Yes, the original style sealed beams were not much brighter than a candle, of little value over 35MPH. The halogen sealed beams were a vast improvement when they came out in the 60's, but still easily outdriven >55. They should be the minimum replacement for a cruiser IMHO and are a direct replacement no rewiring necessary. The next upgrade is what I'm using, a separate housing and quartz halogen bulb like most cars today use. The housing looks like a sealed beam (some have a clear lens, some have the sealed beam look tic tac toe etching. They come in all plastic or with a glass lens and metal reflector, see note on HID below) and directly replaces the sealed beam but it is an empty shell, the actual bulb is separate about the size of your thumb and plugs into the back of the housing. These do require some minor wiring mods, a relay and different plugs. not difficult to do and very much worth it IMHO.
The ultimate upgrade is to HID projection bulb system. These are the very bright white headlights you see on the higher end cars. The HID conversion kits are meant to replace the quartz halogen bulbs. These require transformers and relays to provide the high voltage required, which are all provided in the conversion kits, but the kits run ~ 300.00 and do require you to have glass and metal housings as the heat produced will melt plastic housings. The housings are not included in the kits, need to be purchased separately.
To summarize:
Original incandescent sealed beams: only for the purist restorer on lighted local streets. Light is short ranged very yellow and scattered, dim around the edges of the beam. Designed for 1950s driving.
Halogen sealed beams: minimal choice for hghway driving <55, direct replacement for incandescent unit. Brighter but still yellowish scattered and dim around the edges.
Quartz halogen bulb and housing: currently used on most vehicles. beam is brighter, whiter and more focused. Requires replacement housings (45. - 75.00 a set) and bulbs, minor amount of rewiring, instructions/parts should be included with the conversion housings. Best for mostly around town and some open highway driving.
HID system: ultimate legal system, very sharply focused intense white light. Replaces the bulb in a quartz halogen system. Requires more extensive but not difficult wiring and mounting of the transformers. Expensive but worth it if you are planning to do a lot of high speed night driving on the open highway.

 

That is very true AX. The halogen sealed beams are cheap and just go in. It would be nice to have brighter ones, but the money is needed elsewhere currently.

 

Brian, wasn't putting down your choice, just trying to provide a fuller picture of what's available. You made a good choice for your use, and can easily upgrade later if desired.

 

I know you were not. Even with what I have (which work ok for now), brighter would be better.