Thread: Headlights
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Old 01-29-2025, 12:44 PM   #8
tubman
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Default Re: Headlights

Quote:
Originally Posted by flathead48 View Post
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
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.

Last edited by tubman; 01-29-2025 at 12:49 PM.
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