Technical Chrome plated headlight reflectors

Sealed beams became mandatory in the US in 1940, and I believe the 7" size was also required to make replacement inexpensive and commonly available. The early ones were still a metal reflector/glass lens deal, just 'sealed' with a non-removable bulb. It wasn't until the early '50s that the all-glass ones came into common use.

The reason for them was too many owners would allow the reflectors to deteriorate to the point they didn't throw out any light, just replacing the lamp. Now if the lamp burned out, you had to replace it all. You'd still see some with a rock hole in the lens (and water in there) with the lamp still working. I saw a halogen one just the other day with water in it...

 

This is true as they are still a sealed unit within a sealed case...its vulnerable but only to the elements...

 

I'll note that sealed beams became required in some states which is why you'll find those 'conversions' on older cars

 

So if they were around in the 40s they would have been originally 6v transitioning into 12v in the mid 50s?

Those would have been constructed much like an incandescent light bulb with gas protecting the element...hence if the lense was punctured the burnout would be quick I suspect...

 

Yep... I've still got a 'sealed beam' 6V lens out of a '50 Plymouth my Dad once owned, it still worked when pulled but a rock chip hole allowed water in and there was pretty much no silvering left. You would have gotten more light by taping a flashlight to the fender... LOL. Most people have never seen one. Many motorcycles used that style well into the 70s, which can be a real problem if trying to restore one.

 

Usually any shop that can re-silver mirrors, can do reflectors.

 

I know this thread has strayed from the original question, but here's a post I started about light quality if you wanted to know.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/original-headlights-vs-sealed-beam.1206728/

 

Upon reflection… I had no idea that this would be so illuminating. Guess I’ve been in the shadows, but now I’ve seen the light.