MTFCA Forum

Any one know of a source for blue tinted six volt head lamb bulbs?

I need to find spares and a replacement for the 1922 Coupe.

What are the manufacturer's markings on the bulbs?

Moxie26 wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 29, 2022 3:08 pm

What are the manufacturer's markings on the bulbs?

Some time one has to look under a different rock.

Markings long gone. So a shotgun search of internet and ebay turned up two NOS listings. Identified as 1132, and product names of Imperial and Security. Ordered a set. So I should be set for a period of time provided the bulbs have not deteriorated.

Checked Dykes electrical/lighting section no number for bulbs 1132. Thanks for the suggestion and interest. I did see an early Wards catalogue listing for Blue Tint Bulbs, nitrogen corrugated blue?

Be careful with that. Most states and locations dont have it as legal to use blue headlight bulbs. Now you are driving a Model T so you probably won't get pulled over.

While I can’t help you with your source for today supply, I can maybe help with what you do for an internet search. There is a ‘key’ to miniature lamps.

It appears the lamps are the golf ball type, we know the base…so it goes like this.

The lamp diameter because it is a golf ball type would be a G type and would be the Diameter multiplied by 8. Example, a 2” ‘golf ball’ lamp is called a G-16. Old Big G’s are near impossible to find so maybe change that to an S-16 in the example – an S is the tear-drop shape of more modern lamps, but the designation does go back to the 20’s.

The base is a bayonet, so if it is a double contact it would be BA15D. That means Bayonet base; 15mm diameter; double cotact. (A single contact would be a BA15S)

Add to that the nominal voltage..

Blue tint you’d be on your own. I wouldn’t even know where to start on that other than it would be a ‘B’ somewhere in the nomenclature of the search.

And out should pop a lamp if available. Good luck

Just to add to the above BAxxx refers to the pins on the base to be opposite each other (Model T style). BAYxxx indicates that the pins are offset and will not fit into a Model T base unless the high pin is removed. The pins are intended to keep the bottom in contact with the wiring connection points.

Depending on your goal, you might try to tint a regular bulb with a blue felt tip marker. You should need much to have it reflected the same as your current bulb. Then with the lights off you will see your blue bulb being reflected. However, not sure how they will appear with the lights on.
You could also try transparent spray paint. Not sure if bulb heat would cause the paint, more than the marker, to burn off.

The blue bulbs are a delightful thing. I took some photos of mine to show those who haven't seen one up close. I thought I had a box of them but haven't found them yet. I'll keep looking.
Rich

This is not a head light bulb. Notice the single filament. Note the 2 contacts. these are + & -.The pinned brass body is not a ground.
This is an old spotlight bulb.

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 30, 2022 12:23 pm

This is not a head light bulb. Notice the single filament. Note the 2 contacts. these are + & -.The pinned brass body is not a ground.
This is an old spotlight bulb.

If pinned body is not grounded then that would suggest wiring in series for a non-starter - magneto bulb.

Thanks Frank. I have several boxes of clear ones like that and the box is marked Headlight Bulbs. I had thought they were Mag bulbs also. Sorry if I have confused anyone.
Rich