53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

[Anthony S.]

Does lectric limitd have the correct style headlights for the early c1 6V systems? How do they score?

If a 6 V system has been converted to an 8 or 12 volt, what kind of judging points hits does this modification incure? Are there any challenges going back to the 6 V original?

Thanks for any insights..(I am trying to prioritize the list of fixes needed)....Tony

[Chuck G.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

The 6 volt (and also first design 12 volt 55 Corvette) headlights are referred to as "steelbacks". They are a 3 part light....the lens, the bulb, and the steel back. I don't think anyone reproduces them.

Replacement 6 volt headlights look nothing like an original steelback. 12 volt 55 steelbacks have 12V embossed on the bottom of the lens.

Chuck

[Chris S.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

lectric does not.
Orig headlights are steelback - black in color and have no aiming pads on the glass
Orig lights have TOP in the glass - at the top of the headlight - no words or symbols in the middle.
at the bottom - they say SEALED BEAM and numbers below that.

What was done to convert the sys to 12 v
I assume you will need a 6v starter, generator, voltage regulator, etc....

[Ralph S.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

I have a bulb like the one pictured, I took it off an old farm truck. I do not know if it works are the bulbs replacable

[Chuck G.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

I have a bulb like the one pictured, I took it off an old farm truck. I do not know if it works are the bulbs replacable

The quick answer is no, they're not.

YEARS ago, I tried rebuilding several of them with poor results. You have to carefully uncrimp the metal to get the lens out without breaking it. Usually the reflector needs to be rechromed or re-silvered. Then if you try to solder a new bulb in, it discolors.

You could try epoxy. There is a motorcycle headlight bulb that used to be available with the correct prongs on the back.


Chuck

[Ralph S.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

how can i test the bulb to see if it works without damaging it.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

how can i test the bulb to see if it works without damaging it.

The only way I know is to put 6 volts to it. One lead on the bottom prong. The other lead on one of the the two top prongs. One is low beam, one is high beam IIRC.

Chuck

[Jimmy G.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

I have access o several NOS units.

[Chris S.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

Really????????
and.....PM me as I am starting on my second 54.
Thanks

[Anthony S.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

Seems that you can put in an 8V battery, change/adjust the voltage regulator for 8 V, keep the alternator / starter / etc. as stock and be ok. THis will give more CCA on startup.

[Tony R.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

And no danger to any components? Thinking here of wonderbar radio, starter, generator, coil, wiring harness, etc. I am getting a 54 motor restarted prior to going into a restoration. I don't want to ruin anything or start a fire.

[Chris S.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

Tony - I have not heard of that
I have a 6 volt battery with a 2 pole starter - turns over and starts with no issues.

[Tony R.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

But no danger to components by using an 8 volt?

[Chris S.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

I am not sure - I dont know - I have never tried it

[Jim L.]

Re: 53 - 55 Voltage system & headlights - correct for judging

But no danger to components by using an 8 volt?

I wouldn't apply 8 Volts to a 6 Volt system. That's 33% more Voltage than the lamps, clock coil, and radio circuits were designed to endure. Their remaining useful life will be shortened. The only benefit of such a Bubba mod will be that the starter spins with more enthusiasm. However, if the starter is in good condition, it will work just fine on 6 Volts and the engine will light off easily.

IOW, it's a solution in search of a problem.