74 Headlamps

[Martin N.]

Mornin' All-

Just checking in and was wondering about headlamp replacement on my 74. Checked lighting operation last night and want to get ready for a little trip on May 15-16 and noticed I have an issue with the headlamps. All 4 of them are the original (as far as I can tell) "Guide Division Power Beams" with the correct center logo according to the JG. My problem is that I have 1-low beam & 1-high beam out, (electrical connections show power to the socket) are these still available? If not, what's a good recommandation? Not sure if I want the newer bulb "white light" look.
Thanks-

Marty

[Michael W.]

Re: 74 Headlamps

Judging is one thing- driving is another. The commonly available halogen lamps are your best bet if you enjoy seeing where you're going.

[Joe L.]

Re: 74 Headlamps

Mornin' All-

Just checking in and was wondering about headlamp replacement on my 74. Checked lighting operation last night and want to get ready for a little trip on May 15-16 and noticed I have an issue with the headlamps. All 4 of them are the original (as far as I can tell) "Guide Division Power Beams" with the correct center logo according to the JG. My problem is that I have 1-low beam & 1-high beam out, (electrical connections show power to the socket) are these still available? If not, what's a good recommandation? Not sure if I want the newer bulb "white light" look.
Thanks-

Marty

Marty-----


As far as original sealed beams are concerned, you have two choices----find good used original sealed beams or go reproduction. You will find folks selling originals on eBay, swap meets, and other places. They go out and find them on "junkers", test them for operation, and sell them to folks wanting original sealed beams. Of course, while they usually work when you get them, who knows how much life is left in them? However, if one uses them only for judging, they'll probably last a lifetime.

Reproductions are available from Lectric Limited for most of the original Corvette sealed beams including, I believe, the style originally used on your car. Since you have original examples, you'll be able to judge either used or reproduction as compared to those.

For DRIVING, I totally agree with Mike. Modern HALOGEN units are the ONLY WAY TO GO. Period.

[Robert R.]

Re: 74 Headlamps

Hi Marty,
Couldn't agree more. Go with the Halogens.
BTW have you buttoned up the rear compartment?

Bob

[Martin N.]

Re: 74 Headlamps

MIKE-

YES, judging is seriously considered here!

Marty

[Martin N.]

Re: 74 Headlamps

JOE-

I've always worried about buying old bulbs, for the simple reason of how fragile the filaments were back 35 years ago and how these used lamps were handled after they where removed from the host car. I'm thinkin' repo's here! THANKS Joe,

Marty

[Martin N.]

Re: 74 Headlamps

HEY BOB-

Yes, the hinge issue is all resolved and the convert / deck lid area is going back together nicely since you seen in last year, we're moving along quite well, lot's of pictures taken and I'm startin' to think I'm gettin' a little obsessive / crazy with this stuff !!!!!!!
See you at the GOLD?

Marty

[William M.]

Re: 74 Headlamps

I bought 2 NOS ones on flea-bay. They both blew shortly after installation.

[William M.]

Re: 74 Headlamps

Reproductions are available from Lectric Limited for most of the original Corvette sealed beams including, I believe, the style originally used on your car.

Unfortunately only available for '56-'71

[Robert R.]

Re: 74 Headlamps

Yes for sure.
...been busy with spring trade shows. Logged many nights in hotels and miles on the company car since we last talked.
And then when I'm home, the weather hasn't been fair to let me take the vette out for a few minutes.

[Robert S.]

Re: 74 Headlamps

I have original (factory) powerbeams on my 73 Vega, nos on my 71 Vega for 6 years...no problems with the originals or nos. buying nos power beams for the Vette. just bought nos high beams on ebay. there is a set of high beams listed now for 28.00

[Harmon C.]

Re: 74 Headlamps

I bought 2 NOS ones on flea-bay. They both blew shortly after installation.

I have said on here many times the only way to buy or sell bulbs is in person at a swap meet tested before you leave the vendors space.
If they get damaged in shipping both the seller and the buyer are unhappy.
I have only sold bulbs in person for years for this reason.

As others have said no repo's of Power Beams.

[Robert S.]

Re: 74 Headlamps

You can obtain new equivalents from NAPA for about $4-5 each. Only other option, when I facaed this on my 74' about 2 years ago, was the ebay route. I could find no vendor selling new repros. The NAPA ones look and fit fine but are easy to see that they are not the originals.