alsfarms Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 I need some education on brass Solar headlights and the associated carbide generators. Did the Solar company build and market a carbide generator in house or did they supply this item from other companies? I do not recall seeing any Solar brand carbide generators. I have a nice set of Solar lights, to go on a project, and would like to have a matching MFG. generator if possible. Does anyone have any Solar literature and share a copy of information that relates to carbide generators? Help and advice is sought on this subject. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 (edited) Welding gas companies used to sell small tanks of acetylene for this purpose. You may have seen them on old cars. A cylindrical brass tank about the size of a sub sandwich. Don't know if they are still available or if old ones can be refilled but might be worth looking into. A tank of gas is much better easier and more reliable than carbide and water. I would consider getting a modern tank in the smallest size, and making a brass housing for it. I wouldn't consider using a carbide generator. Edited May 30, 2016 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted May 30, 2016 Author Share Posted May 30, 2016 Hello Rusty, Yes, I am aware of the small Acet. bottles. I have used them meany times while working win the trades. However, whether I actually use the Carbide generator or not, I do want a proper generator on the side of my car. Do you have any experience with Solar carbide generators? Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 Solar did make generators. I need one for a project I am working on model 1012. I have another, not sure there's a name, that I will trade. It appears to be complete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 I looked into carbide generators for welding years ago and talked the matter over with experienced welders who had used them. All advised me to forget the idea. Welding tanks are easier to use, more convenient, and safer. I can see the appeal of gas lamps for a brass car, but would use the acetylene tank. For safety and convenience if no other reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 (edited) Just stumbled on this photo of a car in the teens or twenties with acetylene gas cylinder and gas lamps. Car is from the teens but obviously quite "second hand" in this photo. Courtesy Old Motor.http://theoldmotor.com/?p=157673 Acetylene tank looks the same as the ones they make today. Edited May 31, 2016 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 Acetylene generators are actually very reliable if you clean out the unit after each use, plus they are fun to play with but the tanks are certainly more convenient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PFindlay Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 I have a solar acetylene generator that I'll be selling. (I found the correct one for my car) If you're still looking for one. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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