1938 Headlamp assembly

[38 Limo]

Hi,

After 20 years apart I'm re-assembling the headlamps on my '38 and I (of course) can't remeber what goes where. I have two lenses numbered 920946 & 920947. The reflectors are also slightly different in that one has two horizontal creases in the upper half and the other has a little crease about 1" long each side of center. What goes with what and on which side. Are there any gaskets required. This car is a Canadian built RHD.

Thanks

Art

[39CENT]

'Hey 38 limo' did you get any replies on your questions? I have a 39 but its different than a 38. look closely on the lens and see if theres a letter L or R on it, sometimes they are hard to see, or they may not even have it.

[38 Limo]

Hi 39cent,

You're the first reply. No there is no sign of L or R on any lens. I actually have 2 of the #920946 and the only difference I can see on them is after the Pat Pend message there is a 3 on one and a 4 on the other. Does your's have L & R? If so where? The full message on the bottom of the lenses apart from and below the numbers is :- EXPOLYTE with HEADLAMP under that and then GUIDE under that.

Regards

Art

[njlimbaugh]

I have an old Motor manual covering the early thirties. None of the different headlight systems (there were about 9 or 10) shows different lenses or reflectors for right and left. Therefore I'd just use 2 lenses/reflectors that are the same. But in the interest of actually lighting up the road, I'd look into the new halogen bulbs which have been designed to replace the old style which were about the same as sticking a flashlight out the window. The only thing is, I think they need 12 volts, but I'm not sure. Hope this helps.

[39CENT]

I have installed a set of clear lens, 7 inch,12V halogen headlamp bulbs with the changeable bulbs inside. I replaced the 12V bulbs with 6v halogen bulbs. These are like sealed beams but the bulb can be removed and a 6V halogen can be inserted. You may havto find some parts for mountingthe old sealed beam bulbs in a wrecking yard, but it can be done.

[njlimbaugh]

When sealed beams were introduce in 1940, manufacturers fell all over themselves to make adapter kits to install sealed beams into the older models. I've found them on ebay and used them successfully in a couple of cars. One of those kits with the halogen bulbs should do the trick.

[39CENT]

ok try these guys

http://www.vapinc.com/lenses/main.html

[38 Limo]

Good site 39cent but my lenses aren't listed there. I'm wondering if they are RHD specific. In the listing tho' they are different left to right.

Art