1949-1955 headlights: Bulls-Eye sealed beam units
Important - David Pollack wrote, “When this article was published, we had some trouble. Apparently quartz halogen lamps were not legal in some states so a Bosch headlight was unheard of. Most inquiries came from Ohio. Also, the six volt H4 bulb was not available in Canada and had to be obtained by special order in Washington State where I purchased mine.” We suspect the headlights are now allowed everywhere but check your local laws.
The Bulls-Eye sealed beam unit (1949-1955) was an advancement in its day, but like most semi-sealed units, its bulbs would eventually blacken and moisture would dull the reflector. There is a simple cure. Find a pair of Bosch (or similar) lights with the reflectors still in good shape. They must have steel backs and take the H-4 quartz-halogen bulbs. It is difficult to do, but break out the lenses, clean up the flange, and apply a bead of windshield cement (urethane). Then, remove the lens from a bulls-eye light by carefully opening the crimped flange with a pair of diagonal wire cutters. Press the lens against the new reflector and leave overnight for the cement to harden. There is a locating slot on the reflector, and a matching tab on the lens, to maintain alignment.
Phillips makes a six-volt H-4 bulb - #6342 H 4 (6v. 60/55w). Also available is ‘Osram’ - #64190. Install the new lights in your car and aim according to the shop manual’s advice. Low Beam is now better than High Beam used to be, and High Beam is…fantastic! This method gives you up-to-date lighting with original appearance.