1952 Cadillac headlights -- 6-volt sealed beam halogens? Need advice

[jdemerson]

I'm doing some work on my '52, but am quite ignorant about headlights in a 6-volt car.

My original headlights are fine, but I'd like brighter lights that shine further down the road. Whiter light would be fine, but based on discussions here I'm NOT leaning toward LEDs even if they were available. I'd like the glass lenses to resemble the originals in style/texture. I'm not considering a switch to 12-volt.

My preferences (if available):
6-volt 7-inch sealed beam that are plug-in replacements
halogen (most likely)
OE style glass lens

1. Is the above available?
2. Is the gain in projection and brightness worth the change?.
3. Manufacturer?  (I checked Sylvania, but they seem not to have 6-volt halogens.)
4. Recommended supplier?
5. Other advice?

Thanks in advance.

John Emerson
1952 Cadillac Sedan 6219X

[goob]

A company called LEDLights.com (clever name!) offers 6 volt headlamps but they do look different...6 volt halogens are also available...best way is to search on line...with the halogens you'll want to run a relay to relieve problems with the headlight switch...and the halogens also look a bit different compared to a stock sealed beam.

Gary

[bcroe]

Decades ago I was driving huge miles, largely at night.  I experimented
with headlights and learned a few things. 

The most important things are keeping headlights well aligned, and
always clean.  Clean them more often than filling the gas tank. 

Halogens were such an improvement, I stopped experimenting. 

Do check that your bulbs are receiving full voltage, which may be
affected by your wiring and your charging system. 

4 headlight systems are good because the high beams can be set to a
very long reaching height, while the low beams are set not to offend. 
Some of my high beam bulbs were of questionable legality back then,
still have that aircraft landing light.  Bruce Roe

[Dan LeBlanc]

Just thinking out of the box here, but what about installing a relay harness to draw the headlight feed directly from the battery rather than through the miles of wiring and headlight switch?

[Dan LeBlanc]

And for the halogen bulbs:

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/6-VOLT-HALOGEN-SEALED-BEAM-HEADLIGHT-BULBS-1940-1955-FORD/162357112286?hash=item25cd3cedde:g:qJoAAOSwEzxYeR7k&vxp=mtr

[bcroe]

If voltage is a problem, find the point the voltage regulator senses
charging voltage and connect your relay harness there.  Do not take
the ground path for granted, any significant loss there can be cured
by returning lamp current through a heavy wire directly to the engine
block.  Bruce Roe

[Bob Schuman]

I recommend the six volt Halogen sealed beams as a considerable improvement over the original type sealed beam headlights. About two years ago I bought a pair at my local NAPA store, Wagner brand #H6006 for my 49 CDV. As shown on the box, they were Chinese made, and Wagner was a part of the Federal-Mogul conglomerate.
A local friend installed a headlight relay on his six volt 41 Cadillac and noticeably increased the brightness of the lights, so that also may be worth considering. I have no details on the specific relay he used.

[tripwire]

You can take at these. I used this setup on more than one 6 volt car.  You might want to use the relay as suggested by Dan LeBlanc to take the load off the headlight wires. They will get warm if you don't.

https://www.tirerack.com/lighting/detail.jsp?ID=1123&brand=Hella  Lamps

https://www.amazon.com/Headlight-Bulb-H4-Halogen-55W/dp/B009PVF6TU  Halogen H4 Bulb

or

https://www.amazon.com/Headlight-Motorcycle-Version-Bright-1400LM/dp/B07FGDT6Q4/ref=asc_df_B07FGDT6Q4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312128189269&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13268177026539187003&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003007&hvtargid=pla-568690782706&psc=1  LED H4 Bulb

Wes in VT

[Caddy Wizard]

https://www.amazon.com/Headlight-Motorcycle-Version-Bright-1400LM/dp/B07FGDT6Q4/ref=asc_df_B07FGDT6Q4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312128189269&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13268177026539187003&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003007&hvtargid=pla-568690782706&psc=1  LED H4 Bulb

Wes in VT
[/quote]

If you use the LED version of the H4 bulb, you won't need a relay because of concerns about heating the wires.  The LED version uses so little power that overheating the wiring should not be an issue.

[Jim Govoni CLC 20546]

Art, that LED setup is for 12-24 V though, he has a 6 volt cor.

[Caddy Wizard]

Art, that LED setup is for 12-24 V though, he has a 6 volt cor.

My mistake.  See this instead...

https://www.ledlight.com/led-headlamp-h4-base-6v-headlight-bulb-high-and-low-beam.aspx

[jdemerson]

Thank you for so much excellent and timely advice, and for the several URLs. I've used all to gain some background and to explore options in some detail.

I've ruled out LEDs, although I do appreciate their pros. I prefer brighter lights than stock, but maintaining near-stock appearance. So I will get 7-inch round Halogen bulbs, 6 volt, 40/50 watts, #6006H.

I'm choosing between Eiko and Octane Lighting for the brand. In both cases I'm in touch with someone who is very helpful and seems knowledgable. Any advice about this choice is still welcomed!

I will try it without the relay harness, as I have a strong 6-volt battery with an excellent ground (following previous advice from Jay Friedman and Art Gardner). But I'm open to adding the relay if it appears needed.

Thank you to all!
John Emerson