Led or Quartz/Halogen Headlights

[loubob]

I am very interested in upgrading the headlights on my '30 coupe to either led's or quartz/halogen.


Looking for suggestions or recommendations from the FB community.


Can led's be a direct replacement or are modifications needed? Do I need to install grounding wires? Specific directions requested. Can they be adjusted?


Can quartz/halogen be adjusted? Does the 3 wire plug get very hot? I read where a member used a bakelite plug(napa) instead to tolerate the heat.


Will I be able to still use my parking lamps after the conversion?


Loubob

[Charlie Stephens]

Are your current headlights stock? What voltage are you running? Are your parking lamps the regular cowl lights?

Charlie Stephens

[Mike V. Florida]

The bulb you choose needs to be able to use the reflector to focus the light on the road. Ever use one of those focusable flashlights? The bulb is the same whether the beam is focused or not but the focused light is brighter. Same thing with the headlights. If you do not have the new reflectors sold by the vendors or an original restored reflector, focus will be near impossible.


A owners would be amazed at the amount of light the original setup gives put together correctly.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

The bulb you choose needs to be able to use the reflector to focus the light on the road. Ever use one of those focusable flashlights? The bulb is the same whether the beam is focused or not but the focused light is brighter. Same thing with the headlights. If you do not have the new reflectors sold by the vendors or an original restored reflector, focus will be near impossible.


A owners would be amazed at the amount of light the original setup gives put together correctly.

Am I correct in saying Bratton's is the only vendor with the good reflectors?

Charlie Stephens

FYI, I am running the "Brite" bulbs (their spelling) by Ron Francis and very happy with them in my '32.

[CarlG]

I have been running quartz halogen (kit from Vintique) for quite a while. Am in the process of now converting them to LED’s. Primary reason is reduce the current flow since I drive with the lights on at all times (state law on the highways anyway).

[30 Closed Cab PU]

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Hi CarlG,


I would like to convert to LEDs, but after all the posts on LEDs am hesitant to try. Lots of concern about ability to focus them. Please start a new String updating us on your efforts and what works for you.


Thanks

[wmws]

I just installed LED headlight bulbs. They plug right in to the original socket. Quick and easy. I want them for day time driving so the others on the road will see me. They work great for that with absolutely no draw on the ammeter. Focusing them is another issue. Probably not going to happen. But if I am caught out at night, which is not likely, it only takes a minute to swap the original bulbs back in and you can be on your way.

[burner31]

LED's are about $40+ each, and run off 6V
Halogen need 12V

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by burner31

LED's are about $40+ each, and run off 6V
Halogen need 12V

I have converted my tail/stop to LED. Have to be careful ordering them. LEDs are available in 12 v and 6v, and you have to specify if positive or negative ground. They are much brighter than stock.

[TZBrown]

I just received some of these

https://www.ledlight.com/a-13007-d-a...ve-ground.aspx Took less than a week from CA

I also have the 32/50 cp original style.

Not sure what I will end up using but also have the ability to swap them out if the LED's wont focus for night driving

[TerryH]

I have quartz halogen, and run a 6v alternator.....you do not need to go to 12v. They work really well and really light up the road.....I have no concerns driving at night in S. California.....illumination is great.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

Am I correct in saying Bratton's is the only vendor with the good reflectors?

Charlie Stephens

FYI, I am running the "Brite" bulbs (their spelling) by Ron Francis and very happy with them in my '32.

I heard, but have not confirmed, that he is now wholesaling them out to other vendors.

[old31]

Originally Posted by TZBrown

I just received some of these

https://www.ledlight.com/a-13007-d-a...ve-ground.aspx Took less than a week from CA

I also have the 32/50 cp original style.

Not sure what I will end up using but also have the ability to swap them out if the LED's wont focus for night driving

Please let us know how the night time driving is with the LED's.

[Penthode]

I maintain an original six volt system. I use 50/32 CP original type bulbs with clean-polished reflectors. I have taken time to properly focus and aim the headlight beams. Also I have ensured the wiring is in good shape and that the wire gauge is sufficient and the return ground is good so that most of the six volts will appear across the bulbs.

I find properly maintaining the original equipment yields ample light for night time driving. It is ignoring one or more of the items above which result in incorrect assumptions the original lamps are no good.

[DHZIEMAN]

I am one of those who wants to keep my model A on 6 Volts. Eventually, it will bite me as it will become harder and harder (or costlier) to get 6 volt items. With that said, I can share that for my car, I found a kit that would allow me to replace bad reflectors with a sealed beam headlight kit, that works OK! But then I had to replace the Generator with a self regulating generator due to the much higher current of the Halogen sealed beams. If I had it to do over again, I would have went to 12 Volts, and re-silvered (or replaced) the reflectors, and gone to the UK supplier and done LED headlights! They are much brighter, can be focussed better for pattern, and once done, they last and look original.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by DHZIEMAN

I am one of those who wants to keep my model A on 6 Volts. Eventually, it will bite me as it will become harder and harder (or costlier) to get 6 volt items. With that said, I can share that for my car, I found a kit that would allow me to replace bad reflectors with a sealed beam headlight kit, that works OK! But then I had to replace the Generator with a self regulating generator due to the much higher current of the Halogen sealed beams. If I had it to do over again, I would have went to 12 Volts, and re-silvered (or replaced) the reflectors, and gone to the UK supplier and done LED headlights! They are much brighter, can be focussed better for pattern, and once done, they last and look original.

What is the name of the U.K. Supplier?

[Badpuppy]

Originally Posted by TZBrown

I just received some of these

https://www.ledlight.com/a-13007-d-a...ve-ground.aspx Took less than a week from CA

I wouldn't recommend those bulbs for replacement headlights. From what I see, they can not be focused, due to simple geometry - the light doesn't emit from a single point like a filament. Worse than that they don't provide the proper "dip" required by legal standards, they simply reduce intensity, which is still too bright for oncoming traffic.

The ones I would consider are discussed here -

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...led+headlights

I should point out these won't work in H-type (28-E29) housings since those socket contacts are vertical.

[Badpuppy]

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

What is the name of the U.K. Supplier?

Classic Dynamo and Regulators

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by Badpuppy

Classic Dynamo and Regulators

Thanks, they are who I used for converting my tail/stop lamps to LED. Ordered the correct one 6v positive ground. Plug and play, no other conversion needed, I am very satisfied, but will be doing further research before converting the headlamps. Was hoping for info from someone who has done LEDs and able to focus lamps properly.


info for others looking for info


http://www.dynamoregulatorconversion...enter-site.php


Some info on their site
http://www.dynamoregulatorconversion...-led-bulbs.php

[DHZIEMAN]

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

What is the name of the U.K. Supplier?

Had the URL on file......

http://www.dynamoregulatorconversion...bulbs-shop.php

[DHZIEMAN]

Originally Posted by loubob

I am very interested in upgrading the headlights on my '30 coupe to either led's or quartz/halogen.


Looking for suggestions or recommendations from the FB community.


Can led's be a direct replacement or are modifications needed? Do I need to install grounding wires? Specific directions requested. Can they be adjusted?


Can quartz/halogen be adjusted? Does the 3 wire plug get very hot? I read where a member used a bakelite plug(napa) instead to tolerate the heat.


Will I be able to still use my parking lamps after the conversion?


Loubob

If you search on "6V Quartz Halogen Headlight Question" it is another thread on this subject that will provide additional info on the pros and cons of headlight conversions and what folks have tried!

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by Badpuppy

I wouldn't recommend those bulbs for replacement headlights. From what I see, they can not be focused, due to simple geometry - the light doesn't emit from a single point like a filament. Worse than that they don't provide the proper "dip" required by legal standards, they simply reduce intensity, which is still too bright for oncoming traffic.

The ones I would consider are discussed here -

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...led+headlights

I should point out these won't work in H-type (28-E29) housings since those socket contacts are vertical.

That focus/dip is true for stop-tail style corncob bulbs with all the little
emitters but the kind with the one high intensity chip facing each way seem to focus pretty well.