Re: Adjusting headlights on 1939 Packard

Posted by ewrecks On 2019/5/1 20:53:31

Gentlemen. Let us not quibble. If I can understand your respective comments, the original bulbs on the 39 and any 7" sealed beam which I may opt to install to replace them are " pre focused" and therefore all I can do is aim the beams to avoid blinding oncoming motorists and to hopefully allow me to see where I am going with higher output halogen or LED replacements.
Unlike modern cars, the "aim":will be accomplished by movement of the headlight buckets by " the big nuts on the bottom of the fenders"

Since my project car was dismantled by someone else years ago, I will endeavor to find the big nuts and swivel bracket to properly " aim" the lights. I assume the remaining instructions from the service manual regarding setting the lights individually with properly inflated tires, a level floor , proper ballast and 25' targeting will still apply.

I swore three projects ago to avoid any vehicle which had been dismantled by a third party....particularly when detailed service manuals and readily accessible vehicles of the vintage were unavailable for assistance. The
learning curve is too hard....and expensive.

I thank you both again. If it were not for the information offered freely by this Forum it would be far more difficult if not impossible to get these cars back on the road.
I will post pictures of the sealed beam conversion shortly.
RJR