37 headlight question

[mark180]

I recently inherited my dad's 37 Tudor. It was his first car! It's very cool to keep it in the family.

When he had it restored he had halogen headlights put in. One was walleyed and one was cross eyed. I got them straightened out, but notice that there is a lot of light scatter. From what I've read here it's because the halogen light isn't at the focal point of the mirror. I'd like to switch back to regular bulbs. How do I get the mirror in the correct position fore and aft? Would I find this in a service bulletin?

Thanks for any help. I'll have many more questions as I drive her more!

Mark

[TonyM]

The 1937 Ford Owner's Manual has instructions on how to set the headlights.
That would be a stock set up.

[DICK SPADARO]

First you must check to see if the original reflector retainers are in place, These are circular rings with legs that have adjustment alignment screws attached. They hold the reflector in position as well as reference the light beam correctly. If you have these then you are good to go to purchase a new set of reflectors to use with the original style sockets. Original style reflectors may be harder to get but you may find some NOS or good used originals. Stay away from any that have the silver plate excessively tarnished as this stuff doesn't clean well. If you cant find any you may have to have some originals resilvered. NOS pigtails are found on E auction or you can put a wanted on this web Swap meet.

[mark180]

Thanks for the help!

Mark

[felix37]

I found that the stock lenses did not work when I converted to Halogens. I purchased Julianos 37 lenses for halogen lights and it was a night and day difference.
If you plan to drive your car a bunch. I would recommend keeping your Halogens.

[mark180]

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Felix,

Thanks. I didn't know they had different lenses for halogen lights.

[blucar]

The original reflector type of lens have prisms that are designed for the common '36-39 Ford, and generally most other vehicles, of "pre-focused bulbs"..
Several of the after market vendors make lens' for the '37-39 Fords that either have no prisms or have prisms designed for halogen lights..
There have been numerous threads posted here on the Barn about the pros and cons of converting stock headlights to halogen in lieu of bulb/reflector based systems..