Cracked Headlight - Vendor Recommendation - Can I just replace the glass?

[thedonva]

I cracked my headlight and I'm looking to see if I can just replace the glass or if I have to buy a whole new unit? If I do end up going that route then I think I'd like something that's a little brighter so any suggestions would be great.

If there is a vendor here or on FFCars then please provide a recommendation, I looked at most of the vendors on FFCars but could not find just the glass.

Thanks,

Don Marrow - Stafford, VA
FF MK4 '65

[michael everson]

The Headlight is just a standard off the shelf bulb. It is removed from the plastic housing. Any parts store will have the headlight.
Mike

[jrcuz]

Don
When you replace the headlight make sure you don't disturb the headlight adjustment. Also get a headlight replacement with high and low beam
JR

[Blue MK3]

You didn't say what type of lights you have. If the standard sealed beam units, then they're available everywhere from WalMart to all the auto parts stores and probably some hardware stores. These units have been used for at least 75 years. Cost is $5-8.

[MVRight]

Another recommendation is check the wiring and if you have relays set up to take direct feed from a 12 volt source like an alternator. Couple of threads on this, but check out http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...ys/relays.html

[Blue MK3]

Another recommendation is check the wiring and if you have relays set up to take direct feed from a 12 volt source like an alternator. Couple of threads on this, but check out http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...ys/relays.html

While this may be good in a perfect world, standard headlights have been turned on and off with a simple switch on the dash for many years without problems. I can see another thread coming about headlights that don't work and battery problems and fuses blowing and yada yada .......with a complicated relay system. KISS.

[DaleG]

Another recommendation is check the wiring and if you have relays set up to take direct feed from a 12 volt source like an alternator. Couple of threads on this, but check out http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...ys/relays.html

Good read. What headlights come with the MK4 Complete kit...9004, 9005, 9006,...?

[edwardb]

My Mk4 came with GE H6024 Halogens. Looks like a commonly available replacement bulb. Also Sylvania H6024 appear to be common, including Advance Auto, etc. Shouldn't be hard to find.

[thedonva]

Apparently when I posted this several months ago I missed the mark. I took the headlight out this weekend because the glass was cracked. I friend managed to glue it together so I could get home but it is a temporary fix. I need a new headlight assembly. I see FF sells a pair for $140 but I don't need 2. I'm hoping I can pick them up somewhere else - any suggestions???

[first time builder]

Read everybodys answers !!!

[thedonva]

Read everybodys answers !!!

Uh - they all talk about replacing the bulb not the actual headlight assembly (glass) - unless I'm missing something - which is entirely possible. I don't think a headlight assembly costs $8? FF charges $140 for 2 kits...

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...psws3y6gbr.gif

[billjr212]

the glass and the bulb are one in the same.

http://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-H6024...eadlight+h6024

Fun fact - it's the only headlight that was allowed pre-1957, and 1 of only 2 designs allowed through 1974, hence why you can find the bulb/glass combo anywhere for super cheap.

[Jeff Kleiner]

What FFR quotes at $140 is the entire headlight package; a pair of buckets, trims, gaskets, pigtails, hardware and 2 bulbs.

Simply walk into Autozone and tell them you want a 6024 headlamp:

6024 Headlamp



Don't forget to pick up the change from your 20 dollar bill.

You're welcome,
Jeff

[Gumball]

Ahhhh.... let there be light.

[thedonva]

Ok - now we are getting somewhere. I'll swing by AutoZone tomorrow. Thanks for the part # and the trivia, that's interesting...

[CraigS]

The variations above stem from the longer story. Way back, as mentioned by billjr212, the standard headlight was this 6024 which is a one piece unit and dirt cheap. But they were really crap. Many of us bought an aftermarket upgrade version. It had the glass shell, but on the back there was a removeable plate that allowed the actual bulb to be removed from the shell. That bulb could be bought in a couple of styles. IIRC one was labeled and H1. It was significantly brighter and the bulb, combined w/ the pattern on the front lens portion of the shell, started the trend to the sharply defined upper cutoff light pattern.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/s...t-h1/5760004-P
This is a pretty good explanation of something that was a very common upgrade for us old guys back in the 70s.
http://www.allpar.com/fix/electrical...ghts/ecode.php

[A cobra guy]

The light you get from a sealed beam, even a Halogen will be OK but not great. (Somehow we all survived the 1950's & 60's driving around with them.)
If you really want to see at night we now sell and LED conversion kit for $229.00 That includes 2 new glass lenses with an H4 style base and a pair of Hi/lo LED bulbs. They fit right into your existing mounting brackets. If you already have lenses with H4 bases we sell just the bulbs as well. Here is a link to our website:
[URL="http://www.watsons-streetworks.com"/URL] There is a video comparison there as well.

[DaleG]

Whichever way you go, the Daniel Stern site is a very interesting and informative read; at least know all of the variables before making a change. I know many of us don't do much night driving in these cars, so it may not matter.

[Avalanche325]

Wow. We sure can make changing a light bulb complicated.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Wow. We sure can make changing a light bulb complicated.

Actually we haven't even gotten to the changing part yet! It's taken 6 1/2 months and 15 posts just to figure out how to buy the thing

Jeff

[3yearplan]

I have nothing of value to add, but this sure was funny.

[chopthebass]

I contacted Daniel Stern. I believe he has a College Degree in writing the worlds longest emails.

[mike w]

I wonder if he built his roadster? Very scary!!!!!

[rich grsc]

I wonder if he built his roadster? Very scary!!!!!

yes I wondered that too.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Play nice fellas

Jeff

[frankeeski]

Play nice fellas

Jeff

Why start now?

[The Race Line]

So how many people does it take to change a ........... Never Mind.

Too funny here folks. Someone had to say it though.

Happy building all.

[rich grsc]

Play nice fellas

Jeff

Bit my tongue so hard its bleeding.

[FFRSpec72]

My MkII Challenge car has headlights with a small replaceable bulb off to the side, looks like a running light, I have not seen replacements that have this extra bulb.

[Steve Powell]

Tony, you beat me to it. Us old guys with MKI's and II's have the special units with the little running light. 3904, my street car still has them but 4662, race car has been changed to the later standard sealed beam. The old style are kind'a cool but it's not too easy to find replacements for them. By the way I have one on the shelf that I got from Butch as a spare. This guy has a MKIV so it's a moot point anyway.

[FFRSpec72]

Tony, you beat me to it. Us old guys with MKI's and II's have the special units with the little running light. 3904, my street car still has them but 4662, race car has been changed to the later standard sealed beam. The old style are kind'a cool but it's not too easy to find replacements for them. By the way I have one on the shelf that I got from Butch as a spare. This guy has a MKIV so it's a moot point anyway.

So to convert does one just cut the 2 running light wires and terminate them ? Both of mine are cracked and one has a hole, so was thinking about just converting and not have to deal with finding these anymore.

[thedonva]

I wonder if he built his roadster? Very scary!!!!!

I assume you are referring to me - it should be pretty obvious that I did not build my roadster or that I'm remotely mechanically inclined. But is nice to be able to jump on this forum for advice from time to time even if you have to put up with one or two A-holes.

[jrcuz]

Don
Were you successful. Let me know if I can help.

[mike w]

I assume you are referring to me - it should be pretty obvious that I did not build my roadster or that I'm remotely mechanically inclined. But is nice to be able to jump on this forum for advice from time to time even if you have to put up with one or two A-holes.

At least I never reverted to name-calling............I was just making an observation!

[MARIAH]

MARIAH has the old Mark II headlights with the little aux bulb.
Today while giving her a bath, I noticed the silver lining (mylar?) is separating from the reflector area.

So, to keep this simple..... is the H6024 Sylvania a direct replacement using the existing plug and I'll only need to terminate the aux light as unused?

ps, I have enjoyed all the posts and related info but don't feel ready for a new "upgrade project" just now.

[FFRSpec72]

MARIAH has the old Mark II headlights with the little aux bulb.
Today while giving her a bath, I noticed the silver lining (mylar?) is separating from the reflector area.

So, to keep this simple..... is the H6024 Sylvania a direct replacement using the existing plug and I'll only need to terminate the aux light as unused?

ps, I have enjoyed all the posts and related info but don't feel ready for a new "upgrade project" just now.

I just left the plug there, no termination, I just put a piece of tape over it. All seems to work fine the new units look better.

[thedonva]

Don
Were you successful. Let me know if I can help.

Thanks for the offer, I changed the headlights yesterday. 95% of my issue was procrastination, 5% was the unknown. Drove home last night in the dark - huge difference from what I had.

[MARIAH]

Thanks Tony, that was the encouragement I needed.

I thought it was a 30 minute job. Actually it was in "increments" of 30 minutes!
One of the little black screws rolled away about 6 feet.
Had to "trim" down the rubber cover about 1/4" so the plug would engage the light contacts.
Taped up the little European light as you suggested.
Dialectic grease and now all is now right with the world.
And along the way I went back and visited Daniel's web site for my lighting education in case I ever decide on Relays.

[Avalanche325]

Drove home last night in the dark....

You should have turned the headlights on!

[thedonva]

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