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| I have a '55 New Yorker with the original 6V system and new sealed beam headlights. I'm not sure, but I think they are dim and should be much brighter. At first glance, nothing appears to be 'off'. Any suggestions? |
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Expert 5K+
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Location: So. Cal | The reason why manufacturers went away from 6volts to 12volts, was that the lower voltage system requires more current to effect the same power (VI). This makes it more susceptible to resistances because the higher current required makes RI^2 losses much worse. So, if you have a 6 volt system that you would like to keep working that way, you need to check every connection to make sure there is no excessive contact resistance that will hinder the application of electrical power to your various electrical devices. |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
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Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island | Install a 6 volt dual relay for the headlights. That will give no voltage drop. |
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| wizard - 2023-07-26 3:12 PM
Install a 6 volt dual relay for the headlights. That will give no voltage drop.
Interesting, could you elaborate a bit more on this? |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13068
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island | Yes, but the colors will most surely differ and you have only two headlights.
You should go up in wire gauge on the feed from the battery.
This way, the headlight switch and the dimmer switch will be signal only, the feed will go straight from the battery to the relay and then straight to the headlights. Hence, the voltage drop over the headlight switch and the dimmer switch will not handle any heavy load anymore, just a signal to the relays.
It's a modification that will cost a little and the relays could be hidden (the relays should be as close to the headlights as possible, somewhere on the radiator yoke.
This modification will also allow you to install new headlights with 6 volt H4 lamps
 (Headlamp_Relays_Wiring_Diagram_Chrysler_1960-rez.png)
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 Headlamp_Relays_Wiring_Diagram_Chrysler_1960-rez.png (41KB - 91 downloads)
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Expert 5K+
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Location: So. Cal | Most relays are made for 12 volts. Make sure you get ones that are made to work with 6 volts. |
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Location: Connecticut | A1gio2 - 2023-07-26 1:19 PM I have a '55 New Yorker with the original 6V system and new sealed beam headlights. I'm not sure, but I think they are dim and should be much brighter. At first glance, nothing appears to be 'off'. Any suggestions? I'm willing to bet your car still has the original wiring. The copper strands have oxidized, creating resistance. You should rewire your headlight circuit with correct gauge and color wire. And while you are at it, rewire the rest of the car as well so you don't have a fire from exposed wire.
My 55 Desoto has reasonably bright headlights. You can't compare modern headlight candlepower to what they had in 1955. Ron |
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| ronbo97 - 2023-07-27 7:29 PM
A1gio2 - 2023-07-26 1:19 PM I have a '55 New Yorker with the original 6V system and new sealed beam headlights. I'm not sure, but I think they are dim and should be much brighter. At first glance, nothing appears to be 'off'. Any suggestions? I'm willing to bet your car still has the original wiring. The copper strands have oxidized, creating resistance. You should rewire your headlight circuit with correct gauge and color wire. And while you are at it, rewire the rest of the car as well so you don't have a fire from exposed wire.
My 55 Desoto has reasonably bright headlights. You can't compare modern headlight candlepower to what they had in 1955. Ron
It does, and that's a good idea. Is replacement wiring available? Is there a replacement harness?
I wouldn't mind doing the job, just want to ensure I have the correct parts. |
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Location: Connecticut | A1gio2 - 2023-07-28 10:59 AM It does, and that's a good idea. Is replacement wiring available? Is there a replacement harness? I wouldn't mind doing the job, just want to ensure I have the correct parts. You can either buy an easy-to-install, show-quality harness from YnZ or Rhode Island Wiring. But expect to pay around 1200, since they are custom made. Alternatively, you can make one using the correct gauge and color primary wire. You can either use vinyl or cloth-over-vinyl wire, which can be found on ebay or purchased directly from RI Wiring. Total cost will be around 100-200. That's what I did on my 55 Desoto. All the wiring was toasted from being a desert car. Ron |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13068
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island | Mind that a bew harness does not fix the voltage drop over the headlight and dimmer switch.
Best solution is new harness AND relays.
Easy fix is just to add relays |
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| Thanks gents. I decided to see what kind of bulbs were in there and discovered I have Sylvania 12V bulbs.
I'm assuming I should have 6V bulbs? With that being said are there any recommended 6V replacements that are 3 prong plug and play.
I'd like to start there if possible. |
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| 6V bulbs did the trick. The lights are good now...can't believe someone had 12V bulbs in there previously. |
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Headlights are dim
