39 Std. headlights.

[FIEND42]

Looking for a picture of the bulb, socket and reflector install on an original 39 Std. I have a 39 Std. coupe, but never had the original parts. I just had a bad day trying to assemble the after market bulb and socket pieces. Both cheap junk metal and poor quality. How did this work in 39? Certainly with more substantial parts or? The reflector is between the bulb and socket? The bulb slips under the brass nipples, which means you have to twist the bulb? The first twist and the glass bulb separated from the base. Anyone have a story or info? Thanks. John

[JSeery]

Does the illustration help any?

[ford38v8]

John, "37 - '39 Standard were alike but for the lens, which changed in '38. The bulb can't be simply twisted in and out without putting pressure against it due to the spring loaded locking receptacle. Even then, corrosion can easily cause a separation of glass and base.

You may have discovered by now, but the original bulbs were 32-32. Advise upgrade to 50-32 for a brighter light. I also used tin foil to line my buckets, and insured all bullet connectors were clean and slobbered with grease. A really good improvement would be to run the circuit to a relay directly behind the radiator, powered by a heavy gauge feed.

[FIEND42]

Thanks for the replies. I would love to see someone put the bulb, socket and reflector together out of the car, on a bench. the picture shows the junk I had to work with. It took two of us and a lot of fingers to get this together without the reflector. The socket base couldn't be made cheaper and the ring on the bulb base is foil thin and flimsy. The bulb that twisted apart was new. The second socket fell apart as it is not very securely attached at the base. Well, rant over, back to work, good luck all. BUY AMERICAN....if you can?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by FIEND42

Thanks for the replies. I would love to see someone put the bulb, socket and reflector together out of the car, on a bench. the picture shows the junk I had to work with. It took two of us and a lot of fingers to get this together without the reflector. The socket base couldn't be made cheaper and the ring on the bulb base is foil thin and flimsy. The bulb that twisted apart was new. The second socket fell apart as it is not very securely attached at the base. Well, rant over, back to work, good luck all. BUY AMERICAN....if you can?

Yep, as you found the repop sockets are poopy. Even when I replace the wiring, I solder in authentic sockets.

[RalphG]

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Be careful twisting those bulbs out with bare hands. I had one break in my hand years ago and it was literally a bloody painful experience. I use a short piece of heater hose which fits most smaller bulbs and that gives a good grip on the bulb with less chance of it breaking in your hands.

[JSeery]

FIEND42, have you consider acquiring original sockets? Might try ebay, etc.

[V12Bill]

On my 1939 pick up, I had a heck of a time trying to get the after market sockets in place. I bought a set of NOS sockets and there was next to no problem at all.