Late '30's headlight sockets

Jon B
Jon B Administrator
edited February 2012 in HUDSON
I've discovered, on the internet, two different available replacement sockets for the late 'thirties 6-volt "prefocus" 2-filament headlight bulbs. Neither is an exact match for the original sockets but they both look similar (and are a lot less corroded than my old sockets). I have seen the bulb bases referred to as either a "P30D-10.3" or a "P15d-30 APF" but cannot confirm this nomenclature as being correct. I'm interested in anyone's experience with either of these.

First, is American Autowire's #500162 socket, listing for $5.40.
500162.jpg

More info here: http://shop.americanautowire.com/headlightsocket.aspx





Second, is the Cole-Hersee socket #Cole-Hersee #27018 socket listing for $9.62 each from ElecDirect.com
27018.jpg

Further info here: http://www.elecdirect.com/product/9c...eccc25a19.aspx


I'm not looking for authenticity, just a good replacement. I'm using #2550 old-style incandescent bulbs but also have used some of the new 6-volt halogen replacements they're making nowadays. The car is a 1937 Hudson Terraplane but I believe these headlight lamps were used by practically all makes in the late 1930's.

I'd appreciate knowing if anyone has used either of the above sockets successfully.

Comments

  • Ol racer
    Ol racer Senior Contributor
    FYI

    Regarding original Reflector Style Head lights..If anyone is interested in brighter lighting, Halogen 6V or 12V Bulbs are available to fit these 3 pin sockets from 'Litle British Car Co' .    in Michigan;
    Email lbcarco@lbcarco.com
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Yes, I have used these (the 6-volt versions). Bright (though my old 50-50 candlepower incandescent bulbs were almost as bright!).

    But, one significant drawback.

    One evening as I was starting the car, both halogen bulbs blew out simultaneously. Both the high and low beams of each. I think my voltage regulator may have malfunctioned but I'm still not 100% sure what happened. The possibility is that for a split second the voltage spiked about 6. For some reason I have never had this happen with my old style incandescent bulbs.

    I bought new halogen bulbs but have never had the guts to put them in, knowing that if another momentary spike occurred, I would once again lost $50 worth of lights in a split second. If I could buy some sort of "voltage circuit breaker" and wire it into the lines as a protection, I'd gladly do it.
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