1937 Halogen headlight conversion

[Kurt in NJ]

If you want to see in the distance the beam has to be focused.
To use existing reflectors the light source has to originate in the same location as the original bulb .
Even the shape of the filament makes a difference (straight vs V )
The first picture is without the lens, it is original old production bulb, you can see the focused beam with very little scatter.
Second picture is with lens on, defined cutoff with lower band of light wider to light road without blinding oncoming drivers.
Third picture is a direct fit halogen bulb, pretty good pattern, much brighter, it is a 35 watt bulb that gives no problems with stock generator, sockets, the only problem is that it isn’t made anymore, the difference in pattern is the filament is straight instead of the original formed as a V , the filaments are side by side as original bulb .
The 4th picture is the halogen bulb without lens, the background is bright because of camera somehow changing exposure but the focus of the beam isn’t as good ( car wasn’t moved, the beam isn’t as parallel, it continues to get larger further away)
A good reasonably focused beam lights the road , I feel comfortable driving over 50 at night, ther is a dark no streetlights road I drive at night, there’s a rise that when you crest it there’s a curve .7 mile away that has signs , they all light up

If without the lens the bulbs whatever kind they are make that defined beam the headlights will light the road without blinding the birds , pedestrians and other drivers..

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

If you want to see in the distance the beam has to be focused.
To use existing reflectors the light source has to originate in the same location as the original bulb .
Even the shape of the filament makes a difference (straight vs V )
The first picture is without the lens, it is original old production bulb, you can see the focused beam with very little scatter.
Second picture is with lens on, defined cutoff with lower band of light wider to light road without blinding oncoming drivers.
Third picture is a direct fit halogen bulb, pretty good pattern, much brighter, it is a 35 watt bulb that gives no problems with stock generator, sockets, the only problem is that it isn’t made anymore, the difference in pattern is the filament is straight instead of the original formed as a V , the filaments are side by side as original bulb .
The 4th picture is the halogen bulb without lens, the background is bright because of camera somehow changing exposure but the focus of the beam isn’t as good ( car wasn’t moved, the beam isn’t as parallel, it continues to get larger further away)
A good reasonably focused beam lights the road , I feel comfortable driving over 50 at night, ther is a dark no streetlights road I drive at night, there’s a rise that when you crest it there’s a curve .7 mile away that has signs , they all light up

If without the lens the bulbs whatever kind they are make that defined beam the headlights will light the road without blinding the birds , pedestrians and other drivers..

[38 coupe]

I recommend halogen bulbs that fit the original reflector with no modification. Little British Car Co has bulbs with the filaments in the correct location. They offer the following bulbs for 37-39 Ford cars:
170-756H - 6V, 35/35W, use with generator
170-957H - 6V, 50/35W, use with generator
170-857HA - 6V, 60/55W, use with alternator
170-760H - 12V, 35/35W
170-857HA - 12V, 60/55W
170-759H - 12V, 65/55W

I used the 170-957H bulbs in a stock 37 sedan with new reproduction reflectors and lenses with excellent results. I have now purchased duplicate stock to do the same upgrade on my 38 cars.

Also, if for some reason your car takes the Chrysler version of the American Prefocused bulbs this company sells halogen versions of those too.

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by 38 coupe

I recommend halogen bulbs that fit the original reflector with no modification. Little British Car Co has bulbs with the filaments in the correct location. They offer the following bulbs for 37-39 Ford cars:
170-756H - 6V, 35/35W, use with generator
170-957H - 6V, 50/35W, use with generator
170-857HA - 6V, 60/55W, use with alternator
170-760H - 12V, 35/35W
170-857HA - 12V, 60/55W
170-759H - 12V, 65/55W

I used the 170-957H bulbs in a stock 37 sedan with new reproduction reflectors and lenses with excellent results. I have now purchased duplicate stock to do the same upgrade on my 38 cars.

Also, if for some reason your car takes the Chrysler version of the American Prefocused bulbs this company sells halogen versions of those too.

Good information. Thank you.

[flathead_jr]

Would you be interested in selling your original reflectors and headlight sockets?

[big job]

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maybe Its my eyes but I don't like halogen although bright but there's no side vision, more like a spot light I fear anyone walking

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by flathead_jr

Would you be interested in selling your original reflectors and headlight sockets?

I'm still using them. I have had nothing but bad experince with the Little British Car Co. LED light ordering process.