MTFCA Forum

Sorry for the "newbie" question.

I would like to get the headlights of the family 1914 Model T functioning. I'm probably going to be looking for an original acetylene generator, but I'm waiting to hear back from a family member to see if one is still in a storage location. Several questions for the group follow.

For the JNO.W.BROWN Model 16, does anyone have a picture of what the proper 1914 lens looked like?

Also, what went between the lens and the holder?

And was there a reflector of some type?

It also appears there was some kind of material that acted as a burner/igniter?

Here's what I have currently.

Vowell Art explosion diagram app.php/gallery/image/2001
Plane flat LENS glass thicker than window pane

Frank,

Thanks very much for that drawing and the link.

Looking for two each of

-mirror and insulation pad
-Lens and retaining spring
-burner and stand off

Many Thanks for showing me the way!

Joe

Joe, my '13 carries the same Jno. Brown #16 lamps.
As far as I know, the "lens" is simply plain glass. Here you see mine are held in place by a brass ring soldered in place. I can't vouch for the authenticity of this method, the car is an older restoration. The reflectors were originally mirrored glass. The reflectors in my lamps are reproduction plated metal. Original glass mirrors are scarce as hen's teeth.

The burner tip is ceramic

I too, would like to know if mirrored glass reflectors are available anywhere. I have a pair but they are a wee bit too big for my lamps. Also, any information on a source for re-silvering the mirrors would be useful.

The reproduction metal reflectors are chrome plated, and a comparison with silver mirror shows their reflectability is several notches below the original item. The efficiency of the lamp is thus much less than it was designed to be.

Rich P. Bingham wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 09, 2023 1:54 pm

I too, would like to know if mirrored glass reflectors are available anywhere. I have a pair but they are a wee bit too big for my lamps. Also, any information on a source for re-silvering the mirrors would be useful.

The reproduction metal reflectors are chrome plated, and a comparison with silver mirror shows their reflectability is several notches below the original item. The efficiency of the lamp is thus much less than it was designed to be.

Try Langs for repros in polished nickle. The design of the original lamps & reflectors is quite different then what is expected of them. The reflection of the objects in the mirror of this photo is what the headlight would illuminate. Its not a focused beam as with the later T headlights with fluted lens. In fact it is the lens that really focuses the light down the road. It is also critical to have the source of light be a pin point at the concave mirror's focal point - is there a way to make such an adjustment? Some afte market lens were made available as an attempt to reduce glare and focus the light --
--Electrifying option

Joe,
You are looking for two 6-inch diameter Mangin mirror glass reflectors. That is what the Model T headlamps were designed to use.
I have attached a photo of some 3/4 burners and a 6" Mangin mirror made by "Lancaster" I have in my '14.

In chart, the "MacBeth No. 3209" would be the same dimension as my Lancaster and would fit the E&J and Victor headlamps too.

The mangins are silvered, have a shellac coating on the silvered back and seat in the rear of the headlight bucket. The shape fits the back of the bucket.
The purpose of the pads is to snug up the mirror with the wedges and protect the "silvered back". It keeps the mirror from getting loose and "spinning" in the bucket due to vibration while driving and wearing the silver off. I check the wedges every couple of hundred miles.

You also need two 3/4-cubic foot burners. Your ceramic is broken off. Langs has the wedges (three per headlamp) and burners.
The headlight stand is moved "in or out" to focus the lamp. I focus mine on the shop door.

I suggest using a small acetylene tank to set up your gas lines/stands/burners before installing the mirrors.
You don't want to break or crack a mirror with the flame. I use a Prest-O-Lite acetylene tank with the off-set valve.

Rich,
Try Walters Mirrors, 718-366-0777. They are in Ridgewood, NewYork 11385. https://www.waltersmirror.com
I talked to them a number of years ago and they were silvering these Mangins.

Looking good Dan!