Classic/Antique Car Repair/Dim Headlights

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Expert: - 3/11/2009


Question
I have a 1938 Dodge with updated running gear.  Alternator and battery are good but headlights are dim.  BUT, if you disconnect one of the headlights the other one comes on bright as it should.  The car has the original wiring. What can I do to remedy the problem?  Thank You for your answer in advance.

Answer
It sound like a bad ground on the head light system. Check all the connections. Not just for tightness but remove the wires and make sure that the connection is not growing corrosion or rust. Clean all the connection bright and shiny clean and re attach. That includes where the grounds attach to sheet metal or the engine block or frame.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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