Cheap light bulb fix

[pknopp]

I'm sure this has been done before. My light finally completely quit yesterday evening. I was able to get home just before it got too dark. I didn't want to have to wait for a new bulb to ride again nor did I want to spend the money.



I got a double action tail light socket with metal clips on the front. Sawzall'd the bulb off the back flush. I had to increase to hole likely less than a 1/4 inch. I made a rubber gasket, attached the wires, popped the socket in and it works great. All for less than $10.

I can now replace the bulb for a couple bucks.

[Jethro]

I did that on my old CA77 but the original bulb was something like 25/25 and the closest I could find was 25/35 or something like that. Either high beam or low beam was really dim. So I'd be curious to know what bulb you are using because it's only a matter of time that I have to do this for my current dream.

[pknopp]

I was going to experiment around some with different bulbs. I just wanted to make sure I could get this workable first. The bulb in it right now is just a standard 1157 bulb. The dim is too dim but the bright is brighter than the old bulb was.

With an old bike and a standard bulb I always ride with the brights on anyway.

[Jethro]

Nice one. I'd sure like to know what bulb you find works best. Be sure to let us know. I'll look around tomorrow and see what bulb I used on my old dream.

Good luck,
Jethro

[conbs]

How does the filament orientation of the 1157 compare to the original? What about the depth into the reflector? Both of these seem like they would affect the way the resulting beam.

How did you make the rubber gasket?

[305]

i believe a standard 1157 bulb is 25/3 candlepower ,with a little research i'm sure something brighter could be found

[pknopp]

How does the filament orientation of the 1157 compare to the original? What about the depth into the reflector? Both of these seem like they would affect the way the resulting beam.

How did you make the rubber gasket?

I don't know exactly where the filament orientates as compared to the old bulb but I'd assume the new one sits slightly further back as the old bulb is rather large.

As far as measuring the beam, I just know that this new bulb is far brighter than the old. I can see much better. I expect as 305 notes, I will be able to find an even brighter one. It shouldn't be too tough to adapt a hologen socket either.

I used a rubber grommet cut in half to make the gasket. It was a grommet like you would put in a core support to run wires through.

The light is brighter, I can see and be seen better and it was inexpensive. :D