I have seen a ton of folks still running around on the 32 headlights, along with the 33 34 lights. I put some bulbs in my 34 lights and the light output is dismal at best. My 29 A lights with LED bulbs were a little better for sure, but they were new reflectors in those. So how are you guys seeing at night with these headlights? New reflectors? Led bulbs? Halogen swap? Or ditch em and go BLC's or Guides? I have seen the Bob Drake halogen reflector kits, and was wondering what everyone's thoughts on those are. Any help you can give on this subject, I am grateful for. Thanks in advance.
My Avatar is 12 volts and I use the "Brite" bulbs in the original sockets from Ron Francis Wireworks, (800) 292-1940. They are definitely bight enough. They didn't have 6 volts years ago but that may have changed. Charlie Stephens
I was going to order the Bob Drake reflector kits, based on reviews I read years ago. They are, however, never in stock. As @Charlie Stephens mentioned above, I will be trying the Brite Bulbs from Ron Francis, when the time comes.
I used '34 Dodge truck headlights on my old Sedan Deliv. Original lenses and reflectors, but converted them to halogen bulbs. I ran them on hi-beam all the time and they worked quite well.
I installed the Vintiques kit (halogen bulbs and reflectors with integrated turn signals) inside my stock '28 fluted lenses & housings. I haven't yet turned them on, so don't have an operational opinion yet.
I used the Drake halogen kit with parking lights in the reflectors. I followed a buddy to an early morning show in the dark and he said they were very bright in mirrors.
https://www.logolites.com/products/...s/led-headlights/focused-beam-led-headlights/ I’ve been running these logo lites focus beam lights in my 6 volt positive ground Tudor and 12 volt negative ground roadster, both have 28/29 model A headlights Plug and play They don’t rely on the reflectors
I have the Vintique Halogen reflector/bulb kit in my Model A headlights and they REALLY ****! Very bright but can not be focused so ya just end uip with a black hole right where ya need to see! I have them pointed down to the point they look silly just to get enoiugh light to see where I'm going. They are gonna come out and put new reflectors with stock sockets and quartz bulbs that fit stock sockets like my other Model A and My Model T. They both work great, 1 on 6 volt and the other on 12 volt. Dave
This is the best modern headlight conversion for 33/34 Fords. https://bobdrake.com/collections/headlight/products/1933-34-car-pickup-reflector-kit-headlight Unfortunately, they are no longer available.
I had heard about these, you are the first person to give feedback on them, I think I may grab a set to give em a try. Thanks.
Yeah I had a set of repop 29 lights a while back on one of my cars, absolute garbage for seeing anything. Vintiques makes things pretty but their headlights **** for seeing anything.
Convert to modern Halogen sealed beam bulbs. Problem solved. 6 volt lights were never that bright to start with. As my old Pappy used to say: "I have to get out and light a match to see if they're on". I don't know who carries the conversion kits these days. I also don't know if the kits for the Model A lights are the same. Very simple conversion and look like stock, as far as it can. Your best option is to convert to 12 volts. All of your lights will be much brighter. I believe one of the early Ford parts vendors has 12 volt bulbs for your stock headlights, too.
I have used the vintique kit several times, even used a 39 Ford kit in a 65 VW bug. Worked great, bright!
I used reflectors from Brattons, and the logo lites focus beam led bulbs. For the turn signal, I used the Holley amber led bulbs. The headlight bulbs light up real nice.
I know it's not 32-34 Ford but years ago I had UVIRA recoat the reflectors on my 36 Chevy and used halogen bulbs. They were alright but the lenses threw a bad pattern. After struggling with them for 40+ years , I bit the bullet and redid a pair of BLCs with halogen sealed beams. Now I can see something on these dark mountain roads. Just my experience, Mitch.
And that is the one big issue with trying to 'upgrade' those old lights. Lens optical design has come a long way in the last 70+ years. Lens optics should match the lamp characteristics for best results, and that's not happening with those '20s/30s lens designs.
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