The Ford Barn

Kahuna · 07-26-2012, 08:45 PM

Hello everyone
I have new reproduced headlites on my 32 Tudor sedan. The look real nice, but the light projection is less than satisfactory. There doesn't seem to be a beam projected, rather light all over the place.
Has anyone run into this issue before? Can anything be done?
I'm not sure at all if it's the reflectors or the lenses that are the problem.
Thanks
Jim

Model A Bill · 07-26-2012, 09:26 PM

I must have the same lights as you.I have adjusted mine numerous times with little to no improvement.I did notice that the darker it gets the light seems to be somewhat better if that makes sense, only on low beam I can't use mine on high beam at all.I thought the issue was with the lense? I would also like to hear if there was a solution.
Bill

lee34 · 07-26-2012, 10:05 PM

I had a 34 sedan with original lense and h4 bulb with same symptoms,I purchased Drakes
reflector kit and now I can see I no longer have to use Braille to drive at night Try to explain to your wife your reflectors are worn out and you are spending over $100 to get new ones.(but worth it) Lee34

Barlea · 07-27-2012, 04:28 PM

From what I have read, the original reflectors were silver plated and provide much better reflective quality than the chrome ones. ..B.

PeteVS · 07-27-2012, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kahuna

Hello everyone
I have new reproduced headlites on my 32 Tudor sedan. The look real nice, but the light projection is less than satisfactory. There doesn't seem to be a beam projected, rather light all over the place.
Has anyone run into this issue before? Can anything be done?
I'm not sure at all if it's the reflectors or the lenses that are the problem.
Thanks
Jim

Could you let us in on whose lights are less than what you expected?

Kahuna · 07-27-2012, 07:10 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Hi Pete
Sure, they came from Mac's. They're real nice headlights, just not good at lighting up the road at night. They're 12 volt with 32-50 candle power bulbs, same as my 39, but my 39 lights work almost as well as a new car

Charlie Stephens · 07-27-2012, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kahuna

Hi Pete
Sure, they came from Mac's. They're real nice headlights, just not good at lighting up the road at night. They're 12 volt with 32-50 candle power bulbs, same as my 39, but my 39 lights work almost as well as a new car

Try the "Brite" bulbs from Ron Francis, (800) 292-1940, wire-works.com, they go into the original sockets and put out enough candlepower to probably override any other problems. I am running them in my '32 and am very happy. Other than that is there anyone nearby that you can borrow parts from to see of you can find the problem. My guess would be the reflector shape and chrome vs silver if that is the plating.

Charlie Stephens

Kahuna · 07-27-2012, 09:14 PM

Charlie
It's not that the lights are not bright. They're real bright. But the light projection is rather poor. I don't want or need to see the trees when I'm driving. It's got to be the lense, I think.
I don't think there's a resolution to this other than changing lights. Not what i want to do

lee34 · 07-27-2012, 09:58 PM

The reflectors that Drakes sell (possible others) are different than original.The problem seams to be worse with the h4 type bulbs.They are bright enough just not focused.I purchased the kit from Drakes and only changed the reflector,I did not change bulbs so I could see if the reflector was the cause of my problem.The reflector is shaped different than the original .Much improvement.I have owned this car for 52 years and now have the best lights of all I have tried.Not perfect but much better Lee34

Charlie Stephens · 07-27-2012, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kahuna

Charlie
It's not that the lights are not bright. They're real bright. But the light projection is rather poor. I don't want or need to see the trees when I'm driving. It's got to be the lense, I think.
I don't think there's a resolution to this other than changing lights. Not what i want to do

You should be able to find a lens to borrow and try. I still think it is the shape of the reflector. Wish you were closer.

Charlie Stephens

sturgis 39 · 07-27-2012, 11:13 PM

How are you adjusting the lights? The screw that holds the light sockey in place adjusts the lights and then there is an adjustment on the nut that attaches the light to the light bar.

Bob C · 07-27-2012, 11:35 PM

May be the same problem as the Model A repro reflectors that are shaped wrong
and the focal point is off. See the link to Vince's site http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/Aheadlampreflectors.htm

Bob

Brian · 07-28-2012, 01:57 AM

If you unclip the lens and surround, the light coming off off the [parabolic] reflector should be projected forward in a parallel beam. If it does not, obviously the focal distance of the bulb is wrong. This little trial will at least let you know if the lens or reflector is at fault. Hope this makes sense.

Charlie Stephens · 07-28-2012, 03:44 PM

Jim,

Where is NorCal? Is it anywhere near San Francisco or maybe Oregon?

Charlie Stephens

Kahuna · 07-28-2012, 08:59 PM

Hi Charlie
I'm in a little town called Brownsville. It's above Marysville, CA., about 30 miles. Also about 30 miles to Oroville, CA. I'm about an hour from Sacramento
Regards
Jim

31chevy · 07-29-2012, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kahuna

Hi Charlie
I'm in a little town called Brownsville. It's above Marysville, CA., about 30 miles. Also about 30 miles to Oroville, CA. I'm about an hour from Sacramento
Regards
Jim

I have a close friend who lives in Orland I'm sure you know where that's located.
Gary.

B-O-B · 07-29-2012, 04:57 PM

Kahuna I wish you would keep your pets under control & not left to run free.
If this was yours I'm sorry for your loss, but I took care of it last year & lucky the ins co is taking care of the bill. Just about finished with the repairs. new shocks,radiator repaired & I ended up with a set of new metal fenders,just have to fit & paint them.
Hwy 20 just before interstate 5. Was taking Peggy to her mothers in Clearlake & it was late & dark & I needed to get to LA.

ct1932ford · 08-09-2012, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

Try the "Brite" bulbs from Ron Francis, (800) 292-1940, wire-works.com, they go into the original sockets and put out enough candlepower to probably override any other problems. I am running them in my '32 and am very happy. Other than that is there anyone nearby that you can borrow parts from to see of you can find the problem. My guess would be the reflector shape and chrome vs silver if that is the plating.

Charlie Stephens

Briht bulbs do not help. But after reading this I will change my MAC's reflectors.

1931 flamingo · 08-09-2012, 06:16 PM

There should be a screw to "focus" the bulbs, I think. Reproduction reflectors (model A anyway) do not have the correct "curvature". To try adjusting, measure height of headlights to the center of the lens, find a building (school, back of a walmart) , make a horizontal line on the building (masking tape), get about 25-30 ft perpendicular to the building and try to "focus the lights to the tape or slightly below. Hope I've helped.
paul in CT

wga · 08-10-2012, 12:40 AM

Speaking of where in Nor Cal, there is a great car show coming up, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, Sept 8&9. Roamin Angels is the host club, and this is a way cool, fun, show. Friday night BBQ dinner, Sat AM breakfast put on by the Boy Scouts, and way cool prizes.

07-26-2012, 08:45 PM	#1
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Head lites Hello everyone I have new reproduced headlites on my 32 Tudor sedan. The look real nice, but the light projection is less than satisfactory. There doesn't seem to be a beam projected, rather light all over the place. Has anyone run into this issue before? Can anything be done? I'm not sure at all if it's the reflectors or the lenses that are the problem. Thanks Jim

07-26-2012, 09:26 PM	#2
Model A Bill Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Wilmington New York Posts: 94	Re: Head lites I must have the same lights as you.I have adjusted mine numerous times with little to no improvement.I did notice that the darker it gets the light seems to be somewhat better if that makes sense, only on low beam I can't use mine on high beam at all.I thought the issue was with the lense? I would also like to hear if there was a solution. Bill

07-26-2012, 10:05 PM	#3
lee34 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 127	Re: Head lites I had a 34 sedan with original lense and h4 bulb with same symptoms,I purchased Drakes reflector kit and now I can see I no longer have to use Braille to drive at night Try to explain to your wife your reflectors are worn out and you are spending over $100 to get new ones.(but worth it) Lee34

07-27-2012, 04:28 PM	#4
Barlea Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Central Alberta Posts: 441	Re: Head lites From what I have read, the original reflectors were silver plated and provide much better reflective quality than the chrome ones. ..B.

07-27-2012, 07:10 PM	#6
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: Head lites Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Hi Pete Sure, they came from Mac's. They're real nice headlights, just not good at lighting up the road at night. They're 12 volt with 32-50 candle power bulbs, same as my 39, but my 39 lights work almost as well as a new car

07-27-2012, 09:14 PM	#8
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: Head lites Charlie It's not that the lights are not bright. They're real bright. But the light projection is rather poor. I don't want or need to see the trees when I'm driving. It's got to be the lense, I think. I don't think there's a resolution to this other than changing lights. Not what i want to do

07-27-2012, 09:58 PM	#9
lee34 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 127	Re: Head lites The reflectors that Drakes sell (possible others) are different than original.The problem seams to be worse with the h4 type bulbs.They are bright enough just not focused.I purchased the kit from Drakes and only changed the reflector,I did not change bulbs so I could see if the reflector was the cause of my problem.The reflector is shaped different than the original .Much improvement.I have owned this car for 52 years and now have the best lights of all I have tried.Not perfect but much better Lee34

07-27-2012, 11:13 PM	#11
sturgis 39 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lead. South Dakota Posts: 963	Re: Head lites How are you adjusting the lights? The screw that holds the light sockey in place adjusts the lights and then there is an adjustment on the nut that attaches the light to the light bar. __________________ IF IT CAN NOT BE FIXED WITH BLASTING WIRE, JB WELD OR DUCT TAPE ---IT CAN NOT BE FIXED Do not get me started on the stupidity of ethanol. I think one of the monitors is from Iowa and he will delete the thread.

07-27-2012, 11:35 PM	#12
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,753	Re: Head lites May be the same problem as the Model A repro reflectors that are shaped wrong and the focal point is off. See the link to Vince's site http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/Aheadlampreflectors.htm Bob

07-28-2012, 01:57 AM	#13
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,834	Re: Head lites If you unclip the lens and surround, the light coming off off the [parabolic] reflector should be projected forward in a parallel beam. If it does not, obviously the focal distance of the bulb is wrong. This little trial will at least let you know if the lens or reflector is at fault. Hope this makes sense.

07-28-2012, 03:44 PM	#14
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,032	Re: Head lites Jim, Where is NorCal? Is it anywhere near San Francisco or maybe Oregon? Charlie Stephens

07-28-2012, 08:59 PM	#15
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: Head lites Hi Charlie I'm in a little town called Brownsville. It's above Marysville, CA., about 30 miles. Also about 30 miles to Oroville, CA. I'm about an hour from Sacramento Regards Jim Last edited by Kahuna; 07-28-2012 at 09:09 PM.

07-29-2012, 04:57 PM	#17
B-O-B Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ft Mohave,Az Posts: 1,987	Re: Head lites Kahuna I wish you would keep your pets under control & not left to run free. If this was yours I'm sorry for your loss, but I took care of it last year & lucky the ins co is taking care of the bill. Just about finished with the repairs. new shocks,radiator repaired & I ended up with a set of new metal fenders,just have to fit & paint them. Hwy 20 just before interstate 5. Was taking Peggy to her mothers in Clearlake & it was late & dark & I needed to get to LA. Last edited by B-O-B; 10-12-2013 at 10:38 AM.

08-09-2012, 06:16 PM	#19
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Head lites There should be a screw to "focus" the bulbs, I think. Reproduction reflectors (model A anyway) do not have the correct "curvature". To try adjusting, measure height of headlights to the center of the lens, find a building (school, back of a walmart) , make a horizontal line on the building (masking tape), get about 25-30 ft perpendicular to the building and try to "focus the lights to the tape or slightly below. Hope I've helped. paul in CT

08-10-2012, 12:40 AM	#20
wga Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorba Linda, CA Posts: 900	Re: Head lites Speaking of where in Nor Cal, there is a great car show coming up, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, Sept 8&9. Roamin Angels is the host club, and this is a way cool, fun, show. Friday night BBQ dinner, Sat AM breakfast put on by the Boy Scouts, and way cool prizes. __________________ Henry Ford designed the flathead without the aid of a computer.