1934 headlights

[bjk2dr]

How can I get brighter headlights & still keep the stock '34 look and keep my stock 6 volt system? Does anybody still re-silver the original reflectors?

[JSeery]

re-silver would be one approach, another would be to install relays (hidden from view). Improved or additional grounds would also help.

[Kurt in NJ]

I put direct fit halogen bulbs in my A, better than seal beams, the 35 watt bulbs are ok with the generator too

[bjk2dr]

Where can they be purchased?

[Kurt in NJ]

I got mine at Hershey about 15 years ago ---I stop and talk to Anthony most every year

http://www.classicandvintagebulbs.com/

[jimTN]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

1. Better ground. 2. Relay 3. Refinish reflective surface 4. Halogen bulbs (I had to go to a 6v alt to power them)

[Floyd]

If you are concerned about the reflector, then they probably need to be "re-silvered". Actually the best performance is obtained from an electro-deposition of aluminum.
I do not believe in adding a relay to any of these old Fords that have the switch mounted at the end of the steering column. (Model A up to 39). Reason being is that switch has heavy duty contacts and wire and is in a direct path to the headlights. This setup is very efficient. What is a relay going to do here? On the later cars where the light switch is dash mounted than a relay makes sense.
If redoing the reflectors does not give you the desired results, the next step is halogen bulbs. This can open up a can of worms as the focal point may be changed and not provide good concentrated beam. In any event, do not use the easily available 6 V halogen bulbs as they usually are 50 watt or greater. Find the 35 watt bulbs. This may be hard to do but are available and not cheap. . 35 watt will allow you to use your existing generator.
Just my opinion I am a 6 Volt guy

[bjk2dr]

Thanks Floyd for your time & possible solution to my problem.
Ken

[Kurt in NJ]

My reflectors are not perfect, they are original ford that were resilvered 45 yearts ago, it's best to use cork gaskets, rubber gives off sulfer fumes that tarnish silver

http://www.gus-stories.org/august_1925.htm

http://www.gus-stories.org/august_1934.htm

2 interesting storys that could help you

[Karl]

Originally Posted by Floyd

If you are concerned about the reflector, then they probably need to be "re-silvered". Actually the best performance is obtained from an electro-deposition of aluminum.
I do not believe in adding a relay to any of these old Fords that have the switch mounted at the end of the steering column. (Model A up to 39). Reason being is that switch has heavy duty contacts and wire and is in a direct path to the headlights. This setup is very efficient. What is a relay going to do here? On the later cars where the light switch is dash mounted than a relay makes sense.
If redoing the reflectors does not give you the desired results, the next step is halogen bulbs. This can open up a can of worms as the focal point may be changed and not provide good concentrated beam. In any event, do not use the easily available 6 V halogen bulbs as they usually are 50 watt or greater. Find the 35 watt bulbs. This may be hard to do but are available and not cheap. . 35 watt will allow you to use your existing generator.
Just my opinion I am a 6 Volt guy

My lights where appalling when I first got my 1934 . First I checked all grounds, then I focussed and aligned the lights , then I installed a relay and then I installed 6v 35 W halogen bulbs from Anthony. Each step improved the lights but the relay made the most difference (dramatically increasing the lights) followed by the halogen bulbs . Karl

[jacob smith]

Thanks for this contact I just ordered a set of new halogen bulbs for my 36