6 volt Halogen sealed beam headlamps

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Greetings,

I was discussing 6 volt to 12 volt conversions on the phone earlier with NevadaHudson and our conversation shifted to 6 volt halogen sealed beam headlamps. I had used them before with good results. He suggested that I share the source with the forum. I obtained mine from CARS, Inc. (www.oldbuickparts.com or Call 908 369-3666). Part # SB-6H $59.00/pair.

I used mine with the stock generator, but I have heard that they work even better with a 6 volt alternator. I plan to use them on my 1952 Hornet also.

Happy Hudsoning,

John

Comments

  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    I believe there are two or three other sources for those halogen 'sealed beams' as well. (actually, the glass and reflector are separate from the bulb itself, which is very small and is slipped in from behind.)



    Just for everyone's information, there is also a company in Australia which makes 6 volt halogens for pre-sealed beam cars. They fit right in the existing "prefocus" socket. I have a pair on my '37 Terraplane. A bit pricey (about $25 each) but worth it if you get stuck driving at night and actually want to see the road ahead.
  • BigSky
    BigSky Senior Contributor
    Jon,



    What is the contact info on the source for those halogens? I could use a pair in my 37 Hudson.

    Anything special about the installation?



    Thanks,
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    The halogens should work equally well with generator or alternator, since they're both set to put out the same voltage (as they say, "volts is volts"). But the extra current load drawn by the halogens might be better handled by an alternator if it has a higher current rating than the generator.
  • Nevada Hudson
    Nevada Hudson Senior Contributor
    I wonder if the roof antenna listed in Buick CARS is the same as 1948-1956 Hudson
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Husker: http://www.classicandvintagebulbs.com/ . The bulbs have the standard prefocus flange with the three little keyholes. Just install them in your socket as you would the old fashioned type.



    Regarding Bobby's comments, below...I would recommend not only heavier gauge wire (you want to replace that old cloth-covered wire anyway), but also a headlight relay. With a relay, all the amperage is going directly from the battery to the lights (through the relay), bypassing miles of questionable wire, the dimmer switch, and the dash switch (which -- let's face it -- wasn't that good to begin with and by now is probably fairly corroded).



    I used a dual headlight relay on mine (one circuit for high, one for low) and hid it behind the driver's side dash panel so no one is the wiser.



    I would also advise a ground wire running between each light and the frame.



    With these improvements, plus re-silvering your pre-1940 reflectors, you should have bright headlights on a moonless night.
  • bobbydamit
    bobbydamit Expert Adviser
    I have installed these in the past on a car that I ran a 8 volt battery in. Wow, what great lights to have on no moon night, driving a country two lane blacktop road, in the middle of nowhere. I sold that car, and the guy as said the lights still work fine after a couple of years at 8 volts. I need to order new ones for my present Pacemaker. Which one is the best price now[/SIZE]. I paid $60 or the pair a few years ago. I never changed the original 6 volt generator, or voltage regulator for either the new lights or 8 volt farm battery. A 6v 35w tungsten bulb draws just under 6 amps and gives a, some what, yellow light. On the other hand a Halogen 35w bulb gives a far brighter/whiter light and still only draws the same current as the tungsten equivalent. up to 65w are available I think, but you may want to think larger wire too.
  • BigSky
    BigSky Senior Contributor
    Jon,



    Thanks for the info. I do need to update wiring so a complete update and improvements should make it a good set up.



    Again, thanks!
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