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09-14-2011, 06:31 AM | #1 |
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Sealed Beam Headlights
How many amps should a pair of 6 volt sealed beams draw? High & low beams?
Mine seem to peg my original amp meter to -20. Should I use a -30/+30 meter? I have the third brush set for about 10 amps at about 1500 rpms and it drops down to around 0 to +2 at idle with nothing on. Thanks for any advice. Pete Last edited by Pete / MA; 09-14-2011 at 07:59 AM. |
09-14-2011, 08:14 AM | #2 |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
If you divide the total wattage of the bulbs by the voltage, the result is the current draw. Example if you have 2 x 75 watt bulbs, the total is 150 watts. Then 150w divided by 6v is 25 Amps. This doesn't include the requirement for the tail lights.
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09-14-2011, 08:20 AM | #3 |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
I don't have a current draw figure handy, but I can tell you that the headlight circuit on my '41 De Soto is fused with a 30-amp SFE fuse.
I think most traditional 6-volt sealed-beams are rated at 50 watts / 40 watts on hi-beam / lo beam, respectively. Also, most cars & trucks built after about 1930 have ammeters that read to 30 amps +/-. |
09-14-2011, 08:41 AM | #4 |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
It was never intended that there be a + charge with the lights on, just that more was being put into the battery than was taken out, the charge rate that is needed is one that keeps the battery charged during the cars long term operation ---discharge at night, more charge during daylight to make up for night operation.
I had seal beams in the car when I got it, and my 46 had them, then I had 50 cp bulbs (had to crank up the charge rate to get them to be bright) then at a rainey Hershey I found some direct fit Halogen bulbs --it was a miracle, much better than anything I had tried, I could cut back the charge rate, and the most surprising was there was almost no perceptable change at idle when the generator was not charging. With the headlamps and 2 tail lights the draw is only 14 amps --not a pegged ammeter like with seal beams or 50 cp bulbs. You don't need to change your ammeter, you don't need a + charge all the time , just more + time than - time , with a good battery you can drive all night ---as long as you drive enough during the day to make up for it. |
09-14-2011, 09:16 AM | #5 |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
With sealed beams and a VR I get about -2 amps low beam at normal driving speeds. Third brush was set about midway when I set up the VR. Kurt, I didn't know the Halogen bulbs pulled that much less amps. Good to know. Now I need some good reflectors.
Pete |
09-14-2011, 12:07 PM | #6 |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
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09-14-2011, 04:27 PM | #7 |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
I would be interested in those low draw halogens. I found LBCC on-line but they have a lot of bulbs. You wouldn't happen to know which ones they are, would you.
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09-14-2011, 05:02 PM | #8 |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
Give them a call.You will be talking to Jeff Zorn,when you tell him they are for an A he will know what base you need.I have the number for the bulbs I bought,but I seem to remember he told somebody else he was selling an improved model of the number I have.They never used to have a website,must be fairly new.
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09-14-2011, 05:09 PM | #9 |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
Thanks Keith. That sure sounds like the way to go. The sealed beams make the car look a little bug eyed.
Pete |
09-16-2011, 12:19 PM | #10 |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
The folks at Little British Car Co. were very helpful, but HOLY COW! those bulbs are $41.34 each. Before I spend that kind of money I want to do a little more research to ensure that they are notably better/different than the halogens that MACs and Brattons have for about $27.00.
For those willing to pay for the extra oomph, LBCC did have a 50 watt, which I don't see on either MACs or Brattons. They claim that the 50 is okay with generators. Their website is www.lbcarco.com. The part numbers appear below. 170-755H 6v 35/35 Ba15d Bayonet Generator 170-757H 6v 50/35 Ba15d Bayonet Generator Me...I'm going to go back to polishing my reflectors.
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09-16-2011, 12:36 PM | #11 | |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
Quote:
Last edited by Paul from Maine; 09-16-2011 at 12:42 PM. |
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09-16-2011, 12:39 PM | #12 |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
I find that these new bulbs are a danger to on coming traffic. I know they blind me an have nearly caused me to run off of the road. Polish your reflectors and enjoy your
A, thats what I do and see no need to improve lighting and blind others. |
09-17-2011, 07:01 AM | #13 |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
Thanks for all the feedback.
My truck had original (28/29) plated headlights that were pretty well gone. I came across a pair of (30/31) SS headlights that had already been converted to 6V sealed beams and fit my budget so they will do for now. Thanks again, next I'll research EVRs. Pete |
04-24-2018, 12:02 PM | #14 | |
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Re: Sealed Beam Headlights
Quote:
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