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head lights

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2017 6:07 pm
by vinnytruck
Hi Guys, heres a question: started my light work today and noticed that my head lights have a blue dye inside?, or blue smoke? what is that and why is it happening? one bulb brand new the other is 10 yrs. old but both have that blue shade to them. Anyone have a answer, thank in advance VT

Re: head lights

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 7:12 pm
by m-37Bruce
Not a clue, are you all stock, 24 volt?

Re: head lights

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 8:40 pm
by ZGjethro
Sorry, I have no idea. My stock headlamps are a very dim and yellow color compared to modern headlamps. And my gauges say the truck is running at a good voltage. I'd like to swap 'em out for 24v LED lamps, but I can't justify the expense. It's not like I'm outdriving the headlights at 40 mph!

Re: head lights

Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 9:26 am
by vinnytruck
thanks guys for the reply. Yes I am stock and puzzled...hope someone has insight on this, I dont want them to EXPLODE. VT

Re: head lights

Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 11:29 am
by vargaspj
I think those are sealed beams with the air evacuated like a tube.
Back in the old days of vacuum tube technology there would be a dark spot called a "getter" on the inside surface of each tube.
As part of the evacuation process at the very end after the tube was sealed the getter would be excited; when it flashed it would remove impurities from the trapped air in the vacuum tube.
This might be what the dark spot is on the inside of your sealed beam headlight (just part of the normal sealed-beam manufacturing process).

Re: head lights

Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 5:22 pm
by vinnytruck
thank you VAR,

Re: head lights

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 8:15 am
by rickf
Blueish smokey color is usually an indication that the bulb is about blow, not explode, just blow out. The new replacements from overseas tend to do this very quickly.

Re: head lights

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 1:45 pm
by vinnytruck
thank you rickf VT

Re: head lights

Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 6:29 am
by PoW
I'd buy a set of H4-type 7" housings, and get 24V 70/75W H4 bulbs for them.

You'll have to make up some adapters from three-tab connections to Douglas/Packard wiring but that is easy to do.

Your lights will be the best ever, and last a long time.

If you can't find them easily, call Jeff @ 954-643-0913. Tell him Dennis in AZ sent you.

PoW