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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Headlights

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Discussion Topic: Headlights

johnmyron

08-04-2014 @ 8:20 PM

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My first frame off resto was a 47 super deluxe fordor which I brought back to full factory spec. I have tried a number of things to get some satisfactory illumination from the 6 volt headlights, all to no avail. I have run separate ground wires (+), installed halogen sealed beams etc. and they still are not even remotely adequate to drive at night. Had a lot of 6 volt cars as a kid and they all had headlights that worked. What am I missing?

trjford8

08-05-2014 @ 8:55 AM

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Check to make sure you have a ground strap from the body to the frame and a strap from the frame to the engine. Where are your separate ground straps from the headlights connected?

This message was edited by trjford8 on 8-5-14 @ 8:57 AM

TomO

08-05-2014 @ 9:12 AM

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You may not be getting the correct voltage to the bulbs or they could be aimed wrong.

I connect my meter COM lead to the NEG terminal of the battery and use the + lead to probe the wires on the back of the bulb with the headlights on. The meter should read less than .5 volts. You can check the ground circuit in a similar manner.

If you get a good reading check the the center of the high beam is about 30" above ground when the car is parked 25' from the garage door or other reflecting surface and the car is on a level surface.

Halogen bulbs require more current and should be connected through a relay. The light switch will pick the relay and the points will supply the voltage.

Tom

42guy

08-05-2014 @ 4:35 PM

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I had the same problem but solved it by installing a relay to power the headlamps.

supereal

08-05-2014 @ 7:43 PM

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Halogens are nearly as bright as modern cars if two things are done. First, an alternator must replace the generator, as halogens draw about as much current ( amps) as twice as many ordinary sealed beams. Then, a relay board must installed to compensate for losses in the original wiring and switches. I did this long ago in my '47. I would attach a photo diagram of the relay board and connections, but the "browse" feature is apparently gone. By using bullet connectors, it can be inserted in the car without any modifications of the stock circuit. Until I can do it, leave me a PM with your email, and I will forward it.

supereal

08-06-2014 @ 11:07 AM

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Finally, I am attaching the headlight the headlight relay photo and diagram. I don't know if the site was changed, or it was a victim of my conversion to Windows 7. Something about old dogs and new tricks!

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