Headlight Melted lens testing!....Can we fix it???

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

Since I currently have been creating some headlight lens replacement options, we need to know...is the lens material gonna hold up to the heat from the standard filament bulbs? If not, what material will work? Is there something else we can do to help prevent damage to original or NOS lenses?

 

So here's the first question..how long do the headlights need to be on to melt a lens?

Since the headlight lenses don't melt without the bulbs on, we can figure that the heat from the bulbs themselves is the culprit. Now whether that would happen without the engine running is an unknown. The engine could provide additional heat that is otherwise pulled away by the metal components around the bulb.

 

So to test..1. Use a Power Supply to power the bulbs for a given amount of time. Use a laser thermometer to periodically test the heat at the lens. Watch for any signs of lens damage due to the heat. Conduct this test first with one of my replacement lenses, then maybe attempt with an original (Imperfect or cracked) standard lens.

 

So for how long should we run test 1?

[oldredrider 2,548]

It's been my observation that the lenses don't melt directly from the heat of the bulbs. Lenses are melted from debris accumulation in the bucket. Hence, older mowing tractors usually have melted lenses, usually on the left side.

[WHX?? 48,828]

1 hour ago, Wheel Horse 3D said:

how long should we run test 1?

Thinking about 30 years....

 

Might be my bad here but the bulbs actually didn't melt the lenses. It turned them brittle and then prone to cracking. This took a few years to happen tho. Add to the fact that most people in the early days didn't mow or use their horse after dark very much. Ever try to see decent at night on say a 69 Raider with the original headlights? I suspect that most of the originals might be broke from running into trees at night! 

Just guessing that most of your work will be to resto a tractor or to put him in the barn after dark. One is going to be serious about seeing after dark on a horse he is going to rig up some fancy dancy high tech LED blasters one gets on the jungle site or epay... 

 

The mafia now ... different story.... My go to tractor for a booze cruise will be one outfitted with decent lights. 

Edited May 14, 2021 by WHX24

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

4 minutes ago, oldredrider said:

It's been my observation that the lenses don't melt directly from the heat of the bulbs. Lenses are melted from debris accumulation in the bucket. Hence, older mowing tractors usually have melted lenses, usually on the left side.

Makes perfect sense! Dug has a rear discharge deck so I didn't think of that right off.

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

Well for the first test let's try an overnight say 8-10 hrs and see what happens! As these lenses are replaceable I don't think I'll manage a 30 yr test!

[19richie66 17,508]

Halogens with a factory lense. No issues yet. Added A/C for the bulbs   Probably work even better with stock bulbs

Edited May 14, 2021 by 19richie66

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

Nice mod!

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

Well here we go! Started approximately 1800EST.

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

Well heck, were daylight time now arent we. 

1800 LOCAL..how's that!

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

While Im messin around here, i finally notice some thermodynamic features. A small slit at the front for cool air entry between the bulb and lens. Bulb heats the air, air rises, pulling cool air from below up and across the face of the lens.

[WHX?? 48,828]

I don't know to call you a genius Ritchie or tell you that just ain't right.....

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

Lol thats a genius move in my book! Heck got 12v, why not!

[19richie66 17,508]

@WHX24 don’t make me get my engineer after you. 

Edited May 15, 2021 by 19richie66

[19richie66 17,508]

40 minutes ago, WHX24 said:

I don't know to call you a genius Ritchie or tell you that just ain't right.....

Just something I whipped up 

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

Since im tinkerin here, went ahead and powered up the Caballo Diablo!

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

Thinkin of putin him on a seperate switch so its like blackout drive!

Edited May 15, 2021 by Wheel Horse 3D

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

4.5 hrs into testing...

[Jeff-C175 7,202]

 

Jeepers creepers! Where'd ya get them peepers!

 

Them is some blue eyes!

 

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

5.5 hrs

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

7 hrs

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

13.75 hrs

[19richie66 17,508]

If it hasn’t melted in 13.75 hours, I think you’re good. 

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

Well lets just see! Ill let it run while im out and about today.

19.75 hrs!

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

1 hour ago, Wheel Horse 3D said:

 

19.75 hrs!

 

WTH ...geesh and my dads a math teacher..

That should be 15.75 hrs!

[stevasaurus 22,764]

I think it is only dark for like 14 hours on the shortest day of the year here is Chicago.