told him all the stories about headlight socket complaints where many were recommending direct wiring and forgetting about original connectors.

Ten (10) years ago he said he did not understand why this was so because for the past seven (7) years, (now from seventeen (17) to ten (10) years ago), he sold lots of headlight connectors and nobody ever complained ..... not even one (1) time.

I ordered a pair from Mr. Bratton ten (10) years ago and they worked great.

Here ten (10) years later they still work great.

From lots of past experiences trying to buy with almost everyone, Bratton's has often gone the extra mile to "constantly" search and "constantly" stock "only" the very best of the best and the most original parts in lieu of some of the cheap "me too" off the wall crap other Model A parts places offer.

In my opinion, when one hears reports that certain parts are questionable, one should never be afraid or hesitate to call the "owner" about his quality of particular parts.

Last edited by H. L. Chauvin; 08-13-2017 at 08:20 PM. Reason: typo
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Old 08-13-2017, 10:57 PM   #9
Art Newland
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Default Re: Head light connection

When I bought my coupe 1.5 years ago, it had an old sealed beam conversion. I bought all the parts to convert back to stock from Bratton's... so far so good.
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Old 08-13-2017, 11:37 PM   #10
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: Head light connection

"Sometimes" PANIC is the Mother of INVENTION!!
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Old 08-14-2017, 02:19 AM   #11
H. L. Chauvin
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Default Re: Head light connection

Hi Art,

As with anything in life, politicians, dictators, and Model A Forum members know if anything is said often enough by enough of the revered know-it-all Forum Members, B.S. can easily become a devout Model A Religion that most Forum members will follow.

Martin Luther is a true hero among many today for upsetting the apple cart in the right direction.

After reporting my conversion with Mr. Bratton, the heads light connector B.S. religion was declared by many as Heresy.

I really do not care if it helps others overcome (20) years of Forum B.S.

Last edited by H. L. Chauvin; 08-14-2017 at 02:24 AM. Reason: typo
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