Headlights
 

Looking to improve the 6 volt headlights on my 48 automobile. Found this diagram on F B but lost as to the advantage of solenoid ?Attachment 559605

Re: Headlights
 

I believe the solenoid is shown to depict the source of a battery connection for headlight power. It does not perform any function in the headlight circuit. dw

Re: Headlights
 

I would look into LED's.

Re: Headlights
 

I have installed a ground directly to the bucket (soldered) and then to the frame (soldered) in a way that no one could possibly see this additional wire. I do this for the head and the tail lamps. It makes a huge difference.

Re: Headlights
 

Thanks guys, Mike I did put a ground strap on the headlight buckets & taillights but trying to improve brightness when in cities or other times when RPMs are low. Thanks to all

Re: Headlights
 

Flathead48
I did this install on my '46 Coupe, after cleaning all the grounds and wiring connections, gave minimal improvement. The solenoid you referenced is the starter solenoid, and the yellow wire is connected to the battery side of the solenoid. There is no fuse shown in the yellow wire between the solenoid and the relays, which is not correct. The circuit needs fused protection. On my install, I left all the original disconnected wiring in place, and hid as best as possible, the new wiring and components. I now have nice bright headlights, and even get other cars "flashing" me when I forget to dim.

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Thanks 51 woodie, I am just curious as to why use a solenoid , it seems u could go right from the battery to a 30 amp circuit breaker than finish the rest of the wiring. Thanks again to all.
Rick

Re: Headlights
 

If the solenoid is mounted in a favorable position (more direct wire runs) and a heavier gauge wire is used, there will be less resistance to the electrical flow and the lights, getting more voltage, will be brighter. This can be a help if there is a problem (corrosion, marginal connections, etc.) with the original wiring. In most cases, if the original wiring is in good shape, there will not a significant improvement. My '51, which was well-maintained and stored under good conditions previous to my ownership, has bright, white headlights on 6 volts.

Remember that under normal circumstances, the power for the headlights goes through the switch on the dash which adds length and extra connections to the circuit. A solenoid eliminates all of that.

Re: Headlights
 

Not to disagree with Tubman's reply, mine says the same thing with different wording:
With solenoids fed by 10 gauge wire, one each for high beam and low beam, mounted up front near the radiator, you'll get full battery voltage as close as practical to the headlights. Those solenoids being triggered by the original circuits which run through smaller gauge wire, headlight switch, and dimmer switch, will have too much built-in resistance for the headlights, but sufficient voltage to activate the solenoids.

Re: Headlights
 

Ghere is a lot written on the G503 forum about this topic as most WWII vehicles were 6v and improving headlight and brake light visability is a concern. LED conversions, 12v upgrades, etc.

Re: Headlights
 

This, excellent grounds and LEDs are the way to enlightenment :-)

Glenn

Re: Headlights
 

I appreciate the time all took to help out . Great bunch of guys.

Re: Headlights
 

This is a great and timely thread!

Re: Headlights
 

As said and implied, grounding of headlights and using the most efficient supply i.e. the shortest routing of the headlight feed wires from starter solenoid thru a fuse to the lights. I used Relays a/k/a solenoids and heavy gauge wire on both the high and low beam circuits .... and much lighter gauge wire from the relays to the headlight switch. I also did same on a separate circuit for my Fog Lights.

Re: Headlights
 

Can not resist adding to this thread.

I found that JEEP has LED headlights (12 V) that fit right into my 1935's headlight buckets perfectly... ( https://ca.doxmall.com/product/doxma...p-replacement/ )

I integrated a 6 v to 12 v converter ( https://www.amazon.com/Converter-Vol.../dp/B0D77XGGCK/ ) and the lights work perfectly.

Added benefit is that the JEEP Headlights have an integrated outer ring turn signal built right in too. :)

They work great and light up the road like a football field. Two years out I have no complaints. :)

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Have not heard of that before. Surprised that they can fit in perfectly. Can you post a close picture of your headlight so we can see what it looks like from the outside?

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I find that the voltage booster works so well is encouraging. The one he lists is 10 AMPS, which should be plenty with LED lights, and I imagine the increased current draw caused by the overhead of said converter is not significant.

Re: Headlights
 

ditto

Re: Headlights
 

FH48, you may have to change your handle around her to
“Night Rider”

Re: Headlights
 

Here is the Jeep headlight installed in my 1935 headlight bucket. It's LED and has integrated ring turn signal that flashes amber. It's 7 Inch diameter.

Re: Headlights
 

Sorry for the delayed response by the way... had my battery die on me and in the process of setting up the 6 Volt Red Top Optima. Plan to mount it on it's side under the floorboard in a fabricated metal box well attached to the frame. My lights ought to be even better after this. :)

Re: Headlights
 

Thanks for the picture.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...9&d=1738754213

Re: Headlights
 

I have to say it; that looks jarringly out of place. Is there any chance that you could fit the stock lens over it? As I remember, they are quite deep.

Re: Headlights
 

Thats gross

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A prime example of making a sow's ear out of a silk purse.

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I'm going to an eye out for a Jeep so equipped, on the road.

The good is that they are LEDs and with a very good amber directional lighting and white running lights. 30W for low and 40W for high beam.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...6&d=1738779265

Re: Headlights
 

Personally I hate the use of non stock appearing led lamps on older vehicles.

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Yep

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I agree 100%.

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heck, I don't even like em on a jeep, much less an old Ford

Re: Headlights
 

:)

All this makes me smile.

There are other LED options that would suffice to keep it looking original... instead of the Jeep solution.

https://www.ledlight.com/p15d-30-led...ed-ncnrnw.aspx lists LED bulbs suitable either for 6 V Neg and/or Pos Ground.

So many options.

I have had so many let's call them 'adventures' with vehicles that with my old eyes, I want to see and be seen. I have flipped vehicles, hit others and been hit by others. No fun but I can laugh about it now :).

Amazingly no injuries although in the one I flipped, I did have to have my head examined. Probably needed that anyhow... especially if you ask my wife.

Re: Headlights
 

You'll have to put an alternator on it to keep lights bright when engine isn't running fast.