Ford H Bulb

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules
User avatar

Topic author
ModelTED
Posts: 60
Joined: Sat Sep 21, 2019 10:18 pm
First Name: Ted
Last Name: Hacker
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1922 Roadster - 1923 Huckster - 1924 Truck
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Ford H Bulb

Post by ModelTED » Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:47 am

I purchased a headlight assembly and it looked like it had never been opened. The bulb has "Ford H" print on the glass which I have never seen. Just curious, is this a repo bulb or could this be period?

Also the bulb adjustment screw has a cotter pin. Not sure if the repos have cotter pins?
20201103_164106479_iOS.jpg
20201103_164117158_iOS.jpg
20201104_154107205_iOS.jpg

User avatar

TRDxB2
Posts: 5411
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 4:56 pm
First Name: Frank
Last Name: Brandi
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Speedster (1919 w 1926)
Location: Moline IL
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by TRDxB2 » Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:02 am

thacker wrote:
Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:47 am
I purchased a headlight assembly and it looked like it had never been opened. The bulb has "Ford H" print on the glass which I have never seen. Just curious, is this a repo bulb or could this be period?
Also the bulb adjustment screw has a cotter pin. Not sure if the repos have cotter pins?
20201103_164106479_iOS.jpg20201103_164117158_iOS.jpg20201104_154107205_iOS.jpg
There are two reproduction adjustment screws available one without and the other drilled out for a cotter pin. Sets come with the screw, cotter pin and spring. I can't shed any light on the bulb ;)
The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or to regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.
Mick Jagger

User avatar

RajoRacer
Posts: 4308
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:18 pm
First Name: Steve
Last Name: Tomaso
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1919 Centerdoor, 1924 TT C-Cab Express, 1925 Racer
Location: Longbranch, WA
MTFCA Number: 14972
MTFCI Number: 15411
Board Member Since: 2001

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by RajoRacer » Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:52 am

That's an original Ford bulb - not many around anymore !


John kuehn
Posts: 3907
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:00 pm
First Name: John
Last Name: Kuehn
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 19 Roadster, 21 Touring, 24 Coupe
Location: Texas
MTFCA Number: 28924

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by John kuehn » Wed Nov 04, 2020 12:09 pm

Neat find! A Museum piece. Is the name of the company that made it on it? I know it says Ford but did Ford actually make them? I had a bulb that had the faint remains of Ford on it but it wasn’t in good shape.

User avatar

Topic author
ModelTED
Posts: 60
Joined: Sat Sep 21, 2019 10:18 pm
First Name: Ted
Last Name: Hacker
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1922 Roadster - 1923 Huckster - 1924 Truck
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by ModelTED » Wed Nov 04, 2020 8:17 pm

Wow, I was hoping it was period based on the condition of the inside of the bucket. No scratches on the inside paint and the reflector is in perfect condition. Too bad the bucket outside is rather rusty. And I only have one. I have attached a couple more pictures of the bulb post.

Also I included a very close up of the cotter pin. Interesting shape.

Susan, if you read this and are interested in having this for the Museum I will be glad to donate it.
20201105_004637684_iOS.jpg
20201105_004658042_iOS.jpg
20201105_004715280_iOS.jpg
20201105_004745265_iOS.jpg
20201105_004907537_iOS.jpg


modeltspaz
Posts: 193
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:15 am
First Name: Mike
Last Name: Spaziano
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Touring
Location: Bellflower, California
MTFCA Number: 21699

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by modeltspaz » Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:12 pm

20201104_183516.jpg
20201104_183655.jpg
I pulled this bulb out of a complete headlight I obtained with a bunch of T parts about 10 years ago. I didn't want the lens or the bulb to get broken. The logo is on the bulb shank, not the glass.
I planned on eventually using it, but I've yet to find a match. Someday.
By the way, I've been posting on the forum since almost the beginning. I mean just before the great Bruce McCalley was the webmaster. I believe Gus Strangeland (sp) was the webmaster.
This is the second time I've posted a photo. If it bombs, I apologize.

Regards,
Mike.
Knowledge that isn't shared, is wasted knowledge.


modeltspaz
Posts: 193
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:15 am
First Name: Mike
Last Name: Spaziano
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Touring
Location: Bellflower, California
MTFCA Number: 21699

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by modeltspaz » Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:14 pm

Well, whaddya know. I guess it worked after all. I'm on a roll!
Knowledge that isn't shared, is wasted knowledge.


Jeff Hood
Posts: 186
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:25 pm
First Name: Jeff
Last Name: Hood
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Touring, 1923 Fordor, 1924 Martin Parry Canopy Express, 1925 Coupe
Location: Long Beach, CA.
MTFCA Number: 25636

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by Jeff Hood » Thu Nov 05, 2020 2:32 am

Not to start another argument on filament arrangement and positioning, but here I go anyway. Note the two different filaments in that bulb, and that the base is clearly marked THIS SIDE UP. When properly installed, only one filament is in the focal center of the reflector, and that is the one that is focused by the screw so that the light is reflected straight out through the lens. This diagram has been posted in several other threads. The filament is also a precise distance from the base of the bulb placing it so that focusing may occur. The design, shape, and position of the filament in the reflector are critical for proper focus. This is why an 1157 stop/tail bulb is not a suitable headlight bulb.


Farmer J
Posts: 131
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 3:20 pm
First Name: Jerry
Last Name: Kramer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 3
Location: Richmond, IN

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by Farmer J » Thu Nov 05, 2020 9:21 am

We would love to have and display that bulb.


Original Smith
Posts: 3284
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 10:43 am
First Name: Larry
Last Name: Smith
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 13 Touring, 13 Roadster, 17 Coupelet, 25 Roadster P/U
Location: Lomita, California
MTFCA Number: 121
MTFCA Life Member: YES
MTFCI Number: 16310

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by Original Smith » Thu Nov 05, 2020 9:41 am

I have an original bulb too. The Ford script is on the base, and the glue is loose too. For awhile, the adjustment screws were not offered with cotter pin holes, but I believe they are now. I drilled my own cotter pin holes in stainless screws. That way I don't need to worry about nickel plating them.


SusanYaeger
Posts: 57
Joined: Thu Jan 03, 2019 6:51 pm
First Name: Susan
Last Name: Yaeger
Location: Richmond, IN
MTFCA Number: 43282

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by SusanYaeger » Thu Nov 05, 2020 10:14 am

Ted, thanks so much for the donation offer! The Museum will proudly display it!

I think Jerry already chimed in with a big "YES"!

Whenever is convenient for you to plan a visit to Richmond, we will happily accept it.

Thank you, Ted!
Susan


Jeff Hood
Posts: 186
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:25 pm
First Name: Jeff
Last Name: Hood
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Touring, 1923 Fordor, 1924 Martin Parry Canopy Express, 1925 Coupe
Location: Long Beach, CA.
MTFCA Number: 25636

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by Jeff Hood » Thu Nov 05, 2020 11:24 am

Ford did not make it's own bulbs as can be seen by the TUNG-SOL stamp on the base. However according to the "Service Bulletins" book, page 236, the bulbs were inspected at the factory before the Ford stamp was applied. "Ford inspection tests, both as to accuracy and alignment of filaments, and more particularly as to the life and candlepower limits of both major and minor filaments......." and "Every bulb stamped 'Ford' has passed a rigid inspection at this plant......." The service bulletin implies that every bulb was inspected (kind of hard to believe,) and the rejects were returned to the manufacturers and sold aftermarket through parts jobbers.


John kuehn
Posts: 3907
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:00 pm
First Name: John
Last Name: Kuehn
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 19 Roadster, 21 Touring, 24 Coupe
Location: Texas
MTFCA Number: 28924

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by John kuehn » Thu Nov 05, 2020 1:24 pm

Here’s another type of Ford H bulb. Don’t know for sure when Ford used these. These were made by the Miniature Incandescent Lamp Co.
Attachments
CFA04508-E2E1-47CB-A7F7-EA1C18467E41.jpeg

User avatar

Steve Jelf
Posts: 6463
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:37 pm
First Name: Steve
Last Name: Jelf
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 touring and a few projects
Location: Parkerfield, Kansas
MTFCA Number: 16175
MTFCI Number: 14758
Board Member Since: 2007
Contact:

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by Steve Jelf » Thu Nov 05, 2020 1:52 pm

As Jeff says, Ford bulbs were made by outside companies. And those outside companies sold the same bulbs on the aftermarket without the Ford logo. I assume the ones with the Ford name were sold by Ford dealers, but for every Ford dealer there were multiple chain and independent parts stores. So most of the surviving NOS bulbs are the aftermarket version without the Ford name.

I intend to do a web page on magneto bulbs. Here's one of the pictures I'll use.


IMG_5682 copy.JPG
Amalco #1138: 9 v, 27 CP.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring

User avatar

Topic author
ModelTED
Posts: 60
Joined: Sat Sep 21, 2019 10:18 pm
First Name: Ted
Last Name: Hacker
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1922 Roadster - 1923 Huckster - 1924 Truck
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by ModelTED » Mon Nov 30, 2020 11:40 am

Susan and Jerry,

I will deliver the Bulb next time I pass by Museum. Most likely spring.

Wow, thanks everyone for great information.

Ted


Greg Griffin
Posts: 60
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 5:05 pm
First Name: Greg
Last Name: Griffin
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '14 torpedo, '25ish pickup
Location: Yorba Linda, CA
MTFCA Number: 30353
MTFCI Number: 23493

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by Greg Griffin » Mon Nov 30, 2020 3:18 pm

Tung-Sol was bought and absorbed by another lamp manufacturer (Westinghouse? don't remember) around 1938, the brand being discontinued during the war.

User avatar

TRDxB2
Posts: 5411
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 4:56 pm
First Name: Frank
Last Name: Brandi
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Speedster (1919 w 1926)
Location: Moline IL
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by TRDxB2 » Mon Nov 30, 2020 5:02 pm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tung-Sol
History
Tung-Sol was founded as Tung-Sol Lamp Works Inc. in Newark, New Jersey in 1907. Their early products were mainly geared towards the automotive market and included headlamps, pilot lights, and flashlight bulbs. The trade name was formed from the first syllable of "tungsten" and the Latin word "sol" meaning sun.

The company entered the electronics field in the 1920s. In time they established themselves as leaders in the development and production of vacuum tubes, with their main competition including RCA and Sylvania. By 1951, they began doing business as Tung-Sol Electric Inc. Soon after, they were acquired by Wagner Electric, which itself merged into Studebaker-Worthington in 1967. Tung-Sol was also active in the semiconductor industry, with its transistors being easily recognizable by their sky blue color.
Tung-Sol was privately held and run like a laboratory. This gave Tung-Sol vacuum tubes a reputation of having some of the best metallurgy and chemistry in actual production.[4] The Tung-Sol brand name is now owned by the New Sensor Corporation, the same company that owns the brands Sovtek and Electro-Harmonix.
Products
Tung-Sol developed the first successful car headlight in 1907, followed in 1913 by a single bulb two filament high and low beam headlight. Other Tung-Sol inventions included the flashing turn signal.[3] Tung-Sol created the 6550 vacuum tube, a specialized Hi-Fi audio tube in 1954.
Still making vacuum tubes https://www.tungsol.com/
The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or to regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.
Mick Jagger


Greg Griffin
Posts: 60
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 5:05 pm
First Name: Greg
Last Name: Griffin
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '14 torpedo, '25ish pickup
Location: Yorba Linda, CA
MTFCA Number: 30353
MTFCI Number: 23493

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by Greg Griffin » Mon Nov 30, 2020 7:15 pm

Huh! Got that one all wrong!


Original Smith
Posts: 3284
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 10:43 am
First Name: Larry
Last Name: Smith
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 13 Touring, 13 Roadster, 17 Coupelet, 25 Roadster P/U
Location: Lomita, California
MTFCA Number: 121
MTFCA Life Member: YES
MTFCI Number: 16310

Re: Ford H Bulb

Post by Original Smith » Tue Dec 01, 2020 10:17 am

I have 1158 headlight bulbs in my car. The headlight bulbs they used to make are not the same as the 1158 bulbs they make today I think. The 2 cp is practically useless today, but out of town on a dark night they do work. I believe the vendors are finally drilling the adjusting screws for a cotter pin. When I did mine, I bought stainless screws and drilled them myself.

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic