Headlights

[KarlJS]

I have a 39’ 1/2 ton truck with no headlights. I ordered p/n 48-13027-q12ts from Mac’s and they don’t know if they will ever get them in stock. Wondering what my options are? 78-13027-q12ts is the wrong diameter. Thanks

[swoopNZ]

Post a wanted ad here on the Ford barn or on the HAMB.
Bound to be few around for sale.

[Tinker]

Pretty sure they run from 36 cars to 39 trucks. Try ebay. Be direct in what you want. Buckets, lenses, etc.

[oldandtired]

KarlJS... The 39 half-ton uses the same headlight bucket as the 35 passenger car as well as the same headlight lens and reflector. According to my parts book, the 13027 part number is the single socket headlight reflector used from 32-34 with both an A&B depending upon passenger or commercial. They also made a 2 socket in 32-34 that caries a B 13028 or 40-13028 part number. The parts book shows 48-13028 as the correct 2 bulb reflector for 35 passenger car and 35-39 pickups and trucks. Macs has the correct headlight reflector listed on their website. It is their item number 32-15188-1 with OEM Part number 48-13028. They are $39.99 each. They are not open so I did not call to see if they are in stock. If not, I have some originals I had re-silvered several years ago still in the plastic they were shipped back to me in. I believe I also have some NOS ones as well as some OEM used ones. If you purchase used ones make sure all of the mounting tabs for the retainer clips are intact. If your buckets have the OEM clips, if they are usable make sure you keep them and reuse them. The aftermarket ones sometimes have fit issues.

[KarlJS]

I’m new to flatheads. By mistake I ordered the smaller diameter headlights from Mac’s. Returned them for the correct ones (48-13027-q6) but they are now sure if they will ever get them in stock. I purchased lens and chrome rings already, just need reflectors (I think). Any help would be appreciated on what I exactly need.

[blucar]

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I wonder? Are you trying to restore the truck to as new condition or as a good driver.
If you just want a good driver with safe, easy to maintain lights go with sealed beams. There are several sealed beam conversions available that will fit the original Ford buckets, or you can use the Guide style with the parking light on top.

[KarlJS]

Just making a rusty old truck stop and start. But would like to have some working headlights

[KarlJS]

Oldandtired. Mac’s shows p/n 40-13028. $30.99 (2 bulb, 8-3/4” od) and in stock. So I simply need a pair of reflectors, lens to bucket gaskets and bulb sockets? Makes sense till I look at the bulb sockets.

[GaryU.]

Make sure to get original type bulb sockets. There are new ones out there that come complete with wires and they are complete garbage.

[deuce lover]

Since you are not far from The Early Ford Store (San Dimas),go see what he has.He sells the same stuff Mac's has.Avoid the repo sockets they are a waste of money and Garbage as Gary states.


Careful the 40 prefix part number is 1933-34.They will not fit the '35-39 commercial head light buckets.

[JM 35 Sedan]

I think the original, or latest aftermarket type Guide headlights, that can be purchased painted or in chrome plated, with sealed beams, and all wired and ready to go, in either in 6 or 12V, just might be your best, and possibly lowest cost option for making a rusty old truck just start and stop.

[oldandtired]

KarlJS...I believe deuce lover to be correct. If Mac's does not have the 48-13028 try some of the other suppliers. Ford sometimes used the same part number for a lot of years, changing only the first two numbers or sometimes a letter to indicate the first year they used that particular part, e.g. 13028. B 13028-A, 40 13028, 48 13028, and 78 13028 all fit different year ranges of headlight reflectors and sometimes, as in the case of the headlight reflectors, some fit both passenger and pickup and some fit only the pickup, e.g. the 78-13028 which fits 37 passenger cars only and not the 37 pickup or truck.
I need to change my name from "oldandtired" to "oldandslow." I started getting things together for the Charlotte swap meet coming up in early April about three weeks ago. It's a bit of a fiasco between parts still not unpacked from last year and parts here and there in different buildings. I either cannot find or no longer have NOS or OEM headlight reflectors for your application. I am going with can't find but I will continue looking.

[KarlJS]

I was thinking that to, I’ve bought a lot of stuff from them and felt he should be able to set me up. Thanks

[blucar]

You have stated that you just want to get working lights for your truck, that be the case avoid original reflector/bulb lights, you will spend a lot of money for nothing. As I stated earlier go with the Guide style #682 sealed beams, they have the park light on top. The 682's come in two styles, bottom mount and side mount, you will need bottom mount.
If you are going to leave the truck 6v, wire a GM type relay into the system, then the switch will only activate the relay, which in turn will turn the lights on. The lights will be very bright. Eliminating the original Ford switch in favor of a modern pull switch mounted in the dash would also be a good idea.
A good pair of 682's will set you back about $175/400. on ebay.. Go onto eBay, enter Guide 682 c lights, pages of them will come up.