I know that in order to p*** inspection, you need what was originally installed. Turn signals weren't standard equipment in the 30's, but what about parking lights?
Perhaps not all, but many cars had cowl lights. I've seen these put to use for turn signals. Do a search for Model A photos and you'll see them.
32 Fords had a separate parking light bulb and socket in the headlight reflector. I think most Fords in the 30s had dual lamps inside the head light bucket. The 40 was the first Ford that had sealed beams so the parking light was put on the outside of the headlight. Cowl lights were options usually on the deluxe models but not all models. I don't have any idea when parking lights became mandatory but I think most cars of the 30s had them.
That's what that little light was that you see on top of all those Guide Lamp headlights. Very typical on G.M. cars.
I believe mid-30's Buicks all came from the factory with fender mounted parking lights. I know fender-mounted parking lights were an accessory for the '37 chevy, so I would guess they were available for the whole GM line around then. I remember going for an annual inspection a few years ago and the kid checking the lights was going to flunk my '37 because the back-up lights didn't work. I explained to him that they weren't provided in '37, but he had to get his boss (an old timer), who told him I was correct. Bottom line, if you have the lights added, they gotta work - if the car didn't come that way, fehgeddabot***!
I'm planning on having turn signals, but the lamps I have are only single filiment bulbs, so there would be no parking lights. If they weren't standard equipment in 1933, then they shouldn't be required to p*** current inspection...Correct?
I have a 39 buick w 'parking lights' , they were extra cost items, and were wired to go on when the hi beams went on. This was to satisfy some state laws that required this. I,m not sure of if this as mine are now wired as 'turn signals'. The laws were dropped as cars were being produced with turn signals and parking lights. the 40 buicks came with more up to date lighting with sealed beam headlites, self canceling turn signals, and 'parking lights'. For what its worth, thats the story i heard.
39cent, As far as I know, the parking lights were just that - parking lights. I don't have access to a wiring diagram right now (I'm on the road), but there wouldn't be much sense to have them come on with the high beams, IMO and if any states had such a law, every car sold in that state would have to be so equipped. I believe yours might be wired incorrectly. I'll double check when I get home (late next week). -Bob
i know this is a little OT but i had an idea that i wanted to try because i've never seen it: i have a bunch of 12v red LED lights in my garage doing mostly nothing i used them for interior lights (bright) i wanted to put them in my headlights and operate them on a switch with headlights off. thought it would be kinda cool huh? but i have sealed halogen lights is there a way i can put something else in their place that i could drill into, and get my haunted red headlights lights look?
Dirty Bird, I wonder if you could take the bulbs to a gl*** shop to have the hole punched to put the led into it? If the hole was a bit larger, you could probably hold the bulb in place with a bit of clear silicone. Theoretically, this would also keep the moisture out of the light as well. Just be careful and don't make them flash - Johnny Law might take it as an opportunity to har*** you for impersonating them. Just a thought...
ya that's what im thinking but as soon as you punch a hole in a halogen headlight...it doesn't work anymore what can i put a hole in and still have headlight function...i want to make this work it's hella different
Even "sealed" Halogen headlights use a bulb inside. I believe the operation of the filament requires a small bulb around it to keep the filament from burning out completely. Now I'm NOT sure what type of gas (if any) might be inside the sealed beam itself but I doubt it will hurt to drill a hole and add your LED. Replaceable bulb headlamps have no problem living with plain old fresh air inside! Doubt I'd add LED's like that though...seems a little too "fast and frivilous" to me...but I'm not the guy who matters! Have fun!!!
ya i was kind of thinking it might be a little bit tuner and slow and hilarious kind of thing to do... that was in the back of my mind, i'm going to give it a shot though and see if it comes out gay or not. thanks for the input
As I understand it, its illegal to run a colored light on the front of a vehicle other than white and yellow. The other colors are reserved for emergency vehicles in most every state. There is also light bar regulations too. Hence most wreckers having only yellow and white light bars up top and people that work volunteer Fire having permits fir wig-wag lights. Shouldnt take much research to find out, look it up. I know in my town, youll get pulled over for running your fog lamps. Been pulled over twice for it in my 97 Explorer. Its a college town. They are just fishing for drunk drivers, but I looked it up and its consider not dimming your lights. Only got warnings. I also had a buddy that got pulled over enough times for the purple hue of his blue dots, that he got rid of them.
there's no doubt in my mind that it's illegal, i was thinking about it for shows and messin around. i wouldn't drive the street in LAS VEGAS with red lights. i have been pulled over for alot dumber things...they REALLY fish for D&D's here
The Jalopy Journal
