Headlights for M37

[patch22]

Getting the truck ready for a Veteran's Day outing, and I have a headlight out. Did a search here but I'm not finding what I need....Anyone have a valid part no. for a 24v sealed beam bulb with the milspec pigtail connectors? Any luck getting one at NAPA or other parts retailers? No time to order from MWM or Saturn etc. before parade day....Darn it, why did I wait so long?? Thanks JK

[Lifer]

I don't have the number, but NAPA can probably get you one overnight. I can pretty much guartantee that they won't have it on the shelf, though. Unless you're going to be driving at night, though, you should be able to get by without it for the occasion.

[DJ]

Some heavy duty offroad type equipmemt uses 24 volt lights ,it wouldn't have the correct ends ,but you could splice the wires to make ot work.

[MSeriesRebuild]

Getting the truck ready for a Veteran's Day outing, and I have a headlight out. Did a search here but I'm not finding what I need....Anyone have a valid part no. for a 24v sealed beam bulb with the milspec pigtail connectors? Any luck getting one at NAPA or other parts retailers? No time to order from MWM or Saturn etc. before parade day....Darn it, why did I wait so long?? Thanks JK

The # you need at NAPA is GE4800, This is exactly the same 24 volt element, but with the standard 3-prong plug on connector. Very simple to hook up, just ask for a 3-prong headlight connector plug, that they will have on the shelf. Simply plug the plug onto the element prongs, then install the correct pieces to plug into the wiring harness Douglas connector or you can just splice the wires appropriately. A 10 minute job at most.

[rixm37]

Speaking of headlights. I read a post here while back about using 12 volt head lamps with a 24 volt 4 pole relay running off the head light switch. Tapping one battery for the 12 volt source. Has anyone heard about this or done it ?
It would be cool to just be able to buy a headlight at any auto parts store or even a halogen type.

[MSeriesRebuild]

Speaking of headlights. I read a post here while back about using 12 volt head lamps with a 24 volt 4 pole relay running off the head light switch. Tapping one battery for the 12 volt source. Has anyone heard about this or done it ?
It would be cool to just be able to buy a headlight at any auto parts store or even a halogen type.

Tapping 1 battery for a 12 volt source isn't a smart move. The charging system knows only 24 volts. The 1 battery being discharged by running lights will be demanding recharge while the other won't need a charge. The problem you will face is the battery that doesn't need a charge will be getting it right along with the battery that does need it. Result will be the battery that dosen't need it will get grossly overcharged & will be ruined over 2-3 months requiring its replacement. Bottom line is unless you want to be replacing batteries every 3 months or so, don't source a single battery to get a 12 volt power supply from a 24 volt system.

Yes it is convenient to be able to run to town & pick up a replacement element, better be sure they have your batteries in stock also. It's much more sensible to acquire a spare head light element. We do many complete electrical conversions over to 12 volt systems thus I have many take-off 24 volt military elements, they are reasonably priced if you want some spares.

[rixm37]

ALL I can say is Well said Charles.
Lord knows with what batteries cost today it isn't worth doing this. It just sounded good. I didn't realize that the stress would be so great I just thought you could switch the batteries around and things would balance out.