headlights, 12 vs 6 volt

[Matt 12861]

any one know an easy way to tell if a head light is 6-12 volt?  the large round sealed beams in early fifties cars.  There are no marking on the one in question (that I can see anyway), i can measure the resistance across it but don't have a known bulb to compare it to.  Where is a good place to get these?  I need a 12 volt.  Autozone has a high dollar halogen version,  all I want is a pair of cheap sealded beam 12volt bulbs.

[Dave Shepherd]

Should have 6 or 12 on the back of the bulb, Napa should have what you want.

[J. Gomez]

Matt,

This info could help you identified the type of headlamp in question, if yours is the T-3 seal beam type. You can find the standard dual beam H6024 on-line or at the local auto parts for about $9.00 and up.

http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/documents/Multiple_Years/Guide%20to%20T-3%20Headlights/tn/Guide%20to%20T-3%20Headlights.jpg.html

[35-709]

NAPA as Dave said, Autozone, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, etc.  You should be able to get them at any store selling automotive items.  Any plain old sealed beam headlight you get these days is going to be 12 volt (look at the box it comes in).  6 volt sealed beams are going to have to be special ordered in most instances.
Geoff N.

[Otto Skorzeny]

Yes, you won't find a 6v on the shelf. Why don't you want the halogens? They are immensely superior to the standard lights.

[Matt 12861]

I was going the cheapest.  If halogens are worth the extra, I guess I could give them a try.  I never thought about walmart.  thanks.

[Otto Skorzeny]

If you never ever drive your car at night and aren't at all likely to be caught out after dark then the cheap ones will work fine.

The halogens provide as much illumination or more as you get in modern cars. they're usually about $12-$15 each for the Sylvania or GE lights.