| Jcoles | -- 06-06-2018 @ 7:20 AM |
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I'm interested in knowing about the quality and effectiveness of the LED headlight bulbs that are designed as a direct replacement for the original pre-focus style, # 48-13007 (and 2330, P30d). My impression is that these bulbs are designed to be brighter with much less current demand. I'm running a 6V 3-brush generator, retrofitted with internal regulator, in a 1936 model. If anyone has used the LED bulbs, I'd appreciate an opinion. Thank you, Jim Here is one source for the bulbs: http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com/online-shop-for-led-bulbs-and-light-boards-etc.php
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| Jcoles | -- 07-06-2018 @ 9:05 AM |
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Well, after more than 100 views on this post, I'm figuring no one is using LED headlight bulbs. I'll go ahead and try them, and report back.
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| MG | -- 07-06-2018 @ 9:38 AM |
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That'll be great if you do....
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| DD931 | -- 07-07-2018 @ 4:56 AM |
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LEDs aren't brighter, they just use less electricity. Halogens are brighter, but use MORE electricity. On a car, there's no advantage to switching to LEDs. And, since thermal flasher elements are sensitive to current flow, you might be introducing an unintended problem by switching to LEDs.
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| DD931 | -- 07-07-2018 @ 4:57 AM |
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LEDs aren't brighter, they just use less electricity. Halogens are brighter, but use MORE electricity. On a car, there's no advantage to switching to LEDs. And, since thermal flasher elements are sensitive to current flow, you might be introducing an unintended problem by switching to LEDs.
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| TomO | -- 07-07-2018 @ 6:46 AM |
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The lower current requirements of LED bulbs allow more lumens (amount of light produced) to be produced by the same current. Brighter LEDs are now becoming more affordable. The LEDs that I used in my tail lights are 25% brighter than the 1158 bulbs that they replaced. There are other LED arrays that are brighter. I would also be interested in Jim's experience with the LED headlight bulbs. The halogen bulbs that were used to replace the pre-focused bulbs often did not work very well as the light was too scattered. Tom
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| wmsteed | -- 07-07-2018 @ 8:46 AM |
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I converted the head lights on my '39 from the original reflector type to halogen, big mistake. Ruined a pair of reflectors modifying them to halogen and the amount of light produced was useless because it was not compatible with the lens prisms, which created a lot of light that went no where. I am in the process of converting my head lights back to reflector type using original style pre-focus type of bulb. The bulbs are sold by Ron Francis, they are called Bright Bulbs. I wonder just how well LED headlights would work in old reflector lights with the lens prisms.? LED lights tend to be non directional, which means they put out a lot of light in one direction, however, the light emitted to the side is quite poor. It would appear that the science of head lights is quite exacting, with little room for error. I converted the head lights on my '36 to 6v sealed beams using a conversion for a '36 truck, with truck trim rings, many years ago, using a relay so that the lights received full power with no added drain on the switch. The lights on my '36 work great, especially on the open road. Bill 36 5 win delx cpe
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| Jcoles | -- 07-07-2018 @ 8:27 PM |
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“On a car, there's no advantage to switching to LEDs. And, since thermal flasher elements are sensitive to current flow, you might be introducing an unintended problem by switching to LEDs.” I’m asking specifically about LED headlight bulbs, so I can’t imagine that there will be a problem with a thermal flasher. Would anyone have a flasher in that circuit, except maybe a police vehicle?
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| DD931 | -- 07-08-2018 @ 8:03 AM |
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Sorry, I was addressing the subject of LEDs in general. Of course headlights don't have flashers. But, turn signals do.
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| Junglejim | -- 06-22-2020 @ 7:12 AM |
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Any update on this topic? I realize its 2 years old.
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| Guy | -- 06-22-2020 @ 7:53 AM |
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My experience is that it will burn up your generator because the amps required to run the halogen bulbs are way more than the generator can produce making it work full on all the time and eventually knocking out the armature, I had this happen to me 2 times so I went with an alternator 6 volt that puts out 60 amps at idle way more than enough to offset the need and yes Halogen bulbs are way brighter and they were used in Volkswagen when they were still using 6 volt systems and have the same base that the 12 volt version has.
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| Guy | -- 06-22-2020 @ 7:56 AM |
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Sorry I was thinking halogen not LED LED's use less power than regular bulbs and in the tail lights you might have to use a shunt to get the blinkers to work right . Their are kits to convert to LED out there .
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| ryreidl | -- 08-10-2021 @ 7:37 AM |
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These headlights are much more economical but illuminate the road much worse. If you want to use them for city driving, they are the right choice for you. Be sure to consult with professionals in the field before installing them. I try to do this every time. Recently I decided to buy new solar flag pole lights, there are so many models on the market. My friend recommended a suitable specialist who picked out the perfect model for me. Now the flag in my yard can be seen at night from afar. This message was edited by ryreidl on 8-11-21 @ 7:42 AM
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| ryreidl | -- 08-10-2021 @ 7:38 AM |
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!!! This message was edited by ryreidl on 8-11-21 @ 7:41 AM
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| same | -- 08-10-2021 @ 8:17 AM |
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h*llo,iv'e tried led bulbs in head lights on my '37. they are whiter brighter light very reasonably priced but with the orig fluted glass lenses are not focused on road. i would not bother with led's. i have seen clear non fluted tear drop lenses for a 37 but didn't want to spend money because my current lenses are new. tom.
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| supereal | -- 08-29-2021 @ 1:21 PM |
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If you have dim headlights, installing halogens usually will not help. I installed halogens in my '47, as the headlights were still too dim to drive after dark, but they made no difference. Tracing the headlight circuit all the way from the battery, I found only a fraction of the power made it through the system. That path goes through the dash switch, the dimmer switch, and lots of the "bullet" connectors. Replacing all of these parts of the system is one cure, but instead I designed a simple relay board controlled by the original system that provides full power to the headlights. Now, my headlights are as bright as modern cars. If anyone is interested I will try to post the details. LEDs draw much less current than halogens, and older vehicle's charging systems may not be up to the task for halogens.
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| CaliforniaBorn36 | -- 08-30-2021 @ 7:15 AM |
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supereal, If you could post details of your fix, I am certain that would be most useful.
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| TomO | -- 08-30-2021 @ 8:36 AM |
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Most of the voltage drop to the headlights comes from the dimmer switch. Operating it many times usually results in brighter head lights. Opening up the switch and cleaning it or replacing it will decrease the voltage drop to close to original. You can check the voltage drop by connecting the COM or black lead to the battery and use the red or + lead to probe the head light circuit with the headlights on. Start by probing the connection to the right front light. I use a paper clip to get to the bullet connector. The best reading will be 0.3V, a good reading is 0.5V. If your reading isn't good, probe connections back towards the battery. Going into the dimmer switch the reading should be 0.3V or less and into the light switch 0.1V or less. Tom
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| supereal | -- 08-30-2021 @ 1:39 PM |
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I agree with my friend TomO. The dimmer switch is located on the road side of the floor panel where it is exposed to the elements. I did try to rehabilitate mine but it wasn't successful. I'm still seeking my info on the relay panel. Seventy years as an old car enthusiast has produced two file cabinets of clippings, notes, and diagrams. I have posted it before. I have attached a small version. The small panel is mounted on the left front side under the hood near the junction where the headlight wires branch out. one set feeds the high beam, the other the low beam. I used some bullet connectors so if desired to have the car judged, the panel can be removed and the original wiring put back. I have noted on the photo where the battery and headlight wires are attached. Over the years I have been asked why I use starter solenoids instead a separate relay. The answer is that finding a six volt DC relay is difficult and expensive. The solenoids are available at NAPA. I also use them to control the top of my convertible. My car is a "driver"so I save considerable cost and time trying to locate hard to find parts that are now unavailable by designing my own. This message was edited by supereal on 8-30-21 @ 2:00 PM
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