head lights

Discuss fixes, upgrades and modifications to your M37

Moderators: Cal_Gary, T. Highway, Monkey Man, robi

Post Reply
vinnytruck
SGT
SGT
Posts: 177
Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:46 am
Location: NEW JERSEY, USA

head lights

Post 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
vinnytruck
User avatar
m-37Bruce
1SG
1SG
Posts: 2340
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:21 pm
Location: Midlothian,VA

Re: head lights

Post by m-37Bruce »

Not a clue, are you all stock, 24 volt?
Bruce,

1953 M-37 w/ow

Retired Again

Keep Em Rollin'

VMVA
ZGjethro
SFC
SFC
Posts: 643
Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2010 6:57 pm
Location: Aspen, Colorado
Contact:

Re: head lights

Post 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!
vinnytruck
SGT
SGT
Posts: 177
Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:46 am
Location: NEW JERSEY, USA

Re: head lights

Post 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
vinnytruck
vargaspj
PFC
PFC
Posts: 76
Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2010 8:39 am
Location: Ramona, CA 92065

Re: head lights

Post 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).
vinnytruck
SGT
SGT
Posts: 177
Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:46 am
Location: NEW JERSEY, USA

Re: head lights

Post by vinnytruck »

thank you VAR,
vinnytruck
rickf
SSGT
SSGT
Posts: 437
Joined: Sun May 21, 2017 5:50 am
Location: Pemberton Township, NJ.

Re: head lights

Post 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.
1953 M37
1964 M151A1
1967 M416
1984 M1008
4/1952 M100
12/1952 M100 gone
vinnytruck
SGT
SGT
Posts: 177
Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:46 am
Location: NEW JERSEY, USA

Re: head lights

Post by vinnytruck »

thank you rickf VT
vinnytruck
PoW
SSGT
SSGT
Posts: 487
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2007 5:48 pm
Location: Hidden Valley, AZ

Re: head lights

Post 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
Post Reply