36threewindow Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 I have a 1936 Buick Special coupe and will be converting to 12v system. The headlight cans are in good shape but lenses and inside reflectors are not. I would like to replace with a sealed beam bulb rather than the expense of replacing original. Anyone done this - how well do 7" sealed beam s fit in the bezel - what needs to be done to get to fit. Help appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pont35cpe Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 3window, check out "Headwinds" 626 359 8044 they have 7" adapter rings. I haven`t bought a set, I also have a `36 3w cpe Buick Special.. I just bought a used set on ebay, before I come across a Headwinds ad. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pont35cpe Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 3window, I went on line and seems they don`t have any for a `36 Buick, but you might call them to be sure.. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pont35cpe Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 Have thought about a new reflector kit equipped with halogen bulb, and use your lens and headlight door? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 How big are the sealed beams for a 36? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937-44 Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 You might try posting this up in the Prewar Buick section. I couldn't find it but if I recall Matt Hinson posted an article on converting a 1937 Buick to take sealed beams. Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pont35cpe Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 36threewindow, here is some pictures of my 36 Buick headlights that I modified to seal-beams. What I used is a pair of headlight assemblies, Lucas brand British made for an early 60s MG, that I bought on ebay. It wasn`t easy, but I was determined to be the winner. I think they turned out about as close to excellent that I could get using my original cans and headlamp doors.. I bought an adapter kit for a 38 Buick thinking I could make them work, but no way they would work on my cans, so gave that kit to my brother who has a 38 coupe. Took me quite awhile to fit the first one, figuring what and where had to be ground for H-lamp door clearance, the second one went a lot quicker. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
36threewindow Posted February 8, 2017 Author Share Posted February 8, 2017 Thanks Tom, Those look great ! Anything special about the early 60's MG rings or would any 7" ring work knowing what you know now ? Al T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
36threewindow Posted February 8, 2017 Author Share Posted February 8, 2017 On 1/31/2017 at 2:36 PM, 1937-44 said: You might try posting this up in the Prewar Buick section. I couldn't find it but if I recall Matt Hinson posted an article on converting a 1937 Buick to take sealed beams. Carl Thanks Carl, I'll look for it. Al T. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pont35cpe Posted February 8, 2017 Share Posted February 8, 2017 1 hour ago, 36threewindow said: Thanks Tom, Those look great ! Anything special about the early 60's MG rings or would any 7" ring work knowing what you know now ? Al T. Al T, actually I had bought the MG assemblies because they were cheap, and put them away for a few years, not even thinking I`d ever use them for converting my Buick cans. It was pure coincidence that they were the perfect diameter to fit the `36 cans(7 3/4"). When I first started on converting mine I tried the 7" headlight assemblies from my `41 Pontiac but were slightly bigger in diameter(8 1/4") than the `36 cans. I keep watching for another MG set because my `35 Pontiac headlight cans are just like the `36 Buick. There may be some 40s headlight assemblies that might be converted to the cans, all I know is the MG Lucas F type can be made to fit. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pont35cpe Posted February 8, 2017 Share Posted February 8, 2017 Al T, 1962 -1980 MG, MGB headlight assemblies is what I used. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
36threewindow Posted May 20, 2018 Author Share Posted May 20, 2018 Pont35cpe, Now that I am finally getting around to the headlights(ya I am getting close to finishing it) can you tell me what brand/model# sealed beam headlight you used. The pictures show a nice rounded lens and all I'm seeing in the stores appear much flatter. Also was the inner black ring part of the 1962 - 1980 MG headlight assembly or was that from something else. Keeps on lookin better every time I look. Thanks -36threewindow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted May 20, 2018 Share Posted May 20, 2018 (edited) I just looked at an old catalog from Classic Auto Parts in OKC Here is a link to the present headlight catalog page..... http://www.classicautopartsonlinecatalog.com/app.php?BookCode=fv815flx Sorry, this does not take you directly to the lighting page....type 140 in the square between the arrows and it will take you to page 140 which has a LED conversion, page 144 has the original reflectors (for a Ford) The present catalog has halogen conversion kits and original replacement reflectors ...they are probably about the same size as our Buicks...they list a 33-34 as 8 1/2 in diameter but do not give the diameter of 35-39 which they also carry. Edited May 20, 2018 by Barney Eaton (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pont35cpe Posted June 7, 2018 Share Posted June 7, 2018 On 5/20/2018 at 12:58 AM, 36threewindow said: Pont35cpe, Now that I am finally getting around to the headlights(ya I am getting close to finishing it) can you tell me what brand/model# sealed beam headlight you used. The pictures show a nice rounded lens and all I'm seeing in the stores appear much flatter. Also was the inner black ring part of the 1962 - 1980 MG headlight assembly or was that from something else. Keeps on lookin better every time I look. Thanks -36threewindow Sylvania Halogen H6024 And yes, the ring is part of the MG inner can.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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