2 Bulb Headlight idea (1929 A)

[Canton_Model_A's]

I have an idea but not quite sure how this is going to work. I have a 1929 A Tudor, and it currently has sealed beam headlights from the previous owner. I have the necessary items to convert it from that to a 2-Bulb setup. (Found the reflectors at Sullivan's Garage) Getting a new harness today from Snyder's.

I currently have LED turn signals that the previous owner put in. Here is the thought, I want to wire the front turn signals to the 2nd bulb in the headlight and remove the 'un-natural' look of the orange LED turn signals in the bumper.

Has anyone tried this trick/stunt?

Thanks, and hope everyone had a Merry Xmas and got new toys for their 'real' Toy!

Dave

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Canton_Model_A's

I have an idea but not quite sure how this is going to work. I have a 1929 A Tudor, and it currently has sealed beam headlights from the previous owner. I have the necessary items to convert it from that to a 2-Bulb setup. (Found the reflectors at Sullivan's Garage) Getting a new harness today from Snyder's.

I currently have LED turn signals that the previous owner put in. Here is the thought, I want to wire the front turn signals to the 2nd bulb in the headlight and remove the 'un-natural' look of the orange LED turn signals in the bumper.

Has anyone tried this trick/stunt?

Thanks, and hope everyone had a Merry Xmas and got new toys for their 'real' Toy!

Dave

Yes, that is the way mine is set up. I have LOGOLites Focused LEDs that don't use the reflector. The amber incandescent bulb shines off of the reflector and is very bright.

[Badpuppy]

Some say the headlight bulb is less noticeable than the cowl or bumper location. But I'd say it's better than nothing.

[GeneBob]

Y-Block, I like that you used a yellow bulb in the headlight. That really sets it off.

[Jim/GA]

Originally Posted by Canton_Model_A's

I have an idea but not quite sure how this is going to work. I have a 1929 A Tudor, and it currently has sealed beam headlights from the previous owner. I have the necessary items to convert it from that to a 2-Bulb setup. (Found the reflectors at Sullivan's Garage) Getting a new harness today from Snyder's.

I currently have LED turn signals that the previous owner put in. Here is the thought, I want to wire the front turn signals to the 2nd bulb in the headlight and remove the 'un-natural' look of the orange LED turn signals in the bumper.

Has anyone tried this trick/stunt?

Thanks, and hope everyone had a Merry Xmas and got new toys for their 'real' Toy!

Dave

I did this with my car. I put parking lights and turn signals in the upper bulb holder, and Focused LED headlights in the center bulb socket. No ugly turn signals in the bumpers.

For the park/turn bulb I used amber LED bulbs. When off, here is no amber reflection inside the headlight housing, which is what I was going for. The park bulb is amber and the turn signal is an even brighter amber. Some people don't like the amber park bulb, but I wanted the brightest turn bulb possible.

You can also get LED park/turn bulbs with white park bulb LEDs and amber turn bulb LEDs. The white goes off (if park lights are on) when the amber turn bulb comes on. But when off, it all looks silver.

They are plenty bright, even with the headlights on. Here is a video showing LED turn signal bulbs.

https://youtu.be/Ie4McOqyOk0

The "fly in the ointment" is this car is 12 volt neg. ground. This opens up a lot more LED bulb options for you.

[Canton_Model_A's]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I haven't checked to see if it is Positive or Negative ground. Guess I should take a meter out to it. And further headaches, I found out the headlight buckets themselves are '30-31 style and not 28-29. So trying to source the replacement buckets for the correct year.

[30Murray]

I would think many people would be confused seeing one headlight flashing, not realizing it's a turn signal. Also can you see it when your very bright led headlights are on? I converted my parking lights to led daytime running lights on a separate switch and have turn signals in the bumper where they are always visible.

[Jim/GA]

Originally Posted by 30Murray

I would think many people would be confused seeing one headlight flashing, not realizing it's a turn signal. Also can you see it when your very bright led headlights are on? I converted my parking lights to led daytime running lights on a separate switch and have turn signals in the bumper where they are always visible.

Well, the thing that is flashing is AMBER. Pretty clearly not a headlight bulb flashing. And, yes, the amber bulb can be seen quite well at night with the headlights on. The focused LED headlight low beams aim down at the road. You can see the amber flashing above it quite well.

[30Murray]

I think you should check with your local Motor Vehicle regulations to see if this arrangement meets their standards. Based on a limited search of SAE standards, there appears to be some requirements for relative luminosity between headlights and turn signals depending on their spacing (do a Google search for SAE standards for turn signals). Our cars are not typically grandfathered, but when we try to modify them with more modern features it's best to try to conform with the norm if possible. Unless you have to get your car inspected, it probably doesn't really matter though. A someone said, its much better than hand signals, but you won't get as many people waving to you as when you stick your hand out the window.

[Big hammer]

I wish the new car manufacturers would follow some rules about turn signals, they put them every way. Some In headlights turning off the headlights, some low in bumpers, some high in the body, some are hard hidden in the middle of stop lights, some are white, some are red, some are amber. I get so confused, if they would just roll down the side window and use their arms I would understand what’s happening.

[Canton_Model_A's]

Ok guys, I have located my source for the headlights. But when I did my order from Snyder's I got the wrong bulb for the turn signal. The one I got has 2 connectors on the bulb and I only need the single. Is there a local (Modern) source for this bulb?

[Y-Blockhead]

Double check but I think you need a 1129A bulb, 6v, amber, single contact.



I have a 12v systen. I use a 1156A Bulb.

[Jim/GA]

How about a modern amber LED that is 6 volts and does not care about ground (positive or negative)? Sounds sweet to me.

https://www.amazon.com/Ruiandsion-BA.../dp/B071DPTB1S

I have not used them, but they look promising for what you are wanting to do.

[Canton_Model_A's]

I am going to try that Sylvania 1157A bulb and see what happens. I have to wait for my delivery from Sullivan's Auto.

[Bob C]

1157 is a 12V double contact bulb.

[Canton_Model_A's]

Oops, my fault, 1156 then.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Canton_Model_A's

Oops, my fault, 1156 then.

Is your car 6 or 12 volt? I don't see it mentioned anywhere.

[Canton_Model_A's]

Car was converted to 12v prior to my purchase

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Big hammer

I wish the new car manufacturers would follow some rules about turn signals, they put them every way. Some In headlights turning off the headlights, some low in bumpers, some high in the body, some are hard hidden in the middle of stop lights, some are white, some are red, some are amber. I get so confused, if they would just roll down the side window and use their arms I would understand what’s happening.

There are such rules here. For example, it's been about 60 years since flashing brake lights masquerading as turn signals were banned. Turn signals must be amber, front and back and must be of a certain size and brightness. The rules are uniform over all of the states.
I have seen amber globes in the headlights of a Model A being used as turn indicators but the driver of that car could be in trouble for not properly indicating his intention if he/she were involved in an collision. (Did you notice I didn't call it an accident?)

[Canton_Model_A's]

Ok, I have a set of headlights coming from Sullivan's Garage, and I have ordered the little parts I require from Snyders. I want to take a moment to thank the friendly gang here at the barn in the help. Once those headlights come in, time to do all the assembly work. I got a new Harness, Conduits, reflectors, bulbs, etc. Now she will have the 'Eyes' she came with instead of the Sealed Beam Modern stuff... :-D

Happy New year all!