C2 Sealed beam headlamps

[Eugene B.]

Members,
I'm looking for the AC Delco part numbers for the high and low beam headlamps for my '65. I would like to purchase four new sealed beams (for drivers) and put my original T3's back for judging.

Thanks to all who reply.

Regards,
Gene

[Lyndon S.]

[Donald T.]

Re: C2 Sealed beam headlamps

Lectric Limited has reproduction T3 headlights. They are nearly identical to the originals except for a tiny DOT marking.

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 Sealed beam headlamps

4001 and 4002

[John D.]

Re: C2 Sealed beam headlamps

Gene, While I was in Carlisle last week I went to a truck stop and noticed that they had the round headlite bulbs we use in halogen. That would be the way to go if the old alternator will take it. Readily available I suppose in auto stores. John

[John M.]

Re: C2 Sealed beam headlamps

That is what I have in mine, Sylvania Halogen sealed beams. 5001 and 5006 are the lamp numbers, and they are about $6 each at my FLAPS. They put out more than twice the light of a standard incand. T3! Keep the T3 lamps for judging, but if you ever drive at night, get the halogen lamps!

Regards, John McGraw

[John D.]

Re: C2 Sealed beam headlamps

John, I am afraid to even turn my fragile NOS T3's on in my 63 for fear one will smoke up. Not that long ago I turned the headlights on in the garage when the power went out. Not that bright I said to myself. But good enough until I got the generator running. The storms this past summer have been the pits.
The halogens are the only way to go although the repro from LL are pretty shiny also. Thanks, John

[Donald M.]

Re: C2 Sealed beam headlamps

I also vote for the Halogens.They put out a lot of light, don't overtax your alternator and best of all, when they do burn out someday, it won't cost you a fortune to replace just one lamp.
Don

[Paul L.]

Re: C2 Sealed beam headlamps

I have the NAPA (Federal-Mogul/Wagner) halogen lamps on my 1967 and they work very well.

[Bill H.]

Re: C2 Sealed beam headlamps

I bought some "NOS" boxed sealed beam headlamps from an AC Delco parts warehouse. They were in correct Delco boxes. When I opened them, every one had a GE branded lamp inside! That was 25 or so years ago! Get some halogens. I've run H4 halogens in my 57 (with the original generator) for nearly ten years (and halogen sealed beams for at least five years prior to that) with no electrical (or night-vision) problems at all.

[Larry L.]

Re: C2 Sealed beam headlamps

You need to go Junk Yarding -
I bought a life time supply of T3 complete with stainless and back buckets. The low beams cost 3$ each and the high beams cost 2$ each. It too much trouble to swith bulbs and all the fooling around. I just plan to be home by dark.

I have set of FLAME throwers on the shelf - they worked OK with a 42 Amp alternator.

If you go Jumk yarding don't mention Corvette or the price goes way up. Just put on old cloths and scuffy boots, put a few direty dollar bill in your pocket - just don't look to prosperous. Then negotiate and hold onto your money tightly. Just ask for a set of head lamps for a 63 and he will show you a number of 63 64 cars with all the head light trim intact. Remove your treasure and remember not to smile when you pay your money - just don't wip it out too fast either. Pretend it's the last 3 dollars you got.
If you pull in a BMW or Cad - he knows and price just went up.
Drive my friend's old brown 82 Chevrolet 4 door. (the limo) His wife hates the car.
Works every time.

[Bill H.]

Re: C2 Sealed beam headlamps

I did just that from about 1980 until a few years ago. (Drove my '78 Ford LTD- II!) I used to sell them at the Cypress Gardens meet. Over the years I bet I've trudged through over 75% of the junkyards in peninsular Florida! I also found a pair of aircraft landing lights that I installed in my 67 Olds as high beams for a while -- it sure was daylight when I pushed the floor switch but I think I also heard the alternator cry!