Hi All, I'm building a 28 Model A Roadster Pickup. I got the halogen conversion with signals for the headlights as my original housings were converted to sealed beam. As the instructions are really unclear, I'm wondering if anyone can share photos or an explanation to clear things up for me. Specifically I'm trying to find out: 1. What retains the reflector to the headlight bucket on these conversions? I've read there should be clips on the front of the bucket, mine are nearly smooth with only a small outward dent on the side. There are 4 notches in the reflector but nothing to mate to them on the bucket. 2. Silly question, but should the signal light go to the top or bottom of the headlight bulb? I've seen photos of either way. 3. How does the conduit attach to the headlight bucket? As mine was a sealed beam conversion, I seem to be missing some parts here potentially as well.
Fellow HAMB’r @Just Gary did it on his sedan. Came out nice. Shot him a PM, I’m sure he’ll be happy to help
I used a CW Moss/Vintique Model A "Quartz Halogen Kit with Reflectors, 12 Volt With Turn Signals" (#CW Moss A-13027-QK12TS, $114.95) with my stock housings, lenses & rings. The kit included #9007 halogen headlight bulbs. The reflector has springy wire retaining clips but even with the instructions, I had to stare at it for a while and experiment with different orientations before figuring how everything fits together. Answers to your specific questions: 1) The reflector is squeezed between the stock A housing & stock chrome ring. 'The reflectors have 4 notches like yours, & they mate with 4 tabs in the housings. It's a really tight fit, plus a cork gasket keeps everything watertight. 2) My turn signal lights are at the bottom; I haven't seen them anywhere else. 3) The conduit end has a flared "shoulder" that keeps it from slipping out of the hole in the housing. I could take some pics tonight if that would help.
I ran my park lights (running lights ) where you have put your indicators/turn signals, and used separate indicators. What will you do for park lights, or do you not require them ? Thanks!
The Vintiques kit uses a double-filament bulb (1157) for the amber bulb, so it can be both park lights and turn signals.
Thanks for the answers! If you wouldn't mind sharing a pic of the conduit end on the housing that would be great. Enough of my A isn't together that it's a bit of a puzzle. I have the Vintiques kit too, I got it from Mac's. Yours look good with the signals at the bottom, I'll orient mine that way too. I'm going to check the other housing. So far I've only taken one apart and it has a small bump on the left and right side of the mating surface to the reflector but no tab. I'll take a photo today. I noticed the retaining clips for the bulbs seem like they need to be "massaged" a bit in order to work to retain the bulb. My kit has basically no instructions, just a little bit about the bulb socket.
Yeah- I had to massage the wire clips a bit too. Here are some pics of the passenger side headlight guts, and a pair of spare conduit ends too. The conduits' flared "shoulders" keep them from popping out of the housings:
I bought a new Vintique halogen conversion setup for my '31 Roaster Pickup several years ago. No problem installing but the end result is terrible. Very bright lights but they have a really bad black hole right where ya need to have light! Can't see diddly! I had to point them down so far to get any lighting at all that it looks like the poor fella is looking at the ground! I hate them. I run Quartz bulbs in stock reflectors on my '27 T and on Other Model A's and they work great. Problem with the Vintique setup is the halogen bulb is quite long and there is no way to focus the beam. That's why there is a black hole in the light beam. I now have new factory type reflectors that will replace the Vintique junk this winter. Don't waste your time installing the Vintiques. Dave
I did think they could be focused when I bought them, but I've got them now so I'll try them anyways. Hopefully my 28 lense diffuses the light better, if not I'll try something else.
Thanks for the photos! I don't have the big tabs on the sides of my housing. May have been modified for the sealed beam conversion. I'll have to grind the paint off and see what I have.
If you do end up using original reflectors - have them re-silvered, not chromed as that makes the light duller and not as reflective.
I won't be using originals, as I don't have any. If I have to go with something other than the halogen kit, I'll go with the updated reflectors sold by Bratton's https://www.brattons.com/catalog/he...led-aluminum-1-bulb-headlight-reflectors.html
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