QuestionDick,
I'd really like to convert my 37' Studebaker headlights to sealed beam. I've heard there were kits available. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Jimmy
AnswerThere were kits offered for about 20 years after the big revolution (change to sealed beam bulbs in 1940), but I haven't seen any on the market in many years. I don't like the looks of them, frankly, I'd rather see a car with the original style headlights, but I do admit the lighting is better with sealed beams.
If you have done everything you can to improve the original headlights (getting the reflectors re-silvered, replacing all the wires with heavy gauge wires, using a headlight relay to avoid voltage lost in the switch and wire connections, made sure the grounding of the bulb socket is perfect), and are still not happy with the lighting, then I guess you could watch eBay for an old J.C.Whitney sealed beam conversion kit, or something similar. If you do that, Please, Please, save the original lenses and reflectors, and all the other parts, so the car can be put back right by some later owner.
A very good friend of mine just had me help him evaluate a beautiful 1938 Packard he was interested in, and it is a good car, but it has been converted to sealed beam lights - and the owner threw away all the original parts - what a shame. My friend decided to buy the car anyway, but now he is scouring the earth looking for the parts he needs to put it back right. Those headlights were a work of art, especially on Studebakers of the late 30s, as you know - and should be preserved.
You could post an add in the Studebaker Club magazine, "Turning Wheels" and perhaps someone has done the conversion and would step up to help you.
If you are not already a member of SDC (Studebaker Driver's Club) - I urge you to join - it is the best single marque club in the hobby, in my opinion, with an absolutely splendid magazine -full of tech info on Studebakers.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
Dick
