How to focus Model A Ford headlights + Convert to LEDs

[@mafcawebmaster4237]

LogoLites just released two new versions of the LED headlamp bulbs - one specifically for positive ground and one specifically for negative ground systems. The part number for the Model A with positive ground is 236-101. The original bulbs, 236-100 could be used with either positive or negative ground systems, but some Model A owners reported problems with those, thus the changes.

[@ModelA]

Excellent info. Thanks, Rick!

[@mafcawebmaster4237]

@@ModelA I believe that LogoLites has discontinued the 236-100 (universal) bulb. But they may still be in someone's inventory. They're guaranteed for a year, so if anyone has problems with them, they're under warranty.

[@donschilling183]

Wish they still made model As. I’m 85. Had three of them in my lifetime. Still got one. Great car. Most fun.

[@ModelA]

"They" do still make Model A's. And by "they", I mean people all over making and restoring Model A magic.

[@manuelrivas9397]

@@ModelA i got 1931modal pick up roster stars n.stops what’ I am doing Ron.

[@pjcsmo]

Paul- I converted both my Model A’s to LED headlights a year ago - and it makes all the difference for night driving, Also did the LED taillight/brake light conversion.

[@ModelA]

Good job, Phil

[@pjcsmo]

@@ModelA I had to replace all the headlight wiring and connectors also, as the car was still using the repairs on the cheap I had done in 1960. Back then you really could find a car that could be repaired and run on the streets and freeways for a total outlay of $25, including the purchase price.

[@alexpena6948]

Thank you first time to your channel my wife just bought me a 1930 Chevy for my daily driver definitely need head light upgrade thank you for the help

[@dougf1250]

I bought my first A this August, and your videos have helped me very much. Keep up the good work.

[@ModelA]

That's what it's all about, brother.

[@dogbitefred6631]

Thank you from a first time Model A owner! I am going to add a second tail light and these headlamp LED bulbs to asap to make my car a little safer. Thanks again for the clear instructions on adjusting the headlights and bulbs!

[@ModelA]

Congratulations! OK, let's see your Model A!

[@larrystout606]

Great info Paul! Thanks for taking time to show this.

[@discerningmind]

Great video Paul. I'd like to mention that I never seem to have a location with enough distance to aim headlights. This is how my Dad taught me to aim headlights. The first part here is for a two-headlight system, and I address a four-headlight system at the end. If you have a four-headlight system you have to first do the two-headlight system adjustment anyway, so follow the instructions from here on. Before you're going to make an adjustment, have about a half tank of gas in the car, along with whatever is a normal load of weight in it. Put any tools you need in the car. Wait for night fall, and drive out to a country road that has little to no traffic on it. Park the car in the right-hand lane where you would actually be driving it down the roadway, in other words don't pull off the road, park your car in the lane. (thus, driving out to a country road that has little to no traffic on it) Note: on a two-headlight system don’t worry about the high-beam as once the low-beams are adjusted the high-beams are too, because this happens inside of the headlights when they were built. Make sure you have the low-beams on when making the adjustment. Turn on the low beams, and cover up the left headlight, or unplug it. Working with the right headlight set the left-to-right adjustment first, aim it to shine straight down the right side of road where the asphalt meets the dirt. Not as far to the right as to be shining in the gutter or where mailboxes would be, but just to the left of that on an imaginary seam where the asphalt ends and soil begins. Next adjust the distance of how far down the road the light should shine. This is guess work, but don't aim it too far away or you'll just be lighting up the air instead of the road. Basically, you want to illuminate a person walking on the side of the road but not far-far away. Next cover up or unplug the right headlight, and uncover or plug in the left headlight. The left head light should shine the same distance away as the right headlight. Then set the left to right adjustment by aiming it to shine in the middle of the right-hand lane. Don't aim it at the painted lines in the road as that would be too far to the left, aim it to the middle of the right lane that you would be driving in. Next, take a drive and see how they worked out. If your low beams are shinning into the rear window of the car ahead of you then you have them aimed too high. If it seems the output of the lights is weak then you probably have them aimed too high up. If people are flashing their lights at you then you have them aimed too far to the left. Make sure you only make adjustments when the lights are on low beam. If your car has four head lights, first set the low beams as described above. Then set the high beam lamps as follows. Turn on the high-beams. Cover up or unplug the low beams. Basically, what you want at this point is to adjust the high-beams to give the best brightness straight ahead, and don’t worry about blinding oncoming vehicles because they’re the high-beams and you have to dim the lights to low-beam for oncoming vehicles. Do the opposite of this procedure for Right Hand Drive vehicles.

[@ModelA]

It sounds like your dad was one of those guys who didn't need a book, just figured it out. A lost art! Sounds like a cool guy.

[@discerningmind]

@@ModelA Thanks Paul. My Dad grew up in horrible poverty, so he learned how to accomplish things with little to no money.

[@Rottingboards]

Thanks so much for making this video. I was so happy! I let out a, "OHHH YEAH!" My wife thought something had happen to me. LOL. I was trying to decide on LED or not and this really helped me in my decision.

[@ModelA]

Good deal! You won't be sorry

[@rb006]

I’ve been wanting to get myself some of these Logolites. Definitely going to order some 6V now. Thanks for showcasing these!

[@ModelA]

Hi Rusty! Glad to be of help. Unfortunately, when this video published, there was a run on the LED headlights and everyone is still out of stock. Hopefully they are back in stock soon.

[@craigdixon4113]

Paul, in your 1931 when you took off the light lens, what Is the top lamps for? And when you modified the reflectors what did you do? Thanks!

[@deigo2629]

Hey Paul.. for us new A owners , trying to do this conversion from sealed beams , it would be very helpful having a short video of a complete assembly piece by piece and how to . Theres no real instructional info that I've been able to find . I think I've mostly got it , but it was by trial and error.. like I didn't realize there was a focus spring so that held me up while having to go back and order that part as well .. just and idea , thanks for all the videos

[@Sedan57Chevy]

What a cool upgrade! Nobody likes being left out in the dark.

[@ModelA]

True that!

[@michaeledwards8051]

Simplicity & that's what I like

[@deanehill9730]

That’s got to be one of the easiest modifications to a Model A. As much as I hate to change anything from original, I would give that a try , as it makes a big difference. Thanks.

[@ModelA]

It's a simple plug-n-play mod. No tools needed, so it doesn't count!

[@SuperDrleo]

Paul I REALLY enjoy your videos! Great job and keep 'em coming!! Well done!!

[@ModelA]

You're the best, Jeff! Thank you!!!

[@outlawd1]

Thanks Paul for explaining in easy terms, I dig those oldies but goodies and with modern technology you get the best of both worlds! Everytime I get and old car I sell it like an idiot ,but someday I'll get my 57 bel-air back but would not mind an "A" or an old "T" they were built to go and last forever as many have proved! Happy trails from Colorado

[@ModelA]

I hope you get your car back soon!

[@Okie-Tom]

Great info Paul! I really enjoy your videos! Merry Christmas and stay safe. Tom

[@ModelA]

Thank you, Tom!

[@ElliottAlvis]

Excellent video Paul! This is what I’d call a must-do modulation!

[@ModelA]

Hi Elliott! It sure improves the driveability at night. The lights are just as bright as the Prius now!

[@ElliottAlvis]

@@ModelA that’s not saying much! 😂

[@ModelA]

@@ElliottAlvis You got me there.

[@Michael_Scott_Howard]

I might have to try these.. I know they will surely use less current.. I never drive at night but it would be nice to be seen more on cloudy days

[@ModelA]

They would be helpful for sure

[@austinalling8480]

I put LED’s in my car a year or 2 before covid and theyre awesome. Ive only driven it once at night since. But they’re great.

[@ModelA]

Excellent!! Well, it sure makes a difference in the country where I live. In a city, maybe not so much. How about where you are?

[@benkanobe7500]

Love your Simpson Meter! I still have mine aswell.

[@ModelA]

Excellent!! Don't ever get rid of it.

[@MrLeejan]

state of Ohio in 1959 head lights had to reach 500 ft. up the road on high beam . i had a chart on the wall in front of the grease rack.it also gave the horizontal alignment..Cincinnati had a safety lane inspection that rejected lots of headlight malfunctions.

[@AstraWerke]

Item added to wishlist. I just did a 2 hour night drive to test my refurbished generator and had a tough time seeing the street after exiting the well-lit city area xD

[@ModelA]

Yikes! The LED's with the alumaplated reflectors will give you lights as bright as a new BMW.

[@motorcarlamar]

In this video you mentioned that you modified the sockets so that they don't short out. Could you explain how you did this or better yet, make a video. I'm having major issues getting my lights to work. I have new bulbs and harnesses and the lights flicker, flash, or just don't work at all. Also, I noticed that the parking lamps on your car are on the top instead of the bottom. Which is right or does it matter? Thank you so much for the wealth of information that you and Tina provide.

[@ModelA]

hey! I remove the stock headlight sockets and run the wires all the way into the headlight buckets. Then I cut off the ends and install the same kind of butt connectors the tail lights use. Make sure to use the rubber insulated ones, not bare ones! Those will last forever and not short out. As for the tail lights, from the factory the small red lens was the running light and the upper yellow was brake light.

[@motorcarlamar]

@@ModelA Wow, I'm totally lost. I have no talent with electrical stuff. I think I'll just let an "A" expert take care of it, there's enough of them around me. Thanks though. Oh, also, I meant to ask about the placement of the front parking lamp inside the bucket with the headlamp. My car is really confusing, on the right side the parking lamp was above the headlight and below it on the left!?!

[@ModelA]

@@motorcarlamar Someone did it wrong

[@wadedog4280]

Great video Paul thanks for continuing to put out such helpful videos. What is your bulb modification for not shorting out ? I have a question about tires, do normal auto shops change tires for the model A wheels or do you have to do that yourself ? Can you do a video on that

[@ModelA]

I re-machine the headlight sockets completely so they match the original type, then put heat shrink tubing around the pins and wires. As for tires, I cheat. I do my own, but at a shop on a professional machine when nobody's looking.

[@paboot]

Thanks Paul, another great one. Going to be doing my turn signals this winter and was thinking about doing the headlights as well. Didn’t even think about taking the lenses off to adjust them. Just one more video to add to the collection in the shop laptop. Thanks again for doing these, and Merry Christmas to you and your family. PaulB

[@ModelA]

Thanks! Merry CHRISTmas to you!

[@jimmccormick663]

Have you ever made a short video on the installation of a Fulto reproduction gas pedal.

[@ModelA]

No. Probably wont

[@lloydpratsch74]

Paul-Do you run a separate ground for each LED light? If so, what is the process? Thanks!

[@ModelA]

Nope. They are literally a direct swap for the stock bulbs.

[@destinationdero]

LEDs in a Ford Model A. Pretty cool

[@magoo262]

Paul, awesome videos! Keep em coming! Any chance you could do a video on a full wiring?

[@ModelA]

I will add it to the white board!

[@magoo262]

@@ModelA awesome! I have a late 31 Tudor and that part just seems super overwhelming to me. Again, I appreciate the vids!

[@SergLa]

Приветствую, Пол. Твои звёзды автомобильной классики прекрасны. Hello, Paul. Your car classic stars are beautiful.

[@ModelA]

Thank you, comrade!

[@lp2565]

Cool! Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@Lolo-mx4sc]

In the video you mentioned you had made the socket connections less prone to shorting out (a not uncommon occurance) care to make a how to video on your method? Thanks

[@ModelA]

I re-machined them and added heat shrink tubing around each conductor. Pretty easy.

[@Lolo-mx4sc]

@@ModelA Thanks

[@BeetTheRush]

I love the t-shirt 😂😅

[@ModelA]

Thanks! I have a couple of these. They just seem appropriate.

[@davidmiller6981]

Great help wish they had them 20yrs ago now im going to look for a model A to replace the one i foolishly sold

[@ModelA]

Good plan

[@miguelluna5427]

Thank you for another great video. Saludos 🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️

[@ModelA]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@av801a]

Great technical videos with a wealth of information. Do you recommend any machine shops in your neck of the woods?

[@ModelA]

Yes, Baechler Machine in San Andreas does work I am very happy with.

[@av801a]

Thank you.

[@rynetakeuchi4382]

I guess I can use this adjustment for my Model A and my 34 Ford

[@ModelA]

Yes!

[@dinofalabrino5406]

Hey Paul, does the LED bulbs take less amperage than the stock ones? I'm always trying to lessen the load on my battery driving at night. Beautiful cars by the way.

[@ModelA]

Oh yes. MUCH less current! Thank you.

[@kdog622]

Great video Paul, and happy holidays! (Unfortunately and probably because of your popularity and this video, I can't find anyone who has 6v pos ground Logolites led headlights anywhere until end of Jan next year! Oh well, I'm parked until at least then anyways!)

[@ModelA]

Sorry about that. Yes, this video appears to have been popular enough to drain the stock of all known sources of these lights. I should have warned them I was going to publish it!

[@kdog622]

@@ModelA well, I put in my order for two bulbs. Backordered until August! I heard from a guy who says these don't really put out a good beam for driving (are easily overdriven) and can't be focused (but I saw you focus them!). Can't please everyone, I guess. I'm giving the led bulbs the benefit of the doubt. I like LED and I like low amps!

[@ModelA]

@@kdog622 I have had several emails and comments from people who HATE the LED headlights and all said they could not be focused. I told them how to focus them (like I showed in the video), so we'll see if they try them again or just continue to be grumpy and insist they're junk because they used them improperly. If you watched the parade video, you can see just how bright and effective my LED headlights are. So, do you listen to the guys who say it can't be done? Or, the guy who showed you it can be done and how to do it with a video?

[@kdog622]

@@ModelA I think I said I was going for it! Merry Christmas! (Now I have to retrofit my coupe back to adjustable focus. Guy before me removed that hardware. Luckily he kept the silver reflectors!)

[@ModelA]

@@kdog622 Good thing you still have the silver reflectors! They are priceless, man! Please keep us updated when you do the installation.

[@robjablonski8322]

Hey Paul: Great information !!! Can your procedure adapt to focusing electric Model T headlights 1919- 1927

[@ModelA]

I have no idea. Let me know if it works!

[@robjablonski8322]

@@ModelA Paul: Friend stopped over with a set of these LED headlight bulbs.... Setting headlight buckets on the '26 became a multi-do-over since the settings got changed during bolt tightening,,,, slight downward setting ( almost 3/4 level air )..... focusing at 15 foot wall with smallest beam (without Ford H lens) was accomplished. Unfortunately night drive not done due to cold rain/wind. Will post result later..... thanks for your method. Bob J.

[@robjablonski8322]

Bulb positioning is different on Model T compared to Model A in headlamp bucket. .... Bulb installed sets vertically in the Model T , where horizontally in a Model A. Looking at the bucket, we found installing bulb with red dot better on the right side ( drivers side ) .

[@hootch3133]

Hey Paul did you use the cool or warm LED ? any thoughts on either of them?

[@ModelA]

I used the ones they sent. Whatever they were.

[@jasonsuggs111]

I just got my bulbs in and what a difference. I'm curious about the reflectors though, is there a way to tell which ones I already have? I only have one car so I don't have another set to compare them to.

[@ModelA]

If they have a yellowish hue they might be silver plated. Otherwise, ask your spouse. My wife can tell the difference, I can't.

[@jasonsuggs111]

@@ModelA hey thanks, mineare yellowish and I was thinking about replacing them because one is slightly dented. I think I'll keep them now, I appreciate the reply.

[@evanluttrell9519]

Does the orientation of the bulb make any difference. One car is horizontal and the other is vertical. How to you tell which side of the bulb is the top if they are installed horizontally?

[@ModelA]

If the headlight switch is in LOW beam position, when you install the LED bulbs, then just one strip of LEDs on each side should be illuminated. If both on each side are illuminated, turn the bulb over.

[@cavalierhome]

Paul, isn't that wrong? Aren't LED bulbs supposed to be installed horizontally with the LED facing left and right. I juts got my first Model A, and I am trying to convert to LED but the bulbs want to go in up and down and that will give a weird light pattern no? Any help appreciated.. Cheers (Paul I am a Paul also).

[@ModelA]

Hey Paul! It all depends on there the slot in your reflectors is located. The bulb socket has a part that rides in the slot so they they can move in and out with the focus screw but keeps them from rotating. So, wherever that slit is determines how your sockets line up and where your bulbs will be. Don't worry too much which way they go with the LED bulbs. But if your slots aren't on the tops, then when using incandescent bulbs, I don't think you would get high and low beams, you would get left and right beams.

[@yelowbeachhouse]

@@ModelA I machined an extra slot on the reflector so now I can mount them horizontally or vertically. I am totally new at this just got my first ever Model A, so I am just trying to have some fun!!!! Thanks for all your videos they help a lot, not only with how to do things but also with "you can do this". Cheers

[@ModelA]

Good thinking!

[@danielhomant2832]

Yes, I love having good, clear lighting. Great stuff to know. Especially glad they aren't just a solid block of LED like they are for square sealed beams. Those are ugly. I wonder if those would fit in my '72 Baja. I don't doubt that there are TONS of headlight mods for it, but it is nice to have just a single set of parts to fit any vehicle in the fleet. Quite possibly the only vehicle with greater parts availability than the Model A, heh.

[@AtomicReverend]

For a 7" round light (single bulb like a bug or jeep as an example) like you see on cars of the 40s through the mid 1970s and vws and Jeep Holley makes a great looking and functional light my buddy put them in his 1970 ford f100 , they aren't super cheap but they look and preform great Look up "Holley retrobright LED headlight". Post the link here but sometimes KZbin will mark it as spam

[@johnmaidment6728]

Great work Friends

[@jimervin387]

Just one thing, Paul. I assume you also replaced the generator with an alternator. Since you were honking your horn at night during the parade, you'd have to have an alternator as well.

[@ModelA]

Hey Jim. Since the LED headlights have their own voltage regulation, they are equally bright on an alternator or a generator. I can also honk my horn without the motor running.

[@jimervin387]

@@ModelA That's great that the LED lights can be used with a generator or alternator. Honking the horn, lights off, without the motor running is no big deal, although as you mentioned, it sounds better with the motor running. But honking the horn with the lights on and only using a generator, even with the motor running, no can do, not enough power as I found. That's how I know that Paul had an alternator installed.

[@ModelA]

Maybe your horn motor is drawing too much current? Even my fordor with a generator can honk with the lights on if the motor is just slightly revved. At idle, it still honks, just not quite as loud.

[@williamdonnelly2967]

Are LED bulbs made for 7 inch round sealed beam lights in older vehicles?

[@ModelA]

I don't know

[@anthonyventrice7871]

Hi Paul, Can you help me which bulbs would I need for my 1923 Model t? Headlights at 12 volt negative ground (50CP) and the taillight at 12 volt negative ground (15CP), Thanks

[@ModelA]

I don't know what kind of bulbs Model T's need. Call Snyder's Antique Auto Supply, they will know.

[@scottm5425]

The bulbs I used are projectors and so do not use the reflector. Refocused they are superb.

[@billabernathy1541]

What is the second bulb in the headlight?

[@ModelA]

A dimmer light used for parking. Kinda useless by today's standards

[@mafcawebmaster4237]

Had those LED headlight bulbs long? I've been waiting over 6 month for them to come back into stock!

[@ModelA]

I got mine BC (before covid)!

[@mafcawebmaster4237]

@@ModelA I have wanted to get those for a couple of years but dragged my feet due to the $30 each cost. I did get the LED tail light bulbs a year ago and those worked out great too.

[@ModelA]

Yes, the cost sucks. But have you seen what the bulbs cost to replace in your modern car lately?

[@mafcawebmaster4237]

@@ModelA Right you are :). My Prius headlight bulbs are $30 too.

[@deigo2629]

I guess I need to buy the guts for the housing to do this since I found mine has sealed lamps ..

[@ModelA]

Unfortunately, yes

[@MoparArtbyautomolove]

Fantastic!!

[@MrManniG]

Whow... I need those led bulbs for my 1974 Simson Moped... To bad these are not Allowed in Germany

[@ModelA]

Not allowed? oh no!

[@benkanobe7500]

Where did you get those reflectors? There is no way they are original. They look fantastic!! (Sorry, I asked too soon, You covered that)

[@ModelA]

Haha. Brattons

[@eamonroad6388]

IFR 1000s?

[@ModelA]

??

[@eamonroad6388]

@@ModelA On your work bench. Lower lefthand corner starting at 2:51.

[@ModelA]

@@eamonroad6388 ash, yes. 1200 Super S

[@onmygrind3854]

Thats it? Geez that is incredibly simple

[@ModelA]

Yep!

[@craigpennington1251]

Got to tell you that I'm not a fan of LED headlights. 1) they are blue in color and give me a terrible headache, 2) By being blue in color, they throw my night colors way off and I still get a headache. I can see perfectly fine with the sealed beams and or Quartz Halogens. You may experience what I do when you get older. I've had to restrict my night driving because of the Blue headlights on newer cars & trucks. Still, a great video on how to.

[@ModelA]

Thanks Craig. For me, it was easy: Without adequate lights, the wife would not ride with me. Done deal. Luckily, the new blue lights on other cars don't bother me. These LEDs on my Model A are not blue, they are very white.

[@pjcsmo]

I agree with Paul. I have not had any indication of “blue” appearance, either from inside the car. or in an approaching car. Also, my wife ALSO did not like to ride with me with the original bulbs. Her first ride with the LEDs: “ That’s more like it !”

[@jasonsuggs111]

It might be worth checking out his newer video. There's a guy selling LED bulbs with a much warmer light color now. They were out last time I checked, but he said he had more on the way.

[@lwoodt1]

The base looks like the same as on a 1157, 1156, 89 etc.

[@thearne3]

The base is ba15s for single element or ba15d for dual element - same base for headlights, running and brake.

[@ModelA]

Yes

[@DocBenson]

So many "bright" ideas!

[@ModelA]

You're just full of them, Doc!

[@Ken19700]

Your focused headlight is an angry hampster on its side

[@ModelA]

Ha!!! You're right!

[@ronaldday5856]

Now if they just had a starter that didn't take much juice! The battery would last forever.

[@KK-TO]

Isn’t that called the hand crank?

[@ModelA]

Ha haa!!

[@msmaron]

100% you CANNOT focus or Aim a LED headlight, with all respect I totally disagree . I have done extensive testing on these and they are NOT ready at all for Model A Fords. No matter what is done they cannot be focused...

[@ModelA]

Did you skip the part of this video where I focused it?

[@msmaron]

@@ModelA Yes BUT you did not use the FORD Method on distance and your also removed the lens cover and did not attempt to focus both the proper way for the Model A. I have like i said done extensive testing at 4am on these and just because they light up the back yard does not mean they are meant for a model a , the are blinding to on coming traffic and they are not in any way ready for a model a . you cannot focus or aim these led lens's. I will put my light up against these any day. I use a double filament 1.90 6 volt model a bulb and get more lumens than these will ever get and being that they are model a bulbs can be focused and aimed properly for the Model A. You can find my write up on the VFF when other have done experiments also.. Regarding your "level" tilting down, the service bulletins explain exactly where they should be set also...Thanks for the vid and others...nice to see.

[@ModelA]

Thank you for chiming in. I'm not familiar with your writeup on VFF. I try to avoid the forums after a couple bad experiences. I will have a look for your report.