The Ford Barn

Portage Tudor · 01-03-2015, 04:59 PM

Has anyone tried to use LED bulbs in their Model A headlights? Walmart sells them now for $15 a pair. I am trying to wire up my original headlights and use LED bulbs. Any thoughts or experience would help.

Jim/GA · 01-03-2015, 07:02 PM

Please provide a link to the lights that you are looking at from WalMart.

700rpm · 01-03-2015, 09:54 PM

The correct shape and plating on your reflectors will be more effective than just adding LEDs. David Adair of the Portland chapter of MAFCA has done an extensive comparison of lighting options and plans to publish that this year. I would suggest waiting till that comes out and make your lighting decisions accordingly.

Portage Tudor · 01-03-2015, 09:57 PM

Thanks, I will look forward to that report.

Portage Tudor · 01-03-2015, 09:58 PM

They are in the car light bulb replacement section. They have 1157 and 1156 style.

Jim/GA · 01-03-2015, 11:04 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Portage Tudor

They are in the car light bulb replacement section. They have 1157 and 1156 style.

OK, an 1157 bulb is a combination tail light (~3 cp) and stop light (32 cp) bulb intended for the back of a car (tail light and stop light combination).

An 1156 bulb is a straight 32 cp bulb, used mostly for backup lights (but can be used as a brake light bulb on a Model A that has been converted to 12 volts).

Neither are intended for use in a two-light headlight.

Mike V. Florida · 01-04-2015, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Portage Tudor

Has anyone tried to use LED bulbs in their Model A headlights? Walmart sells them now for $15 a pair. I am trying to wire up my original headlights and use LED bulbs. Any thoughts or experience would help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Portage Tudor

They are in the car light bulb replacement section. They have 1157 and 1156 style.

As a replacement for parking lights in the headlight buckets, Led bulbs would work, assuming yours is a 12 volt system. I don't know if the socket in the A will fit the bulb.

700rpm · 01-04-2015, 01:17 AM

Walmart is not exactly a primary go-to Model A parts supplier.

May I suggest you support an established Model A company? You get the right parts at good prices at the same time supporting the hobby and those who help us keep the cars on the road. Walmart doesn't know or care about any of that.

Big hammer · 01-04-2015, 08:57 AM

After reading a post about lighting here on the Barn, I cleaned a stainless steel tail light inside, then I tested the brightness(naked eye test),then I painted the inside gloss white,
Then tested for brightness, naked eye test, IMO very much brighter:-)
Cost was much less than LEDs

01-03-2015, 04:59 PM	#1
Portage Tudor Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3	LED Bulbs for Model A two light housings. Has anyone tried to use LED bulbs in their Model A headlights? Walmart sells them now for $15 a pair. I am trying to wire up my original headlights and use LED bulbs. Any thoughts or experience would help.

01-03-2015, 07:02 PM	#2
Jim/GA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Young Harris, GA Posts: 1,835	Re: LED Bulbs for Model A two light housings. Please provide a link to the lights that you are looking at from WalMart. __________________ Jim Cannon Former MAFCA Technical Director "Have a Model A day!"

01-03-2015, 09:54 PM	#3
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,920	Re: LED Bulbs for Model A two light housings. The correct shape and plating on your reflectors will be more effective than just adding LEDs. David Adair of the Portland chapter of MAFCA has done an extensive comparison of lighting options and plans to publish that this year. I would suggest waiting till that comes out and make your lighting decisions accordingly. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole. Last edited by 700rpm; 01-03-2015 at 11:00 PM.

01-03-2015, 09:57 PM	#4
Portage Tudor Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3	Re: LED Bulbs for Model A two light housings. Thanks, I will look forward to that report.

01-03-2015, 09:58 PM	#5
Portage Tudor Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3	Re: LED Bulbs for Model A two light housings. They are in the car light bulb replacement section. They have 1157 and 1156 style.

01-04-2015, 01:17 AM	#8
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,920	Re: LED Bulbs for Model A two light housings. Walmart is not exactly a primary go-to Model A parts supplier. May I suggest you support an established Model A company? You get the right parts at good prices at the same time supporting the hobby and those who help us keep the cars on the road. Walmart doesn't know or care about any of that. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.

01-04-2015, 08:57 AM	#9
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,154	Re: LED Bulbs for Model A two light housings. After reading a post about lighting here on the Barn, I cleaned a stainless steel tail light inside, then I tested the brightness(naked eye test),then I painted the inside gloss white, Then tested for brightness, naked eye test, IMO very much brighter:-) Cost was much less than LEDs