6 Volt , positive ground,LED, 7 inch Headlights for 49-51 Ford

[pebo va]

Has anyone been able to find 6 volt, positive ground, 7 inch LED headlights to fit a '49-53 stock Ford? I have tried 2 suppliers and neither of lights they supplied worked.

[Fritz]

I searched about a year ago and also came up empty. The only solution I found was if you used Hella 7” halogen conversion headlight housings and fitted led headlight bulbs in them. However, the Hella housings are built for European standards and don’t have US DOT beam patterns (if you live in the US). I also don’t trust 6v led bulbs. Every 6v bulb I’ve had has failed quickly. I don’t think the market for them is large enough to build them with quality. Also note how many household led bulbs fail.

I ended up using electrical advice from Hella and installed relays in my headlight circuit, making my 6v headlights as bright as modern cars. The relays save your switches too, as a fraction of the amps are pulled through them.

[pebo va]

That sounds like a much better solution to dim 6 volt headlights. Where can I get the proper relays, how many are needed, and where are they added to the circuit. Is there a diagram for this adjustment?

[Merc Cruzer]

Read through this prior post.. It worked for me.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...22#post1796222

[Fritz]

Make sure you have good grounds as well. And good ground cables.

Here is the Bosch 6v relay. It’s the best quality 6v relay I know of. Part number 0986AH0611
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bch-0986ah0611

And the diagram I found from the late Fordbarn member jseery:

[pebo va]

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To Fritz and Merc Cruiser--Many thanks! I now will get to work to make the conversion!

[51woodie]

The jseery setup I what I used on my '46, and it works great!

[jplutz]

Greetings,
I have been trying to put led"s in my 52, but so far none of them work, 2 different brands and styles. My std headlites are dim! The relay info looks promising. Where do the relays mount, in the engine compartment or under the dash? Does anything have to be done to the headlite switch, or is everything off of the dimmer? Thanks in advance. BTW I downloaded the wiring diagram, and the relays are only $12.xx at summit. JP Lutz

[Merc Cruzer]

I don't have relays for my headlights, for in 53' LED converted Merc. No need, the power draw, is way less, than with conventional sealed beams. They run directly off of the switch. My conversion (post #4), has been in the car for 5 years now, with no issues.

[Ol' Ron]

If you have a 6 volte car and plant to keep it for a while, I suggest you convert it to 12v neg ground and install an Altinator. I also suggest you instal an in tank fuel pump and eliminate the stock fan, replaced ny electric. This may cost quite afew bucks and time. Spread alot some it might not hurt as much, The reaso I suggest this is to keep you from askinf allot of questions on the Barn. Remember, it's just a suggestion.

[farmertom]

Pebo VA,try LEDLight.com for classic car led sealed beam bulbs.iv'e bought led bulbs for my '37 fordor. Tom.

[Fritz]

LEDs have worked for people, like Merc Cruzer. They do have much less current draw.

If you prefer to use the old fashioned sealed beams like me, the relays are safer than stock wiring, and work very well. The idea is to take the load off the switches and to reduce the resistance built up in long stretches of headlight wiring.

So, the wiring should not be longer than it has to be. I mounted mine on a bracket in the engine bay using an existing hole on the inner fender. It made for a tidy install near the headlight wiring.

Be sure to check your grounds and battery and engine ground cables too. Heavy 00 gauge ground cables make a big difference.