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Old 03-25-2021, 10:05 PM   #1
bdtutton
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Default Acetylene Headlights on a 13-14 T

Hello,
I am getting closer to purchasing a brass era T and I am trying to figure out a few things before I go through with a purchase. I am looking at some very original 1913 and 1914 cars. If I purchase one I plan to add LED brake lights and turn signals, but am wondering if I need to upgrade the headlights too.

Here is the question....If I get a good acetylene tank how well would a good set of acetylene headlights work? Are they as good as stock headlights on a model A? Are they good enough to occasionally drive home at night? Has anyone tried using acetylene headlights in the real world?

Thanks....Bryan
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Old 03-26-2021, 09:17 AM   #2
jetmek
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Default Re: Acetylene Headlights on a 13-14 T

Your a brave soul if your gonna run one of those in the dark with todays traffic
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Old 03-26-2021, 10:23 AM   #3
redmodelt
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Default Re: Acetylene Headlights on a 13-14 T

Yes some have driven after dark with acetylene headlights. Do a search of "mtfca; acetylene headlight driving"
Here is one to start;
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages...tml?1429616954
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Old 03-27-2021, 08:39 PM   #4
bdtutton
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Default Re: Acetylene Headlights on a 13-14 T

If I read the article on the MTFCA forum correctly, if you use the .75 CFM acetylene burners the light output would be about the same as the standard 6v model A low beam lights. It would not be anything I would want to drive in traffic with, but I could get home if needed.

If I find that I needed to drive a model T with acetylene lights very much at night I would think about fabricating some mounts for some detachable LED headlights. They could be stored away under the back seat until needed.

Thank you for the information....
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Old 03-30-2021, 01:42 PM   #5
drkbp
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Default Re: Acetylene Headlights on a 13-14 T

Gas lamps expand the driving day for me especially during the hot summer. Most of my drives are on low traffic 35-mph divided thoroughfares that are lit up with street lamps. A very important aspect is to make the Model T visible to the other drivers. The kerosene square lamps are an important part of the visibility package and I light up the works as soon as it is dusk or low light just like the modern cars.

The acetylene headlamps seem to attract the attention of oncoming traffic from a considerable distance. I see them giving me the second look as they pass. Probably because the flames wobble a little and the lights seem to be moving around.

I feel my '25 Touring and '35 Cabriolet 6-volt headlights are a little bit better but not much. They both have rather poor side visibility issues and I feel safer with the acetylene and kerosene setup.


It's been six years since that thread. Time flies for sure....
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Old 03-30-2021, 05:48 PM   #6
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Default Re: Acetylene Headlights on a 13-14 T

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I didn't even look at the date! There have been some more recent ones posted on the T forum there.
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Old 03-30-2021, 07:25 PM   #7
drkbp
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Default Re: Acetylene Headlights on a 13-14 T

That is a good thread on gas lights.
I had just started driving with them
at that time but still have the Victor
on my running board.

Came in from a drive and kicked the
Victor up on the shop door to show
the burner shadow at the top left.

Mirrors invert the images.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DRIVE 2 5 - Copy 2.jpg (86.0 KB, 58 views)

Last edited by drkbp; 03-30-2021 at 07:47 PM.
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Old 03-30-2021, 09:13 PM   #8
Alex Mcknz
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Default Re: Acetylene Headlights on a 13-14 T

Is it a good idea to run this type of headlight nowadays?
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Old 04-06-2021, 08:46 PM   #9
mercman from oz
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Default Re: Acetylene Headlights on a 13-14 T


Now that is a light?
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