The Ford Barn

lake_harley · 06-30-2018, 01:32 PM

I'm new to Model A's and have a question about headlights. I believe my '31 Coupe might have "commercial" headlights on it currently. I think I read that passenger Model A's had 9" headlights and commercial lights were 9 1/4" or 9 1/2". Is that correct? I forget at the moment what mine measured, but is the dimension the over-all outside diameter, trim ring and all, or is it measured to the inside diameter of the trim ring, basically the diameter of the lens showing?

Since I'm asking about headlights, I'm planning to convert to 12V positive ground for a variety of reasons. How difficult is it to convert to something like a H4 bulb? Can it be done with parts available at a NAPA or Auto Zone, or is it a specialized kit that needs to be sourced from one of the Model A suppliers?

Thanks, in advance!

Lynn

Charlie Stephens · 06-30-2018, 02:17 PM

The headlight buckets and trim rings were identical between commercial and passenger vehicles. The only difference is that the passenger buckets were stainless and the commercial buckets were regular steel.

I would strongly suggest you convert to 12 volt negative ground so you can use all of the modern electronics. What are your reasons for wanting to go to positive ground?

Resilver your original reflectors (do not chrome them) or buy your reflectors from Brattons because they have the BEST and to the best of my knowledge have not released them to other retailers. Note that older reproduction reflectors were often not the correct shape and did not focus. Go to Ron Francis, Ron Francis Wire Works, https://www.ronfrancis.com, (800) 292-1940 for their "Brite" (their spelling) headlight bulbs. They go right into the original sockets.

Charlie Stephens

lake_harley · 06-30-2018, 03:04 PM

Charlie....Thank you for the info. Answers to all my questions in one nice post!

The "positive" ground was a mistake. I actually meant to say "negative ground" but I guess my mind was not present at the time.

Thanks

Lynn

Charlie Stephens · 06-30-2018, 04:02 PM

One more thought. If your bulb sockets can be restored (new wires, maybe a little straightening) do so. All of the reproductions that I know of are junk.

If anyone knows of a good source for reproduction bulb sockets I wish they would post it.

Charlie Stephens

Badpuppy · 07-01-2018, 04:19 PM

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The ones I got from Snyder's are made in Korea, but they seem to be pretty good.

But yeah, if you have originals, restore them if at all possible.

06-30-2018, 01:32 PM	#1
lake_harley Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Uniontown, MO Posts: 102	Headlight Question I'm new to Model A's and have a question about headlights. I believe my '31 Coupe might have "commercial" headlights on it currently. I think I read that passenger Model A's had 9" headlights and commercial lights were 9 1/4" or 9 1/2". Is that correct? I forget at the moment what mine measured, but is the dimension the over-all outside diameter, trim ring and all, or is it measured to the inside diameter of the trim ring, basically the diameter of the lens showing? Since I'm asking about headlights, I'm planning to convert to 12V positive ground for a variety of reasons. How difficult is it to convert to something like a H4 bulb? Can it be done with parts available at a NAPA or Auto Zone, or is it a specialized kit that needs to be sourced from one of the Model A suppliers? Thanks, in advance! Lynn

06-30-2018, 02:17 PM	#2
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,033	Re: Headlight Question The headlight buckets and trim rings were identical between commercial and passenger vehicles. The only difference is that the passenger buckets were stainless and the commercial buckets were regular steel. I would strongly suggest you convert to 12 volt negative ground so you can use all of the modern electronics. What are your reasons for wanting to go to positive ground? Resilver your original reflectors (do not chrome them) or buy your reflectors from Brattons because they have the BEST and to the best of my knowledge have not released them to other retailers. Note that older reproduction reflectors were often not the correct shape and did not focus. Go to Ron Francis, Ron Francis Wire Works, https://www.ronfrancis.com, (800) 292-1940 for their "Brite" (their spelling) headlight bulbs. They go right into the original sockets. Charlie Stephens

06-30-2018, 03:04 PM	#3
lake_harley Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Uniontown, MO Posts: 102	Re: Headlight Question Charlie....Thank you for the info. Answers to all my questions in one nice post! The "positive" ground was a mistake. I actually meant to say "negative ground" but I guess my mind was not present at the time. Thanks Lynn

06-30-2018, 04:02 PM	#4
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,033	Re: Headlight Question One more thought. If your bulb sockets can be restored (new wires, maybe a little straightening) do so. All of the reproductions that I know of are junk. If anyone knows of a good source for reproduction bulb sockets I wish they would post it. Charlie Stephens

07-01-2018, 04:19 PM	#5
Badpuppy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Guthrie, OK Posts: 1,145	Re: Headlight Question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The ones I got from Snyder's are made in Korea, but they seem to be pretty good. But yeah, if you have originals, restore them if at all possible.