Big Jim 100 12v upgrade?

[intooldstuff]

Good afternoon. I recently acquired a very good condition big Jim 100 I believe from around 1960. I discovered that you can no longer buy the 6v screw top post batteries that the 4546-1 sealed beam requires and wanted to know if there's is a direct fit 12v bulb available as I can buy a 12v screw top battery. I want to stage the light with my 58 Ford at car shows as they are from the same era but having the light working would be a huge bonus.

I appreciate any help.

 

[Bimmerboy]

Welcome to CPF!

That appears to be what's called a PAR36 sealed beam. I'd say you should be able to find something in 12V. Lemme' take a quick look.

You're sure the 12V battery will fit the Big Jim?

 

[Bimmerboy]

It's looking a little tricky to find a 12V PAR36 in a sufficiently low enough wattage for a 12V battery that I assume is alkaline. Perhaps the best bet is to try something LED along these lines. You might even want to look for something with lower wattage.

9w PAR36 LED 3000K Very Wide Flood VWFL 120 Degree Light Bulb - 50w Replacement

The 9 watt PAR36 Warm White bulb has a screw terminal base and uses only 10-30 volts. The beam spread is very wide flood, with a 900 luminous flux. The dimensions of this bulb are 4.50 inches in diameter, the maximum overall length is 2.8 inches. Features:- High Lumen Output in 120 degree Wide...

www.bulbamerica.com

 

[asc1000]

Were you able to get your lantern going? The 12V batteries which are still available (but who knows for how long) can be modified to 6V pretty easily. There are also plenty of 5W to 9W PAR36 12V LED bulbs available these days.

Once the new 12V batteries are no longer available, the housing from an old one can be filled with new cells. I'd put in some rechargeables and keep it going that way.