The Ford Barn

Tom Wesenberg · 07-23-2016, 04:32 PM

While looking for some distributor parts I came across this gadget. It's about an inch high and about 2" by 4" at the mounting flange. It's too light to be a step up transformer. It was made in Denver, Colorado. I've never seen anything like it, and wonder how it works or was wired into the system. It has two short wires coming out that were cut off and have no terminals.

The only thing I can think of is it might be a low ohm resistor that is wired between battery voltage and the field windings to increase the generator output.

Interesting that it says for Ford cars. Since it seems to be an aftermarket thing that could be used for any car, why specify Fords?
Anyone have any information on it? Thanks

Bob C · 07-23-2016, 04:50 PM

If you take those two small screws out will the cover come off??

Bob

V8COOPMAN · 07-23-2016, 05:07 PM

Here's one with three wires. I found some reference to cars with magnetos......like "Ts". DD

davehc · 07-23-2016, 05:11 PM

Tom , Found this doing a Google search , seems it was used to increase the brightness of the head lights .
https://books.google.com/books?id=-D...20cars&f=false

Tom Wesenberg · 07-23-2016, 05:38 PM

Thanks Dave. So this gadget turns off one headlamp and lets all the magneto power go to the other headlight. Why they want to turn off the left headlight is a mystery, as it would be safer to light the left than the right.

bunnyc · 07-23-2016, 07:23 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Thanks Dave. So this gadget turns off one headlamp and lets all the magneto power go to the other headlight. Why they want to turn off the left headlight is a mystery, as it would be safer to light the left than the right.

Right side illuminates the edge of the road?
I see your point about the left side safer for cars approaching from the opposite direction.

Mike V. Florida · 07-23-2016, 10:31 PM

"not recommended above speeds of 20 m.p.h."

Tom Wesenberg · 07-24-2016, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

"not recommended above speeds of 20 m.p.h."

Probably because the magneto would put out too much power for just one lamp, and it would burn out.
Even running a 6 volt car on an 8 volt battery greatly shortens bulb life.

07-23-2016, 04:50 PM	#2
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,749	Re: Want Brighter Lites, What is this Gizmo? If you take those two small screws out will the cover come off?? Bob

07-23-2016, 05:07 PM	#3
V8COOPMAN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Shore of LAKE HOUSTON Posts: 11,111	Re: Want Brighter Lites, What is this Gizmo? Here's one with three wires. I found some reference to cars with magnetos......like "Ts". DD __________________ *Click Links Below* __ ▼ *'35-'36 W/8BA & MECHANICAL FAN* *T5 W/TORQUE TUBE*

07-23-2016, 05:11 PM	#4
davehc Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Adrian , Mich. Posts: 386	Re: Want Brighter Lites, What is this Gizmo? Tom , Found this doing a Google search , seems it was used to increase the brightness of the head lights . https://books.google.com/books?id=-D...20cars&f=false

07-23-2016, 05:38 PM	#5
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Want Brighter Lites, What is this Gizmo? Thanks Dave. So this gadget turns off one headlamp and lets all the magneto power go to the other headlight. Why they want to turn off the left headlight is a mystery, as it would be safer to light the left than the right.

07-23-2016, 10:31 PM	#7
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: Want Brighter Lites, What is this Gizmo? "not recommended above speeds of 20 m.p.h." __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II