How to brighten my six-volt headlights

Question:

Recently there was a letter in your magazine regarding halogen six-volt bulbs for brighter headlights for a Model A Ford. I have the same condition with a 1940 Willys coupe. I am wondering if AutoRestorer has any recommendations as to increasing the brightness of my headlights. I would like to accomplish this without any serious modifications. Any ideas?

Answer:

Seal beam headlights were first required in the U.S. in 1940, so you would need to replace your entire existing seal beam six-volt headlights with six-volt halogen seal beams. But before going to halogen headlights which would draw considerably more amperage and demand too much of your original generator, I would try cleaning up your existing system.

That’s because, to go to the halogen seal beams you will need to go to a higher-output generator or an alternator, and possibly add relays in the circuits depending on the brightness of the headlights you purchase. Six-volt alternators can be purchased from a number of sources, as can six-volt halogen lights, but then that gets into the realm of extensive (and expensive) modifications, which you are trying to avoid.

Custom fuse panels with flashers can be found at new car dealers and at Centech Wiring, Inc. First, I would check your stock generator’s output to make sure it is doing its job, and rebuild it if necessary.

Second, I would check the wiring to make sure it is sound and that its insulation is not cracked. And then I would clean all connections with sandpaper, and tighten them securely. I would also smear a little white dielectric grease on them to prevent corrosion. Six-volt systems are much more sensitive to corrosion than later 12-volt systems.

Finally, I would see to it that the headlights are properly grounded. The most common problem causing dim six-volt lights is lack of good grounding. If necessary, I would run an extra ground wire to each headlight and attach it to clean bright metal on the chassis.