BuickNut Posted January 28, 2002 Share Posted January 28, 2002 Hey Folks, got a question on the headlights on my '49 Buick Super. It needs restored, but don't recall how well the old 6 volt headlights lite up the road when I did drive it. Are there conversions over to modern 12 volt lighting ? Are there places to get "new technology" (????) lights to work on old 6 volt systems ? Or where can I get the old original lights - non used ? I'm not concerned about having the vehicle having NOS stuff, and can definately go with NORS...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Old Guy Posted January 28, 2002 Share Posted January 28, 2002 I also have a 40 and the stock 6 volt lights are surprizingly good. I used regular 6 volt replacement bulbs and was careful about the alignment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Rawling Posted January 29, 2002 Share Posted January 29, 2002 If your 6 volt lights are not bright, check the ground lead. That always worked for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ply33 Posted January 29, 2002 Share Posted January 29, 2002 Your original 6v sealed beam headlights are rated at 40 watts. 12v sealed beam headlights up to about 1970 were also rated at 40 watts. In the 1970s a 50 watt sealed beam was introduced. With the advent of quartz-halogen bulbs, the wattage dropped back to about 40 for sealed beam versions.<P>So, given a good set of wires, switch and connector contacts, and a good ground, you have the same power at the head light as a new car.<P>However, for the same power quartz-halogen bulbs typically put out 50% more light than incandescent bulbs, so the standard new car headlight will put out more light than your 6v car. You can get 6v quartz-halogen headlights if you want to bring it up all the way to today's standards.<P>For tomorrow's standard, the new replacement HID systems put out about 300% more light than quartz-halogen using only 35 watts. See the links pointed to in the current HID thread in the Reatta forum for details. I suppose it would be possible for someone to make a 6v igniter and ballast for those, but I bet they are not available now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuickNut Posted January 30, 2002 Author Share Posted January 30, 2002 Thanks a lot.....its very much appreciated. For kicks, I may just try and see if I can get some of the 6 volt quartz halogen lights. I'll grab a look-see through Hemmings and see if there's anything listed.....buts its nice to know that if I can't find them - I'm still doing a-ok with respect to my 70's car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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