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Discussion Topic:
Dim Headlights
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mgeewhiz |
08-04-2017 @ 5:12 PM
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Member
Posts: 11
Joined: Feb 2017
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My '46 Convertible has dim headlights. I tested the headlights out of the car using a 6 volt battery, and the headlights are OK. Low and high beam are both dim. I checked all connections, had a loose wire at the switch (aftermarket) which I re-connected, and still the headlights are dim. What are typical causes that I can run down.
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fordv8j |
08-04-2017 @ 5:59 PM
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New Member
Posts: 176
Joined: Jan 2015
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A bad ground connection will cause dim lights
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alanwoodieman |
08-04-2017 @ 7:00 PM
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Senior
Posts: 868
Joined: Oct 2009
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run a ground wire from each light fixture back to the frame , make sure the connections are clean and tight
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CharlieStephens |
08-04-2017 @ 7:20 PM
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Senior
Posts: 888
Joined: Oct 2009
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I assume you are perusing the ground problem, if the problem is not there any chance you rewired the car using wire that was too small? Charlie Stephens
This message was edited by CharlieStephens on 8-5-17 @ 9:16 AM
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Drbrown |
08-04-2017 @ 10:52 PM
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Senior
Posts: 570
Joined: Nov 2013
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The internal contacts in your dash board light switch may be wearing out or simply dirty. Although a "bear" to remove/replace, taking the switch apart is not difficult. They are surprisingly simply inside. Have photos if needed.
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TomO |
08-05-2017 @ 12:57 PM
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Senior
Posts: 7250
Joined: Oct 2009
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The most common cause of the dim lights is the dimmer switch. You can do a voltage drop test (explained in many posts on this Forum) or just try operating the dimmer switch about 50 times. If operating the dimmer switch doean't make your lights brighter, you will have to use the voltage drop test to isolate the problem. To check the ground circuit, connect a meter between the + battery post and the headlight retaining ring with the headlights on. The meter should read 0.1Volt or less, ahigher reading indicates a poor ground connection.
Tom
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carcrazy |
08-05-2017 @ 1:32 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1653
Joined: Oct 2009
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The steps listed here are good. If after performing all of these tasks the headlights are still not as bright as you would like, you can install a headlight relay. Claims for the headlight relays are that your headlights could be up to 30% brighter and that your headlight switch could have a 50% longer service life. One source for headlight relays is Fifth Avenue Antique Auto Parts. Their email site is www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com
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51f1 |
08-05-2017 @ 4:53 PM
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Senior
Posts: 573
Joined: Oct 2009
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If your headlights, wiring, switches, etc., are in the condition that they were in when Henry sold the car, brightness shouldn't be a problem, so find out what's wrong and fix it. Your 6-volt headlights will never be as bright as modern 12-volt headlights. Twelve volt headlight bulbs are higher wattage and, therefore, brighter than 6-volt
Richard
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56MarkII |
08-05-2017 @ 7:02 PM
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Posts: 63
Joined: Jan 2012
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I agree with TomO about the dimmer switch because shortly after I got my 50 Merc my dimmer switch died and my headlights were so dim they were totally useless. Like he mentioned instead of stabbing around in the dark I got the multimeter out. As for 12V headlights being brighter, the 6 volt are just as bright as conventional regular 12 volt headlights if everything is working properly. One thing I will probably get are 6 volt halogen headlights that are on ePay for a reasonable price. 6volt halogen headlights? Apparently they are used in motorcycles. They also have the replacement bulbs that will fit in the 7 inch halogen headlights. Now if only they had halogen taillight bulbs so my signal lights can be seen during the day through those thick dark red tailights on my car.
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TomO |
08-06-2017 @ 8:18 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7250
Joined: Oct 2009
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56MarkII, there are halogen tail light bulbs available, but I would noy use them as they draw 2 much current. There are 6 Volt Pos Ground LED bulbs available for replacing the 1154 bulb. I have not tried ant of them, so if you decide to try them, please let us know your results. Google "1154 bulb 6 volt positive ground led replacement" for some of the replacements. This bulb is advertised as the brightess: http://www.flipflopled.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=94&product_id=492
Tom
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