Simple driving light diagram for Model A

[mcgarrett]

Anyone have a simple wiring diagram for installing driving/fog lights on a Model A? I'm still 6v +ground. I'm also interested in seeing pics of where you located your lights and where you mounted your switch, fuse, etc.
Thanks for the responses.

[Gary WA]

What are you going to use for driving/fog lights?

[Ray64]

Ther are brackets for them to fit between bumper bars. Dont know if you can purchase them separately

[mcgarrett]

Gary WA,
I have a pair of antique Sears Allstate 6 volt fog lamps and I mounted them on the front bumper brackets. I wired up similar lights on another Model A, but just interested to see what others have done. I think I know where I want to mount the switch without having to drill any new holes, but just interested in what others have done.
Thanks.

[Bill G]

If you are wanting something that is bright for driving in bad weather, then I might suggest you look at the new focused LED headlights. They put out a lot of light, but they are bright white light. No yellow to it.

[mcgarrett]

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Bill G,
Actually, my headlights are surprisingly bright for a 6 volt system, so no problem there. I just wanted to add some extra lighting to increase my visibility to other drivers and I like the look of the extra lights to add character and beauty to an otherwise plain front end.

[katy]

Connect the "feed", w/an inline fuse, to the side of the terminal block that has the yellow w/black wires on it.

[mcgarrett]

katy,
Good idea on the connection to the terminal block post. Keeps the wire going to the switch short and easy to hide.

[CarlG]

Here's mine: (PDF shows the original Unity wiring diagram)

[mcgarrett]

CarlG,
Love the look of your car with the fog lights on. Gives it a distinctive look as its coming at you. I think it helps the car stand out more at night to oncoming traffic. The way drivers are so distracted these days, I want all the help I can get.

[mcgarrett]

Forgot to ask...does anyone use a relay in their wiring circuit? If so, which one?

[Bruce of MN]

I don't use a relay, but these would work:

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/6-Vol...lay,66474.html

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/0332204001

[jack backer]

I custom wired mine, used relays on all main circuits. The reason I did was to reduce switch load, instead of a toggle switching 10 amps it only switches milliamp, the relay sees the acutual load. Modern automotive systems use fuse protected relays, they can save a harness, and a car.. from burning.

[mcgarrett]

jack backer,
I agree with you about using relays. Cheap insurance to avoid a fire and the electricals work better too.

[CarlG]

Since all my lighting is LED, didn't feel it necessary to complicate things with relays.

[mcgarrett]

CarlG,
I had thought about using LED's but my stock 6 volt system works so well I hated to tamper with it. All of the lights are stock incandescent and they are so bright many people thought I had switched over to 12 volt. I guess I still like the warmth and glow of the original lights on an old car...as long as they work well!

[rotorwrench]

The stock model A with the headlamps on pretty much uses all that the generator will put out with the 3rd brush set to 12-amps. Adding fog lamps will likely tax the system. A person should switch to LED if they drive at night a lot and especially if more electrical lighting accessories are added.

[mcgarrett]

rotorwrench,
I was wondering whether the generator would be up to the task with the 3rd brush adjusted accordingly for auxiliary lighting, so your comments are what I was looking for. I've never run fog or driving lights on a 6 volt system, so it's one of those "you don't know what you don't know" things. Appreciate the tip.

[rotorwrench]

They were more common on post war cars and especially in the late 40s & early 50s. Dual spots were a custom builders favorite in that time frame too but generators had more than twice the output capabilities of the old 3-brush types.

[mcgarrett]

Any harm in upping the charging output to somewhere around 20 amps while driving at night and using the driving lights or is that a death sentence for the generator?