As I get ready to wire the headlamps with the new reflectors (LGL 108) I purchased from a vendor, I noticed that the wiring in the kit is significantly thinner (16-18) than what would be originally installed in the truck (12-14)... Despite the fact that the bulbs are 32CP, I cannot help to be concerned about the resistance/heat generated by such a small wire and potentially being a serious issue...
Has anyone used these sets without problems?
I am considering redoing the entire pigtail with the correct size wire, but I dont know if the insulator (fiber washer) will come apart and can be drilled and reused for the larger wire... Trying to locate these alone online, but no luck yet...
I would call the business, that you bought them from, and ask your question(s). Jim Carter sells the LGL108. Apparently LGL108 kit includes both 12 and 6 volt bulbs so hopefully the manufacturer of the kit would have done their homework on the AWG. The original 1939 Chevy truck headlamp bulb was a GE 2330 32CP with a RP-11 bulb socket (please verify) and will not fit these reflectors.
My GUESS, from the pictures, is that the LGL108 is using BAY15D style bulb sockets and more modern bulbs. You can take your reflectors to your FLAPS and compare their sockets with yours. Maybe you can find something closer to the original AWG.
A short piece of wire 16-18 wire will not have that much voltage drop. I'm concerned more about current if you have the original 6 volt system.
Last edited by buoymaker; 07/01/202112:41 AM.
"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use." "I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."
I imagine I could call Carter's, but I can almost anticipate the answer, that I can return for credit, etc... They're always very nice, but that doesn't solve the problem... I just don't get why you would go to the trouble of producing an "upgrade kit" to replace or help you deal with having to re silver the old reflectors and omitting something as crucial as utilizing the correct gauge wire, specially for the guys that have a 6volt system on their truck and a single post 25 amp generator...
Original prefocused lighting utilized a 32 CP bulb... The new kit uses a 1188 bulb with 32 CP on the high beam side... You're correct, the socket is a BA15D which also holds the 1188 bulb and also a 1076 or 1176 bulb...
I have ordered LS 6228 from Napa Auto Parts only to use the fiber insulators which I hope they will work despite only having one tab...
Good job! Now you don't have to worry about the wrong size wire plus you keep it looking original. Your solution makes good common sense. It tackles the aging bucket reflectivity issue and uses a modern lamp that's easier to find in a local parts store.
"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use." "I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."
Thank you, as I mentioned, I am quite happy with the results... It required a little patience, plus some of the old parts (single contact fiber insulators for park lamps) and new 3 pole trailer connectors... Everything fits nicely inside the bucket and the lights are 50% brighter than my original setup on my other 39... As soon as I can get another set of buckets I will fix that as well...
