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Let's Talk Headlight Buckets

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by ITLKSEZ, Jan 18, 2019.

  1. ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Are there any options for a slimmer design? Is there a modern bulb that looks similar from the outside but isn't as deep? Maybe I could build a more-shallow bucket around it?
     
  2. 73 cj5

    73 cj5 Not ready for the junkyard yet

    Iirc there is an h4 retrofit out there. Also check out browncoat’s 3b build he did something different with the headlights. You know you want to make new buckets anyhow....
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2019
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  3. ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Just add it to the list. :cry:
     
  4. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    LED would be your only hope, the bucket has to fit the light, the light , if it's sealed beam or halogen, is a fixed design based on the physics inherent in making it perform to DoT specs.
     
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  5. ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    I'd really like to avoid LEDs if possible. I don't like how bright they are towards oncoming traffic. I've badmouthed them so much, I'd be the ultimate hypocrite if I used them.

    The posts out the back of the 6024 bulb are looking to be my biggest issue. Is anyone familiar with a 7" halogen bulb with posts that come off to the side instead of straight out the back? I guess I could bend the posts and use spade connectors, but that just feels wrong.

    Edit: There's also the heat issue with LEDs; they don't produce enough heat to melt snow off of the lenses in the winter. I know, I know... :blah:
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2019
    Hellion and wheelie like this.
  6. ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    The opening around the headlights Postal jeep is flush and would give you an inch if cut out and installed on a stock CJ 5 grille. Or use the entire grille...:shrug:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Maybe you could use YJ Renegade headlights. I heard they are slimmer.....:rofl::rofl:
     
    FinoCJ and ITLKSEZ like this.
  7. ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    You're lucky I like you...
     
    47v6, PeteL and ojgrsoi like this.
  8. 45es

    45es Active Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Don't know if this is an option or not. The low/high beam headlamps used in the 4 headlight systems of 1960 era cars is both small in diameter (5 1/2" dia. vs 7" dia.) and I believe slimmer.
     
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  9. ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Thanks for your input guys. (Well, aside from ojgrsoi.) I may have found a way around my issue.
     
    ojgrsoi likes this.
  10. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    A couple of these bolted to the hood?

    [​IMG]
     
    cadwelder likes this.
  11. ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Hahha
    Yikes!
     
  12. Bowbender

    Bowbender I'm workin' on it!

    I was thinking along those lines too.
     
  13. FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    go fj40 style and bolt them to the top of the fenders...
     
  14. ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Like everything else with this project, if I can't make 'A' fit, move 'B'.
     
  15. 73 cj5

    73 cj5 Not ready for the junkyard yet

  16. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hellion and mortten like this.
  17. Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Back 30 years ago whenI used to build baja bugs, there were aftermarket plastic headlight buckets that were very shallow, and had an open back to plug the wires on the back of the bulb. They pushed the bulb to almost a flush mount. Some of my "wide eye" front end with the headlights in the fenders needed very shallow buckets as the oversize front tires would almost rub the back of the bulb. They were sold in Empi packaging, though some other company made them. I haven't seen them for years, but I am out of that market, so don't know if they are still available.
    -Donny
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2019
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  18. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

  19. Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Those are not the ones I used to use. The 3019-7 is the stock replacement item. Empi used to have an open back style that was at least 1" shallower.
    -Donny
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2019
  20. duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Is the radiator already mounted? I leaned the one in my B back about 2" at the top. Made for more headlight bucket room but I still had to do a little hammering on the right side.