I like Bantams, some of you already know that. From 1938-1940, they used a Stabilite headlight ***embly similar in shape to Auburn or Mopar units. Unlike a lot of other headlights of the era, these were scaled down and were about the size of a Guide 682 lamps. They feature a reflector, internal parking light, and a screw in standard bulb. The lens is held in place by a spring loaded internal ***embly. These lights are nearly impossible to find and that is probably the primary reason they did not make it onto many (or any) hot rods. My question for you is; would you consider these as a good option for lighting the way of a hot rod if reproductions were available? Please let me know your thoughts. I won't say any more as I don't want to bias you.
They're not bad lookin' lights. I don't remember big lights being popular until the '90s so for a hotrod they may have been a cheap alternative to king bees.
After sealed beams came on the market, there's little interest in any bulb type headlights. It's nearly impossible to find a picture of a post-war rod so equipped.
Interesting thought. I believe 1940 was when sealed beams finally replaced the bulb style headlights in all cars (except Bantams). That would really provide context as to why the bulb style units weren't on many post-war rods.
Actually sealbeams were on post war rods because they were cutting edge. Smaller headlights became the norm for 2 reasons, one it was easier to put a sealed beam in one and the other had to do with styling, the old headlights just didn't fit into the modern world. cars wanted to become more sleek and stylish, original henrys were just big and bodacious.. Well that's my ideas on it anyway.
The Bantam lights are the right size for a Bantam.. All the others are a little to big in my opinion...
Porkn****** - I hadn't considered that the sealed beams were considered cutting edge. Original henrys were quite large in the early 30's. Interesting view point. Thank you. S**** Metal 48 - I agree. I used to think the correct headlight didn't matter too much, but in reality, having the correct headlight on a Bantam is very important. Larger headlights tend to alter the proportions of the cars a bit too much. It seems as though it may be possible to reproduce fairly authentic Bantam headlights. The only problem is finding a sufficient quan***y of people who may be interested in them. They are neat lights and have a very streamlined look. However, I'm not sure hot rodders would embrace them over the other available options such as the Guides.
Thank you for your thoughts. I found a company to reproduce original gl*** lenses. If I can get the effort to remake those off the ground, there may end up being another new headlight option available in the next year or so.
The Jalopy Journal
