ClassicCar

Jon B

I've discovered, on the internet, two different available replacement sockets for the late 'thirties 6-volt "prefocus" 2-filament headlight bulbs. Neither is an exact match for the original sockets but they both look similar (and are a lot less corroded than my old sockets). I have seen the bulb bases referred to as either a "P30D-10.3" or a "P15d-30 APF" but cannot confirm this nomenclature as being correct. I'm interested in anyone's experience with either of these.

First, is American Autowire's #500162 socket, listing for $5.40.

More info here: http://shop.americanautowire.com/headlightsocket.aspx

Second, is the Cole-Hersee socket #Cole-Hersee #27018 socket listing for $9.62 each from ElecDirect.com

Further info here: http://www.elecdirect.com/product/9c...eccc25a19.aspx

I'm not looking for authenticity, just a good replacement. I'm using #2550 old-style incandescent bulbs but also have used some of the new 6-volt halogen replacements they're making nowadays. The car is a 1937 Hudson Terraplane but I believe these headlight lamps were used by practically all makes in the late 1930's.

I'd appreciate knowing if anyone has used either of the above sockets successfully.

46HudsonPU

IMO, The early ford headlight harness looks pretty close...

Ol racer

FYI

Regarding original Reflector Style Head lights..If anyone is interested in brighter lighting, Halogen 6V or 12V Bulbs are available to fit these 3 pin sockets from 'Litle British Car Co' .in Michigan;
Email lbcarco@lbcarco.com

Jon B

Yes, I have used these (the 6-volt versions). Bright (though my old 50-50 candlepower incandescent bulbs were almost as bright!).

But, one significant drawback.

One evening as I was starting the car, both halogen bulbs blew out simultaneously. Both the high and low beams of each. I think my voltage regulator may have malfunctioned but I'm still not 100% sure what happened. The possibility is that for a split second the voltage spiked about 6. For some reason I have never had this happen with my old style incandescent bulbs.

I bought new halogen bulbs but have never had the guts to put them in, knowing that if another momentary spike occurred, I would once again lost $50 worth of lights in a split second. If I could buy some sort of "voltage circuit breaker" and wire it into the lines as a protection, I'd gladly do it.

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