Have any of you installed an H4 halogen or led in an early Ford headlight? What did the beam pattern look like?
Any good manufacturer should probably include the output pattern. If you mean how is it modified by the original lens, you might want to narrow the focus ( ) of the question. Typical AI generated article. https://headlightstech.com/headlight-beam-patterns/ A mfgr. site. Never head of this brand https://denalielectronics.com/pages/led-light-beam-patterns
Thanks, that's what I'm after. What do those bulb outputs look like behind an original lens and reflector.
Thanks. I've used those too and they are very good. I'm just wondering what the pattern of something like a 32 or 34 Ford light looks like with a new bulb, especially the difference between high and low.
I’ve heard that halogens need reflectors shaped differently. Here are photos of a reflector in a ‘32 lamp- The first one shows the raised area where the bulb is placed. The next two show a 180* segment that is raised about 1/4” at the bottom of the reflector, and that tapers to zero near the bulb, I’m guessing that has something to do with low and high beam. The lines show where the taper is and the arrow shows the 1/4” depth, and yes, it’s hard to explain and visualize. The point is, I don’t think an original style reflector works well, the focus of the light will be poor.
@mustangsix A,s & 32 The Reflector that were sold around 15 years a go to be used with 9004 or 9006 bulb? Like Vintique sold Where bright , I felt beam pattern was wrong Compared to Original restored OEM Reflected, Model A's bulbs where adjustable Originally by moving the bulb in and out from the Flutes . Bob Drake made a Reflector with a Raised Area where the Bulb mounts & Was all chrome plastic Much better Flute / Beam pattern then Vintique , As far as I know B - D No longer makes in last 7 or so years . I am surprised That Holley does not make There Versions for Pre war .
Yes, the Bob Drake reflector is described in the last two photos posted by @Fordors above. The design works very well behind the original lens. I have used them on 33/34 commercial and 35-37 commercial Ford headlights. Unfortunately, it appears that they are no longer being produced. I'm not aware of an alternative that is comparable.
Thanks @19Eddy30 and @pprather , your posts helped explain what I was trying to say. I have a set of Drake’s ‘32 lights on the shelf (for too long) for my Fordor. And I didn’t know that they’ve been unavailable for years, mine were an eBay score.
That's what I meant by narrow the focus. The lens and reflector (Year, Make, Model, OE or aftermarket) along with the bulb.
It would , I think Nice if some one Made / stamped in a metal Version Or One's with 3d printer make / print out ,,, If I had & knew software writing I would be making all kind's of Old OEM Like the 40/41 Buick Black Out tail lights
I grafted a pair of new Jeep Gladiator reflectors into a pair of old 6v reflectors. The 33/34’s are too shallow to project light down the road. I got the Jeep lights on marketplace for $50, they are $900 lights I cut them up because they were supposed to be 9”. They are set back from the lenses. I’m not happy with the ring around the reflector but they shoot down the road and I don’t have the halo I get when the new Vintiques are running. I’m still looking for 9” reflectors but only for looks not function.
The light is bright but does not project light far down the road. It is very easy to over run your headlights. They work OK around town , Not so good on the interstate Highway at 70 MPH. I still run them just because they look good. If I have to travel at night I drive my 40 Ford with sealed beam light.
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