12v headlamp/running lights available for a 38 buick?

[drptop70ss]

Greetings!

I have taken on a 37 buick project car that was left for dead, horrible condition but I am trying to bring it back to life. I have not been able to find a pair of 37 buick headlights or fender mounted running lights for it but I did find both from a 1938 to use. Because of the poor condition of the car and wiring I am converting to 12v but would like to not modify the headlight or running light assembliesif possible. Are there 12v bulbs that will fit into the 38 headlight buckets and running light housings without modifications?

[Mark Shaw]

Yes, look for halogen bulbs on the internet.

[drptop70ss]

already did but seemed to only find ones for chevy? I dont mind making minor mods but overall do not want to do anything that cannot be undone. Do you know the stock bulb numbers, maybe I can cross reference to 12v?

These are the ones I found for chevy headlights no idea what would fit the running light housings yet.

http://www.streetrodhq.com/detail/11092/Chevrolet_BULB_HEADLIGHT_HALOGEN_V_CLEAR_H.html

[Guest Jim_Edwards]

Greetings!

I have taken on a 37 buick project car that was left for dead, horrible condition but I am trying to bring it back to life. I have not been able to find a pair of 37 buick headlights or fender mounted running lights for it but I did find both from a 1938 to use. Because of the poor condition of the car and wiring I am converting to 12v but would like to not modify the headlight or running light assembliesif possible. Are there 12v bulbs that will fit into the 38 headlight buckets and running light housings without modifications?

Okay, the 12V Fog/Driving Lamps on 1956 Cadillac Eldorados are a single filament bulb with the same basic base and bulb shape, but without the high beam contacts needed for your conversion. Somewhere I have the name of a producer of the bulb for those Cadillac Fog/Driving lamps I'll post a link as they may well make a 12V Dual filament which would obviously solve your problem.

FYI, the same bulb type was used on many cars through 1939.

Jim

[Guest Jim_Edwards]

Okay, I found the 12V version of the bulb. It is a GE 2336, which is labeled as a 6-8V but is actually a 12V. GE 1044 may also work and might have a slightly brighter high beam.

Good luck!

Jim

[drptop70ss]

Thanks Jim, found the 1044s availabe online, I will get a pair of them, look like they will do the trick! I like the look of the factory lenses and didnt want to switch to sealed beam so this is a big help. Just have to find ones for the running lights next.

[Guest Ken J]

Do you all by chance have a part number for the rear tail/running light? Mine is a 39

[Guest Tishabet]

FYI, I believe you're going to have to pull some tricks to aim your headlights if they are 38 units on a 37 car... I think the 38 beam adjustment access is located on the headlamp where they mount to the car, and this hole is mirrored on the mounting surface i.e. you raise the hood to get to the adjustment for the headlights. Pretty sure this hole will not be on your 37 car as I think the 37 lights had the hole underneath the headlight unit. Maybe someone with a 37 can check.

If I am right, you might be able to adjust the lights by removing them from the car, making the adjustment, re-mounting etc.

[drptop70ss]

Thanks for the heads up on that I will have to check the car. I have not mounted the headlights yet, if needed I can add the adjustment hole. This car had so many rust holes that adding another hole will not be noticed!